Two years ago we all witnessed history being made with the theatrical release of Black Panther. I still find myself in awe of that special moment in time when I saw blackness of many shapes and forms held up and celebrated in a way that we have never seen before in the West.

Yet while Black America was celebrating our best black history month ever, my life was also forever changed by a much more solemn occasion. My grandmother joined the ancestors shortly before the film debuted which led to a good portion of my family assembling in Chicago for her service that opening Saturday. It was a time of reflection and intense feelings as we honored the memory of the woman who seeded in me an uncommon love of family. My grandmother taught me that a woman’s strength is tied to how she fashions her mind while caring for her heart.

I remember how that evening after her service my family piled into cars and found a nearby theater where we all took a flight to Wakanda and celebrated our being together as family. I remember how that time felt like such a precious gift.

I remember the last lesson she gave us, a reminder to tarry with each other even in the face of pain and sadness because there is nothing quite like the bond of a family that loves.

I still feel her absence and I probably always will, but I wrap it in the joy of all her lessons in life and love and the sharing good food and memories with family.

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Marta C. Youngblood is the founder and creative engine behind TheWRITEaddiction creatives co-op founded in 2014 as a virtual community supporting writers from all over the United States of America. Marta’s passion drives her to support the success of creatives from all walks of life to honor their talent and share it with the world. She believes that working in our creative callings does not have to be synonymous with being a “starving artist” and helps creatives master the business skills and strategies they need to work in their gifts.