In late Summer 2025, I was contacted by Dogwood Arts in Knoxville, TN to paint a simple little piece in their Strong Alley. The walls in the alley are filled with street art of all kinds from large elaborate murals to small graffiti. I was given a small chunk of wall to paint whatever I liked. Just a couple months prior, I had unexpectedly lost my brother-in-law, and was struggling with the early cycles of intense grief while trying to adjust to what a life without a close family member around would look like. I hadn’t painted in a few months, and this project would be the first time I pick up the brush since his passing. I made a sketch based on how I was feeling, simply heartbroken and feeling like I’ll always carry this wound with me from here on out. I wanted this to be a little tribute to Zach, my brother-in-law, and also a tribute to the pain and grief I was holding.

When I got to the little 7-foot-tall space in Knoxville, I noticed that someone else, someone I’ll likely never meet or be able to contact, had left a tribute to a lost family member of their own. They had lost their daughter it seemed, and I wish I could tell them in person that I’m sorry and that I’m also struggling with such a difficult loss. Part of the tribute said “I miss you every day”, which is something I’ve heard so many times before. But for the first time I really understood how that felt. So while this is a tribute to Zach, it is also a tribute to this person’s child, and to everyone who is missed every day. It is for those who carry heartbreak with them for the rest of their life. This mural won’t last as long as the grief will since it’ll likely be covered after a while, but that’s ok with me. Its a small little piece compared to other mural projects I’ve done, but I’m proud of making something out of the sadness. The greatest comfort I’ve found on this journey so far, besides the wonderful support from my family and community, has been in reminders that I’m not alone.