Sister Dreamer 06.13.26
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Visiting Sister Dreamer felt timely. Lately, I’ve been thinking about memorials vs monuments - specifically about the materials that contribute to both and how long they’re meant to last. Memorials tend to be associated with loss, while monuments are more celebratory, acknowledging some kind of historical moment.
I’ve always felt more connected to memorials than monuments throughout my life. I think because memorials were more contemporary ways of acknowledging someone’s life, which felt more personal and resonant. The memorials I’ve seen growing up were mostly temporary - filled with candles, stuffed animals, balloons, cards, posters, bottles, etc that would slowly shrink down as time passed along and the materials began to wear down. Sister Dreamer held the same images and language I’d see on the memorials of friends and family but were carved in stone, meant to last and withstand the elements. I watched as folks began pointing out specific people and places they recognized. Hundreds of memories, layered and woven into one another, to be preserved and appreciated.