So for my journalism class, we were required to submit an image assignment to tell a story based on 6 pictures or less. The purpose of this assignment was to prove how the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is really true.

Our theme for this topic was about sensationalism and that includes violence, sex, death etc.

So here's the screenshot for my submission for the assignment.

Ginger Ooi

My pictures/ my story is about how I started off 2017 with 3 grandparents and ended 2017 with one left.

On the 4/8, I got a phone call saying my maternal grandpa couldn't make it any longer. My family and I rushed to his house in full speed. However, by the time I went there, it was too late. He was gone.

Seeing the person who brought me up when my parents were busy with their jobs lie there killed me inside. The only thing left was just an empty shell.

It took me so long to try to put aside the pain and move on.

Then, on the 5/5. I woke up to the sound on my mother knocking the door. I thought she was going to tell me that I was late for work (because I had taken a gap year before college), but her words caught me by surprise

"Your paternal grandmother just passed away." I couldn't believe it.

In less than the duration of 1 month, I had lost 2 grandparents. Going through the whole funeral process twice KILLED my heart. The pain, the sorrow, the sadness.

I had to go through it TWICE in such a short amount of time.

Believe me, it wasn't a good experience but the lesson here is to let everyone is to cherish everything.

Life is short. Don't take everything so easily.

Something my professor had mentioned stuck in my mind when we were talking about how people sensationalize death. "As death is a super bizarre occurrence and it is unfathomable, people are intrigued by it because we never know when it will be our turn."

Looking back on the pics my heart still aches but I just want everyone to know that if you have someone who you hold dear too, don't let go. Hold that person close to your heart.

You'll never know when that dreadful day may approach.

And you are someone who has or is currently dealing with loss, just know they will live on in your hearts forever. There will be moments of sadness, there will be moments where you wish you can go back in time just to tell them "I love you" once more. Don't blame yourself and know that no matter what you do, they will always be proud of you.