Letter from the editor

Loss is a profound experience that defies the boundaries of language. It’s a subject many shy away from—too raw, too intimate, too painful to confront. Yet, as we journey through life, encountering loss becomes an inevitable part of our human story.

I will never forget the morning I awoke to my mother’s voicemail. Her voice, trembling and fraught with emotion, carried the heartbreaking news: my grandmother had passed away. At nearly 90, she left us peacefully after a prolonged illness. While her departure was expected, it didn’t lessen the pain. I adored my grandmother, but what broke me was hearing my mother—a woman of remarkable strength, who raised three children on her own—break down in tears. It was a vulnerability I had never witnessed, and her grief pierced me deeply.

Throughout my life, I have faced many losses. Three dear friends made the devastating decision to end their lives. I mourned the passing of my beloved art teacher to cancer and have said goodbye to others taken by various illnesses. Whether a loved one departs due to natural causes or more tragic circumstances, the pain remains universal. We struggle to accept their absence, to adapt to a world forever changed by their departure.

Loss takes us through a spectrum of emotions—fear, anger, grief, and sometimes even hope. Each of us navigates these stages in our own way. This issue is not intended to evoke sadness but to honor the memories of those we have loved and lost. It’s a tribute to the cherished relationships that continue to shape us even in their absence.

This is the most personal edition we’ve created to date. I dedicate it to a dear friend, Sharon Santos, whose life was tragically cut short when she was kidnapped and murdered 20 years ago. Through this platform, I want to reach others who carry the weight of similar tragedies. To you, I say: You are not alone. For those of us still seeking justice, I urge you not to lose hope.

In this issue, we explore loss through the evocative lens of art and storytelling. From conceptual photography to poignant literary pieces, we aim to offer fresh perspectives on grief and remembrance. Together, let us keep the memories of our loved ones alive, honor their legacies, and find strength in shared stories.

Francis Wong

Editor-In-Chief