Grief and History: A Day in Chicago

Today was not like any other day I’ve experienced before. I accompanied my dear friend to her Uncle’s funeral in Chicago. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, and as I looked around, I realized this was my first funeral. Words are challenging to muster in such situations. It’s a unique mixture of sadness and reflection. However, as the day progressed, it was heartwarming to hear her family reminisce about the joyful moments they shared with him. Numerous picture boards adorned the room, each telling a story of a man who was not just an uncle but a loving dad, a doting grandpa, and a cherished friend. It was evident how deeply he was loved and will be missed. My heart goes out to her and her family, and after a while, I decided to step away, giving her some private moments with her loved ones.

While in the area, I took the opportunity to meet up with a fellow TikToker, @sobercajun_jason. Since I was close to Chicago, we ventured to the Old Joliet Prison. The prison, operational from 1858 to 2002, holds within its walls a rich tapestry of history. It has been the backdrop for various movies and TV shows, most notably “The Blues Brothers.” It was known for its distinct Gothic architecture, which was believed to instill a sense of awe and fear in its inmates. What piqued our interest was the condemned part of the prison, areas that have felt the passage of time more acutely than others. Each cell, each corridor seemed to echo stories from the past, some harrowing, some hopeful.

As the day drew to a close, my thoughts returned to my lady friend. The juxtaposition of the day’s events wasn’t lost on me — from mourning a life passed to exploring remnants of lives once lived. With a heavy heart, I made my way back to her, knowing that in times of grief, having someone by your side can make all the difference.