Twitterive : A Mother's Journey
Prologue:
I will begin by explaining the title of this project. The name, Twitterive, was based on the method of research and the overall genre of the final product for this assignment. My research process consisted of visiting places of interest over a span of a few weeks and tweeting my observations. After compiling my tweets, I chose an underlying theme and composed the following narrative. Thus, Twitter + narrative = Twitterive.
My research for this Twitterive assignment led me to the Gates of Heaven cemetery in Berlin, New Jersey. Both of my grandparents, as well as family friends, were laid to rest in this cemetery. As I walked around, I began to wonder why I was drawn to this spot. I reflected on the past ten years of my life. In 2002, my mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away seven months later in June of 2005. Her father died of medical complications in 2006.
I don't dwell on the death of my grandparents. I was very close to them, and I have wonderful memories. The memories of life are the lasting memories. I try not to dwell on my mother's illness. Worrying is not helpful. Being positive and learning to laugh at life seem to be the best way to support my mother in the here and now.
Even with my positive outlook, I could not help thinking about my own mortality. I immediately thought of my nine and five year old daughters. I worried what their lives would be like if I were faced with a terminal illness. My Twitterive grew out of my concern for supporting my daughters. I imagined how I would handle the space between life and death. My main character gains clarity about the life of her family as she straddles that border. She prepares for death by preparing her daughters for life. The importance of support and guidance is a theme that appears throughout the pieces I've created. My beliefs as a mother are reflected through the actions of my characters.
I will begin by explaining the title of this project. The name, Twitterive, was based on the method of research and the overall genre of the final product for this assignment. My research process consisted of visiting places of interest over a span of a few weeks and tweeting my observations. After compiling my tweets, I chose an underlying theme and composed the following narrative. Thus, Twitter + narrative = Twitterive.
My research for this Twitterive assignment led me to the Gates of Heaven cemetery in Berlin, New Jersey. Both of my grandparents, as well as family friends, were laid to rest in this cemetery. As I walked around, I began to wonder why I was drawn to this spot. I reflected on the past ten years of my life. In 2002, my mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away seven months later in June of 2005. Her father died of medical complications in 2006.
I don't dwell on the death of my grandparents. I was very close to them, and I have wonderful memories. The memories of life are the lasting memories. I try not to dwell on my mother's illness. Worrying is not helpful. Being positive and learning to laugh at life seem to be the best way to support my mother in the here and now.
Even with my positive outlook, I could not help thinking about my own mortality. I immediately thought of my nine and five year old daughters. I worried what their lives would be like if I were faced with a terminal illness. My Twitterive grew out of my concern for supporting my daughters. I imagined how I would handle the space between life and death. My main character gains clarity about the life of her family as she straddles that border. She prepares for death by preparing her daughters for life. The importance of support and guidance is a theme that appears throughout the pieces I've created. My beliefs as a mother are reflected through the actions of my characters.
