About my grandmother and grandfather...

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Every time I walked into my grandmother’s residence in the heart of Istanbul, I immediately noticed the art. The paintings, the 3D scenes, the dolls, and the jewelry made her room look like an exhibit at a museum, a peaceful respite from the bustle of the metro cars we took to get there. My grandmother’s art isn’t just art: it’s a testament to her creativity, her love of beauty, her attention to detail, her incredible skill, and her desire to create the kinds of transcendent connections that can only be achieved through sharing an appreciation of beauty. I continue to be awestruck not only by her talent, but also by her willingness to pursue a life full of things she loved. I remember going shopping with her during her visit to the US in 2016. It felt like being with an old friend, someone who had fun peeking through the racks of vintage clothing and suggesting fun outfits for me to try on. She never ceased to amaze me—spouting off in English even though she insisted she wasn’t fluent in the language, sharing stories about her travels around the world and her experiences with friends, and always reminding me to live my life in a way that would allow me find joy.

Many people want to make a mark on the world they live in. My grandmother’s love lives on in my heart. But a physical manifestation of her love—of the way she lived her life—lives on in the beauty she captured and created during her time on Earth. I’m glad that others can continue to experience her creations now and in the future, whether they knew her in life or not, and that they can experience the impact she had on the people and places around her.

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I will always remember my grandfather’s smiling face and generous hugs. My parents always tell me that my smiles reach my eyes, and I remember the same about my grandpa. He was a brilliant engineer and an impressive innovator, and to me, he was also a loving presence in my life.

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Derin