Be Curious: You Never Know What You Might Discover About a Loved One

After my mother passed away in March 2023, I found myself sorting through the familiar clutter of her home—papers, photos, keepsakes. But it was a bag of spare keys that unexpectedly opened the door to parts of her life I never truly knew. As I invited neighbors and relatives to help identify them, stories emerged—stories of her quiet generosity, her years as a foster mom, and the lives she touched. In this piece, I reflect on what I learned too late, and why being curious about the people we love—while they're still here—can lead to the most meaningful discoveries.