1. 

These pictures where taken at 111 Center St. New York, NY, on the ground floor of the NY County Civil court. It is to honor court officers who died trying to help 9-11 victims.  All three of the persons commemorated are court officers, but they are on the list of the “First Responders.” When their remains were found in 2002, they were only identifiable by their badge numbers and service weapons. This is a grim reminder that 9-11 hurt more than just the people inside the Twin Towers, and a reminder that there are many heroes in New York.

http://m.nydailynews.com/new-york/court-officers-died-9-11-set-honored-article-1.1450216

2.  

This picture was take on the corner of 109th St. and 1st Ave. This is a simple statement that was spray painted on a wall of a bodega. It is three simple words but it is undeniably understood to be a quote from Eric Garner who died on July 17, 2014. While he was being choked by a police officer using a choke-hold, Eric was heard repeatedly saying “I cant breath.” This was an unfortunate and controversial event that shook many New Yorkers.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/20/justice/ny-chokehold-death/

3.

This was a small shrine for my Grandmother-in-Law Florencia F. Padua. At the time this picture was taken, the shrine was still small, however it eventually became much bigger. It was in the house of the eldest daughter, where family and friends gathered to mourn her passing. She was born in the Philippines, where she was an elementary school principal for many years. She immigrated to the U.S in the 80’s to be close to her children and grandchildren who were all in the U.S.  She was known for her love of her family and her love of educating children. She is dearly missed.

4.

This picture is part of the program for my grandmother’s funeral. She was born in Mexico, where she worked two jobs to support her family. After making sure that they all finished school, she retired to a life of simplicity. After her grandchildren (my brother and I) were born, she immigrated to the U.S to help my mother rake care of us. She was very religious and any question you asked her would always be answered with a thirty minute sermon on a bible story that provided the answer. Even if it was as simple as how to tie your shoe laces, the bible held the answer. She had an undeniable love for her family, especially her grandchildren, and always stated that she would not die until she was sure that her grandchildren would be successful in their lives. Her passing left an insurmountable gap in many lives and is dearly missed.