The Ball and the Box: A visual representation of grief

It has been 23 years since we last celebrated a birthday in-person with my sister.  In January of 1999, her cancer had returned, spread, and not responded to treatment. We knew it would probably be the last one, so my parents booked the Cutty's Resort party room and we invited everyone to a big birthday party for her.  Some of my friends from Central College shared a van and drove five hours each way to celebrate her and support us. Her friends, church members, and family members came for one last big party! I remember so much laughter that day and also a sense of dread-for what we all knew would be next.