Lili, a celebration of life
Book writing, design and illustrations
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On July 11, 1997, just days after I turned 15, my mom, Liliana, passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm at 39. I spent the next two decades grieving without professional help. About seven years ago, my wife asked me a simple question: What was my mom’s favorite food? I couldn’t remember, and that inspired me to start listing memories of her. This led me to the idea of writing a book about her life. Over the years, I wrote more than 40 stories and interviewed nearly everyone close to her. Completing this 340+ page book was challenging and emotional, but it has been the most rewarding personal project of my life. Writing it helped me heal and finally come to terms with her passing.
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I knew her handwriting by heart. I grew up admiring it, not only because she signed all her paintings that way, but also because I confess to having forged it thousands of times in school to get permission to take the bus and visit my friends. From her own handwriting came the idea to immortalize her signature and create this font called “Liliana,” which you will see throughout this book.
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My mom was a talented artist, and I inherited my love for art and design from her. Creating the illustrations and watercolors was therapeutic for me and a wonderful way to remember her and the amazing art projects we did together.
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The book was a gift for my loved ones, especially the young children in my family, so they can learn about their grandma Lili.
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Last Christmas, my family and I gathered for the book launch. It was a beautiful reunion to celebrate my mom's life, sharing laughter, tears, and heartfelt stories about her.
