As a young mother, I didn’t know that most people can see images in their minds. Decades later, learning about aphantasia finally explained a conversation I never forgot.

When I close my eyes, I don’t see my mother’s face—or anything at all. Years later, learning about aphantasia explained why visualization never worked for me.

A childhood writing assignment during school integration revealed an early lesson in race, class, power—and why I never stopped writing.

My brother-in-law has taped signs and reminders all over the house to help my sister be as independent as possible.