I had a SALT conversation with my aunt, who is very close to me. I started by       asking how she and her daughter were doing. Then, I inquired if there was any story in her life that she felt particularly proud of. She seemed delighted, as no one had asked her anything like that before. I assured her that she could share her story with me, and I wouldn't tell anyone without her permission.

My aunt married against her family's wishes and has a daughter named Shorna, who is now 23…