About The Book

Memories Only is a deeply personal and courageous memoir by Vicki Graves, written from the depths of a mother’s heartbreak. At its center is the tragic loss of her son, Matthew Thayer Graves, who was killed by a police officer on September 19, 2018 an event that forever changed her world. 

But Vicki’s story doesn’t end there. In these pages, she also shares the profound pain of later losing her other son, Ben, and her daughter, Tammy. Through tender memories, honest reflections, and spiritual moments of connection, she offers a glimpse into what it truly means to live with grief that never fully fades. 

Memories Only speaks not just to loss, but also to love, resilience, and the hope of change. It gently invites readers to reflect on mental health, spirituality, and the urgent need for compassion and accountability in our justice system. Above all, this memoir is Vicki’s heartfelt tribute to her children and a gift to others walking the difficult path of grief, reminding them they are not alone.