What do "apostrophes" represent for the author in the memoir, Becoming Duchess Goldblatt?

Apostrophes are symbols of loss. One of the Duchess’ quotes states: “Tonight in Crooked Path, we’ll all visit our dear ones’ graves and lay wreaths made of apostrophes: the symbol of something missing” (84). Consider the contraction “we’ll” used in this quote. The apostrophe takes the place of the space and letters “wi” that would exist if Duchess had used the two words “we will” that make up the contraction. She takes this idea from grammar as a way to honor lost loved ones.