How does the author use allusion in the essay collection, Unreality of Memory?

Gabbert references her husband, John, within many of the collected essays. Each time she makes an allusion to John, Gabbert is allowing the reader into scenes and dynamics from her personal life. The more these allusions accrue, the more the reader understands the way John contributes to Gabbert's sense of reality and truth. For example, in the essays from Part Three, she notes her longing for John to be home so she can discuss current events with him. She also alludes to John's chronic illness, and the ways in which taking care of him has impacted her understanding of compassion fatigue.