November 1. All Saints Day. The Day of the Dead. At my boys’ school, where Spanish is part of the curriculum, we bring in pictures and other offerings for a day of the dead altar. When I hunt around for photos to bring in I cannot breathe. I think about what it would be like to hang out with my cousin as adults, if she had lived that long. What kind of relationship I would have had with my grandfathers, who I never had the chance to know. So many things, every day, remind me of my grandmother – pretty much every time I see the color purple I think of her. I sometimes still refer to our cats, inadvertently, by the names of our cats who are no longer with us; still here in spirit. I think about those added to our family’s ‘list’ since last year. Another grandparent. A schoolmate of my children’s. A beloved cat. Alexi’s stepfather’s mother. This day I’m reminded of everyone I’ve been privileged to know who is no longer with us. I give thanks for their role on this earth, in my life. I share stories with my family so they'll know, so they might remember, to remind myself. We remember.
9 comments:
I've always loved that your school celebrates this day. It is a beautiful sentiment, and I believe I'll take a little bit of time this evening to go through some pictures of my own.
such a gorgeous reminder.
Those stories are so important.
We remember too.
Hi from Australia. I've just discovered your blog and I'm loving reading through your archives; your writing and your pics are evocative and reflective and so very beautiful! They always make me stop and think and this post particularly.
A lovely post about life and reflection.
I love Dia de los Muertos its the best way to celebrate someone's life once they have passed.
I also love how the all the figurines look very Nightmare Before Christmas.
I've always loved the idea of this day -- celebrating those who we were gifted to know at some point in their lifetime.
Thank you for your thoughts. xoxo
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