Remembrance

Today is Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead. A day to remember and celebrate those who have passed on.

I was introduced to this tradition as an adult many years ago when I accidentally attended a Día de los Muertos party at the Oakland Museum. I was just stopping by for an art fix, not knowing what was going on. I almost left because it was so crowded - but I was drawn in and stayed. I was moved to tears - of joy and sadness. It was a true celebration, unlike any I had experienced.

The Oakland Museum continues to celebrate every year (sorry, I didn’t think to write this email last week - next year I’ll let you know in advance:) and I do too. Sometimes I join the party at the museum, but mostly I do my visiting here at home by creating an altar and remembering.

Last year, inspired by a reader, I decided to make our Day of the Dead altar a permanent installation. It’s been a joy to have the photos of parents, grandparents, other family members, friends, and pets on display all year round.

This evening I plan to tidy up the altar - dust, rearrange, converse, reflect, and remember. It’s the first year in many that I don’t have any additions, and for that I am thankful. The altar is quite crowded already - and no doubt there will be new additions, perhaps soon, perhaps later.  

“The dead are never far from us. They're in our hearts and on our minds and in the end all that separates us from them is a single breath, one final puff of air.”
from Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

Spend some time with your beloved dead today,
Kirstin Lindquist

PS If you missed it, there is still time to join the 7 Day Appreciation Challenge. We are creating an ever-growing field of positive energy together.