Thursday, November 5, 2015

Dia de los Muertos

Three days ago was a very important day for Kelly, Dia de los Muertos. Occurring shortly after the anniversary of her mother's death, it bears special significance for her, and it comes as a chance to celebrate her mother's life after a few emotional days of mourning. Every year, she puts together an offrenda in honor of the happy times they shared together. She made a beautiful one this year out of very little, coloring receipts to make papel picado, and drawing a pretty calavera on a sheet of paper.

I admire her for her commitment to this wonderful day, and more than anything I appreciate what she did for me. She bought me balsamic-flavored ketchup after I told her my grandfather loved vinegar and pizzas made with ketchup, as well as a nice flower and a pretty candle. Thanks to her, I was able to commemorate a truly great life by making my own little offrenda, complete with a tall glass of milk, a chunk of butter, and a game of Scrabble. I hope my opa enjoyed the meal, designed to greet him after a long journey from the netherworld.

Offrenda for Opa
Strangely, after I assembled this arrangement, I found that I was locked out on the balcony, and had to call the neighbor, Ryan, to come let me back into the house. While I waited, I spent a few peaceful moments beside the altar in the chilly evening air, wondering if my opa was there with me.


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