Grateful: Day 4, Ancestors

It’s the day after Halloween, November 1.

In my high school Spanish II class I learned this is el Dia de los Muertos or The Day of the Dead.

In the Mexican culture, it’s the day they celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed away. At the time, I thought it was scary. I saw images of skulls and graveyards and that creeped me out. Then, I got distracted by and chose to focus on the food element (as I always do). It includes cooking your loved ones’ favorite foods, which is less eery than dead people.

Thankfully, now that I’m older and have experienced loss, I can say, It’s not scary at all.

It’s beautiful.

Other cultures also acknowledge their dearly departed today. Catholics call today All Saints Day.

I’m here for it. I’m thinking of my paternal grandmother today. She died as soon as I graduated from high school and she was a major player in my youth. I spent significant amounts of time with her. I value all of the lessons she taught me and tap into the memories of the many talks we had on a regular basis.

She took me to church and taught me how to put on my pantyhose without putting a run in them. She gave me practical advice about saving money. She’d always say, “Money won’t spoil, no matter how long you keep it so save your money.”

She was funny and smart and strong. She ran her own business. She could cook and she loved me. I loved her too and for that I’m grateful.

To read this series from the beginning, click here.