For all of those we love and have lost, these next coming days are dedicated to you. I welcome all to participate in your own way.

Remember the pets we have raised, the people who raised us, the ones who grew with us, and the ones we have met that will forever change our lives that... although no longer here physically, they forever live on through our memories, our stories, and our experiences.

I encourage you to say a memory in the comments, whether a story or a song, it does not matter. This is the time for remembering and loving those we will never forget.

This year will be my first year without my grandfather.

It will be the first year without my immediate family near me.

It will be my first year doing my own ofrenda.

I will welcome you to my favorite memories of my grandfather.

The warm potato fries he would cook with the perfect amount of lime and salt on the weekends I would spend over.

The way he would remove his dentures to make a goofy face at me anytime he saw my anxiety take over in public.

The senseless bickering between him and my grandma even though he always listened in the end because he loved her so much.

He battled with cancer for 7 years and he was the most unserious man I ever met. To be greeted with curse words was to be told how much he loved you. Even in his last moments, this man flipped me off.

It is my greatest treasure. 🧡

As this week moves forward with 8 Nights of the Dead, please remember your loved ones who have passed and appreciate those who are here to celebrate with you. Laugh and be happy recounting all your favorite things. Cry if you must, but cry with joy because love is a blessing in shapes.

Yours Truly,

🕯️Eve🕯️