Unveiling the Power of Grief

I've never been a fan of Halloween or anything too spooky, especially vampires. Yeah, it's a hard pass on those characters. I don’t even like Count Chocula or the Count from Sesame Street.

I’m more of a Día de los Muertos kind of gal. 

For the uninitiated (or simply curious), Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time-honored Mexican holiday that takes place from October 31st to November 2nd. A unique blend of indigenous traditions and Catholicism, Día de los Muertos creates a beautiful fusion of ancient rituals and contemporary customs. 

At its essence, Día de los Muertos marks a time to remember and honor our departed loved ones, embracing their memory as a source of joy and connection rather than sorrow. 

Altars, known as ofrendas, are lovingly decorated with photographs, mementos, and the favorite foods and beverages of those who have passed. The colorful sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and candles that adorn ofrendas represent the deceased and the vibrant memories and love we hold for them in our hearts.

Día de los Muertos carries a profound significance this year as I embark on my own variation of the ofrenda. 

As many of you know, I lost my mom last year, and as I continue to navigate my life as a motherless daughter, a story has unfolded that I feel called to share.

Friends, I am writing a book about grief.

On its face, I’ll be sharing how I’m honoring my mom by spreading her ashes in various places that remind me of her. Each location holds a story. 

And before you ask, yes, some of the stories will be sad, but many will bring a smile to your face at a minimum and make you guffaw with laughter at most.

As for the deeper story, I hope to offer some signature insights into the universal human experience of loss, healing, and transformation.

I’ll also explore grief in other forms, but those will have to remain a cliffhanger for the moment.

Until next time, I’ll simply invite you to think of your beloveds who have left this earth for the next one and remember them with joy, not sorrow, if even for only one day.