As Dia de Los Muertos approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the memories of our loved ones. When you think about it, it is far too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Having a weekend to celebrate our family and friends who have passed on is an amazing way to honor their lives and the positive ways in which they impacted each of us.

I, for one, am pretty guilty of getting so caught up in my day to day routine that I forget to reflect on the people who have been a part of my life. Coincidentally, I came across a picture on Facebook of my great grandma in remembrance of her birthday. My eyes locked in on her warm smile and welcoming demeanor, and in that moment I was transported back to my childhood:

Growing up, my great grandma Helen's home was such a magical place. I was always greeted with her soft raspy voice: "oh my goodness, que bonita" and followed by "are you and your mama hungry?" Though small, her embraces radiated love. The smell of a home cooked meal was always wafting from the kitchen, among my favorites were her tamales and albondigas soup. After eating, she would always share something from her stash of sweets. The house itself was covered in photographs of the family, some dating almost a century back. I remember feeling like these pictures were a glimpse into the past, but more significantly into the history of our family. Other photographs documented milestones, achievements, and celebrations alike. Before leaving, she would send me into the backyard to pick fresh lemons off her tree; the journey to that tree was always an adventure because her garden was like a hidden forest filled trees, bushes, flowers, and sometimes wild life. From time to time, she would host big family gatherings that backyard. She was so proud of each and every family member and enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by all of her family.

When I think about it, there was never a day that I didn't see a smile on her face or hear her raspy little laugh, even when she was in pain or upset. Once when we had to call 911, she rushed us back to the bathroom so she could throw on some lipstick and paint in her eyebrows despite the fact that she was gushing blood out of her leg. Once inside the ambulance she looked up at the EMT to ask if she was going to be okay; upon receiving the reassurance she needed, she looked over to me and said "he's so handsome" as if he couldn't hear.

While she is not physically here on earth with us any longer, she is a big part of the person I am today. She instilled values and traditions in me that I haven’t acknowledged until now. But with Dias de Los Muertos coming up, I couldn’t be any more excited to take part in a celebration that allows me to honor her life.

Want to learn more about Dias de Los Muertos? http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/support/dodhistor...