For me, the Day of the Dead has always been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, we always celebrated the Day of the Dead in my family. My paternal grandmother passed away before I was born. I never met her, but my father’s family always kept her memory alive through their altars.

Additionally, my family always lights candles and puts out flowers for my grandparents on the anniversaries of their deaths. For us, these small gestures are a way to connect with those who are no longer with us, to show them that we are thinking of them and to light their way so that they can make a peaceful transition to their next life.

Lately, the Day of the Dead has changed a lot for me. I lost my maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather within a year and a half of each other. I went through a lot of grief and was diagnosed with Complicated Grief Disorder at that time. My two grandparents were my best friends during my childhood.

Despite my grief, I decided to use my love for Day of the Dead as inspiration for a tattoo I got in May, commemorating my grandparents. I wanted to use marigolds (known as cempasúchil in Spanish) as a way to honor my culture and celebrate them throughout the year, not just on the Day of the Dead.

To me, my tattoo symbolizes an altar that will live on my body forever, the same way that I think about my grandparents every day. Although we don’t always prepare elaborate altars for the holiday, we always make sure to celebrate my grandparents during this time.

Keeping these small traditions alive over the years has made me feel closer to my family, wherever they may be. I hope they know that we have not forgotten them and that we miss them every day. May our beloved family members rest in peace.