There Are Years of Salt

an essay for Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day on the craft of building altars, inviting grief, and letting our longing lead us

Apparently, I have a reputation at my children’s elementary school. Another mom and I were discussing classroom needs when I asked if we should reach out to the teacher to make a class ofrenda.

“oh, that’s right!” she replied, “making the ofrenda is your thing.”

Her tone owned no malice. There was no intention to belittle me. She was honoring my tenacity …