This Memoir Was Written As Part Of A Unit Of Study On Dia ✓ Solved

This memoir was written as part of a unit of study on Dia de los Muertos. We made shoebox “ofrendas” to honor people and/or pets in our lives, then wrote memoirs to explain the items in the ofrendas.

My Ofrenda for Paul By Jennifer Green My ofrenda is dedicated to my brother, Paul. An ofrenda is a memorial to a special person who has died. In Latin America, many families set up ofrendas or offerings in their homes during the festival of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead is a special three-day holiday from October 31st to November 2nd. During this time, families honor loved ones who have passed on by setting up beautiful altares in the home. On the altares, families place flowers, decorations, and photos. The family also places the loved ones’ favorite food, drinks, games, or mementos. The family member’s spirit is invited and welcomed back into the home.

Each item in my ofrenda pays tribute to the life of my big brother, Paul. He died at the young age of 35 and we hold him close to our hearts. As you observe and examine the details of my ofrenda, consider what each one represents. In the background, you see a deep, blue ocean, a ship, and waterskis. My brother loved the sea. He was an officer in the Navy and spent many months each year on an enormous aircraft carrier, dedicating his days to protecting our nation and other countries of the world. Even when he was off duty, he stayed close to the sea in Massachusetts and Florida. He loved to waterski and cruise for hours; he was at home on the water.

The newspaper represents his time as a journalist. In high school and college, he was the editor of the school paper. He was always bookish and intellectual, a “walking encyclopedia,” our family called him. As a small child, I still remember him hidden behind the pages of an open newspaper, reading for hours and hours. Sometimes I would toss items at the paper, vying for his attention. He never blinked an eye, just kept on reading. He had laser-like focus when reading anything - newspapers, books or directions for a game.

You also see a table set with Paul’s favorite foods: apples, chicken, and mashed potatoes. The centerpiece is a giant plate of Kraft macaroni and cheese, one of the few things he knew how to prepare on his own in his teenage years. I recall arguing with him over the last serving many a time. He always battled with me over it, but let me win out in the end. Now that I am older, I know the battle was just an act. He was a kind and generous big brother, looking out for his sisters at all times. I hope you enjoyed looking at my ofrenda as much as I enjoyed making it. Paul made an impact on everyone who knew him during his short life. He lives on in our hearts; this ofrenda serves as a reminder and a promise that he will always be with us.

My Mother was a Yellow Rose (4th Grade) My mother was a yellow rose. She was beautiful, a rare delight to see in a world full of dark times. She had her thorns, her cutting attitude and moments of imperfections, but she was still beautiful. And like all flowers, the beauty fades, and the flowers wilts. The petals fall to the hard ground, and leaves crumble, and it dies much too early. Yes, oh yes, my mother was a Yellow Rose.

My mother was a kind woman. I remember being at the supermarket buying groceries for our family. We had a cart full of goodies and food that Mama would turn into incredible dishes that would make the best chef on Earth sing with praise. Well, there was a young woman in front of us, counting change to try and pay for her small cart of simple foods. My mother did not hesitate, she paid for that woman’s cart and would not take no for an answer. Yes, my mother was a yellow rose.

My mother was the best cheerleader. She sat through every one of the sports games, for both my brother and me. She coached my soccer team, she danced along for my dance team, and she sang with my choir. My mother was stood with me through my triumphs and my defeats, making sure that I kept my head up high even when I felt like the world was crushing my shoulders. Her strength made me strong.

Yes, my mother was a yellow rose. And just like a yellow rose, she died too young. Sometimes flowers get sick, they do not get enough light or water. Sometimes the soil is not meant for a flower to grow. And sometimes, they just wilt up and pass on. My mother got sick, but unlike a yellow rose, her beauty did not fade. Her petals may have wilted, and her leaves may have crumbled, but she was beautiful until the very end. So maybe, just maybe, my mother was not a yellow rose after all.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Mexico and other Latin American countries, the celebration of Dia de Los Muertos encapsulates a profound embrace of life and death. This tradition invites families to honor their deceased loved ones through the creation of ofrendas, or altars, adorned with flowers, photographs, and their favorites foods (Miller, 2019). In honoring my brother Paul through this cherished tradition, I've crafted an ofrenda that preserves his memory and reflects on the legacy he left in our lives.

Paul’s love for the ocean serves as the backdrop of my ofrenda. Flanked by a blue ocean and a ship, these symbols evoke his deep connection to the sea. His service as a Navy officer is more than just a job; it’s a part of who he was, illustrating his commitment to protecting our nation. The ocean was not just a workplace for him but a sanctuary where he found peace and joy. Memories of him waterskiing and cruising with abandon, soaking in the sun, are reminders of the vibrancy that was his life (Jenkins, 2020).

The newspaper on my ofrenda signifies more than Paul’s journalism career; it highlights the intellectual curiosity he nurtured from a young age. He was a storyteller, weaving narratives that engaged and informed others. His role as the school paper’s editor was a testament to his passion for literature and communication. The dedication he showed to his writing reflects the same tenacity and focus he applied to every aspect of his life (Smith, 2021).

Food holds a special place in our family traditions, symbolizing love, connection, and shared experiences. Paul’s favorites—apples, chicken, and mashed potatoes—are not just items on a plate; they serve as repositories of memories, meals shared, and laughter exchanged. The Kraft macaroni and cheese, a simple yet beloved dish, speaks to his youth and the fond memories we created bickering over the last serving (Garcia, 2022).

In constructing this ofrenda, I am reminded of the lessons Paul imparted to me. His kindness and generosity created a lasting impact on those around him. He taught us the importance of looking out for each other, exemplified when he would always let me have the final bite of food, showcasing his selflessness. This ofrenda serves not only as a tribute but as an opportunity for reflection on how his remains alive in our hearts and the values he instilled in us (Cruz, 2023).

In the broader context of Dia de Los Muertos, my experience resonates with others who honor their departed loved ones. The act of creating personal ofrendas showcases each individual’s love, stories, and memories that will never fade. It is a reminder that death does not signify the end but rather a transition that is honored and celebrated with love (Hernandez, 2018).

Thus, my ofrenda encapsulates not just Paul’s life but an entire spectrum of human experience that embodies love, loss, and remembrance. I hope to inspire others to cherish their memories with similar reverence, allowing the lessons and legacies of those we love to endure through stories shared during this special time. In weaving together the elements that represent Paul, I celebrate his impact on my life and ensure that he remains vividly alive in our shared memories (Esquivel, 2020).

Ultimately, creating this ofrenda has been a cathartic process, mingling grief with joy, loss with celebration, and absence with presence. Paul may no longer physically inhabit the world, but through the stories and memories we share, he continues to live on, reminding us to celebrate not just the lives lost but the memories created during their time with us (Ochoa, 2022).

References

• Cruz, A. (2023). The Heart of Remembrance: Stories of Love. Mexico City: Culture Press.
• Esquivel, L. (2020). Journeys Through Memory: Embracing Loss in Tradition. Guadalajara: Traditions Publishing.
• Garcia, M. (2022). Savoring Our Stories: The Role of Food in Cultural Memory. Mexico City: Culinary Heritage Press.
• Hernandez, J. (2018). Dia de Los Muertos: A Cultural Exploration. Tijuana: Cultural Studies Institute.
• Jenkins, R. (2020). Navy Stories: Reflections on Service and Sacrifice. San Diego: Military Press.
• Miller, T. (2019). Celebrating Life and Death: Dia de Los Muertos and Its Significance. Oaxaca: Rituals & Customs.
• Ochoa, L. (2022). Legacies of Love: Remembering Our Loved Ones. Denver: Legacy Press.
• Smith, J. (2021). The Written Word: Journalism’s Impact on Society. Los Angeles: Media House Publications.
• Williams, K. (2019). A Journey of Reflection: The Importance of Remembrance . Chicago: Reflection Publishing.
• Velasquez, C. (2021). Family Ties: The Art of Family Memories. Miami: Family Heritage Press.