Vanessa Luna

I always like to keep things busy and populated. My room is full of posters and knick knacks that are important to me with their great memories. I knew I didn’t want any open space on my altar. This altar is filled with handwritten notes and memories of relatives.

I wanted to fill my altar with memories to honor my beloved relatives. On the altar I put photos, funeral programs, and prayer cards of Nana and Papa (Toni and Harold Kennedy), Abuelita and Abuelito (Domingo and Elvira Luna), my Nina (Rosalinda Hinojosa), Tía Tita Vargas, my friend Bertha Garcia, my dad’s friend Johnny Barrios, Uncle Robert Salas, and my Abuelita’s sister.

I divided the altar into two parts, my father’s family on one side and my mother’s on the other. I think this really emphasizes my background and the fact that I have been raised both directly and indirectly by so many loved ones in my life. This year’s altar only acknowledges a handful of beloved relatives who have since passed on, but I name all deceased family in my heart.

I want to dedicate my altar to my Abuelito who passed on September 20, 2020. He loved me so much and I loved him. I included the recuerdos from his service including a glove I wore as a pallbearer. In his older years he enjoyed completing crossword puzzles so my dad would compile word searches for him with “Abuelito” written on top. He would always return the puzzles to my dad so he could tell me that he finished the sheets. One of the packets is near the front of the altar. He spoiled me frequently and if my dad visited without me, Abuelito would give him an envelope with money to pass on to me. One of these envelopes is right next to his watch.

Another piece that is very important is the envelope and letter from Nana and Papa. In 2005, I loved getting mail, so my mom got Nana to write me a letter with a little money for my college fund. Even though Nana lived a minute away, she still took the time to make her granddaughter’s day.

To add finishing touches I made some papel picado to decorate the front of the altar and two candles to light. I also made some marigolds out of tissue paper instead of having to go out and buy some in these worrisome times. Using the scraps left from the flowers, I cut out petals to also decorate the table as well.

This altar shows the love and hardwork my ancestors have bestowed onto me. I hope I have made them proud.