An Altar for Abuelo

During a celebration of her late abuelo’s life, a grandchild finds that grief spans many emotions in this sweet, child-centered tale of loss, remembrance, and enduring family ties.

Every year, Abuelo asks for the same birthday gift: his family. But this year the family must honour his birthday without him. At first, Abuelo’s granddaughter hides in the closet behind his leather jackets, taking in his spicy, minty smell, not wanting to talk to anyone. How can Tío Alvaro hum while stirring that pot of paella when Abuelo is not there to say, “Qué rico”?

But then the girl remembers what Abuelo always told her: “There is nothing in this whole big world you cannot do.” He is right. She can do this. Taking a breath, she steps out to give Mamá and her cousins a long, squeezy hug, like Abuelo—and when it’s time to make an altar filled with his favourite things, she’s ready to add some, leaving a few tears as well.

Told with honesty and warmth, this heartfelt story is followed by an author’s note delving further into the nature of grief and the ways that sharing with family and community can help to ease it.