Calaveras y Ofrendas 2012 Calaveras y Ofrendas 2012 - Esperanza

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • November 2012 Vol. 25 Issue 9•
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Homenaje a los espiritus
que me cuidan
Mamá, Papá, Tio Nacho y Peter
Y a todos ustedes los espíritus
Que me acompañan en mi destino
Les doy las gracias
Y les mando bendiciones en su camino
Porque sé que siempre están conmigo
Los tengo siempre junto a mi
Y por eso los bendigo
Cuando un favor les pido
Siempre dicen, “si”
Me calman mis sustos
Y con eso me ajusto
Me sostienen al caerme
y mi voz levantan
y mi espíritu abrillantan
En este Día de los Muertos
Mi amor por ustedes sigue abierto
De mi alma a las suyas
Su recuerdo aún me arrulla
Finalmente sé que algun día
Los encontraré
En el calor del viento.
–Laura I. Rendón
Los Manteles (The Tablecloths)
Memorias come pouring forth
With my tears
As I sort through your manteles.
Tantos años
Of family and friends gathered
Around your cocina and dining room tables.
Laughter, fun, good homemade comida.
Lots to talk about
Good jokes, some jabs
Pero siempre reunidos.
www.brandonmaldonado.com
Your famous potato salad
Banana pudding in the little gold cups
Y el arroz
Y los frijoles.
Who could forget?
Todos remember
Times that are now gone.
We smile through our tears.
And think of you, Mamá.
–Anita González
Lotus Recuerdo para Mary Stokes 1920-2011
My Mom, Mary Stokes, didn’t know it, but she was a Buddhist. In fact, she was a
Bodhisattva. She reached enlightenment, but chose to remain here on the wheel of life
as an inspiration to those of us who are still struggling with the pain of existence.
She must have considered her work on Earth finished, because she departed
for Nirvana on June 9, 2011. We who remain here on the wheel are grateful for her
guidance, acceptance, and the example of unqualified love she gave us.
Her attributes were those of the five colors of the Lotus blossom, the Buddhist
symbol of purity, spiritual awakening and faithfulness. The blue Lotus represents the
victory of spirit over wisdom. The white Lotus stands for mental purity and
spiritual perfection. The purple Lotus with its eight pedals reminds us of the
eightfold path. The pink Lotus is the Lotus of the Lord Buddha. The red Lotus
symbolizes the heart, love and compassion.
That was my Mom, the Bodhisattva.
–Dave Stokes