Written Memoirs!!

*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.  

 

Examples of shoebox ofrendas: