Reluctantly Witnessing Common Sense’s Death : A Chance to Celebrate a Loved One’s Life

I want to express my gratitude for the Oct. 28 article by Kathleen Kelleher titled “In Some Cultures, Death Can Be a Picnic.”

My husband and I had been privileged to attend a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Olvera Street in 1995. We had lost our youngest son to AIDS in 1993, and I was very moved by this happy and loving holiday.

We are not Latino, but I decided this year to celebrate our son Jeff’s life by observing this festive tradition. With the advice of Latino friends and your article I was able to arrange an altar and small party with some of Jeff’s dearest friends. It’s been many days now and I still feel the glow from spending the time with his favorite things, happy memories and merry friends.

I feel very lucky to live in a city that provides such a mix of cultures and traditions to enrich my life.

ELIZABETH ARMSTRONG

Pacific Palisades