for my ancestors that didn’t get to see me grow up, i have conversations you in my mind about everything in life even if you’re no longer here anymore. it still feels strange to miss people that passed when you were a baby. my hands are shaped like my nanay’s and i can see nothing but loving adoration in their eyes in the few photos we share. to hold reverence for the past through rituals and traditions we decide to create gives me hope for my own future.