Dia de los Muertos, the ‘Day of the Dead’ is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated on November 1 and 2, coinciding with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Here in Tucson, the tradition is richly recognized and culminates in an ‘All Souls Procession’ downtown. Family and friends gather to pray for and remember those who have died and to help support their spiritual journey. Private alters are built honoring the deceased with sugar skulls, marigolds, favorite foods and mementos. It’s a celebration of life, a joyful occasion of remembrance, in which death is recognized as a part of the natural process of living.
After seeing a Día de los Muertos exhibit in Tucson recently, I felt inspired to look outside of myself and focus on Austen’s spiritual journey, especially as the one year anniversary of his death is approaching on November 25. So, in the spirit of joyful remembrance and love, I have put together a little alter – ofrenda – of my own, including some of his favorite ‘mementos’.
Austen Berj Brooks
September 26, 1991 – November 25, 2014
Soccer Elite High School Travel
Competitor
Passion Strong A Fighter Fierce
Mitts, balls and bat stored in his closet.
Intelligent Smart Savvy
High School Graduation from Grosse Pointe South.
Graduation day from Indiana University.
His watch.
His collection of ‘The Hundreds’ shoes.
His prized backpack.
Love & Peace.
Always up on technology.
Looking cool.
Sarma and cheese boereg were his favorite Armenian delicacies.
Austen and Sam in Tucson.
“I don’t want to just say how it is, I want that flair, that personality, that swagger. I lived it, I survived it, I got stronger, I fought my way back. Let’s go.
Ride waves of positivity. Follow the path in front of you. Be right, do right, good night.”
Austen Berj Brooks, July 9, 2014 
Austen Berj 