The Story of the Colorado Nonprofit Community Memory Altar
In October 2020, I faced one of the toughest moments of my life—I lost my dad, Oscar, to pancreatic cancer. As the year drew to a close and the world grappled with the challenges of the pandemic, I found myself navigating the depths of grief while separated from my family in California.
There were moments when I felt like giving up, weighed down by the heaviness of loss and the isolation of the pandemic. But amidst the darkness, I found a flicker of hope—a spark born from my grief.
Driven by a desire to honor my father's memory and offer solace to others who were also grappling with loss, I embarked on a unique endeavor: the creation of the 2020/2021 Nonprofit Community Memory Altar. This digital sanctuary became a space for individuals across Colorado's nonprofit sector to pay tribute to their departed loved ones.
The concept was simple yet profound—I invited participants to submit the names of their loved ones along with cherished memories, stories, poems, or songs. The response was overwhelming. The community rallied around the altar, offering comfort, support, and solidarity in the face of collective grief.
Creating the Nonprofit Community Memory Altar was a radical act of compassion. After losing my dad, I learned that obituaries are wildly expensive and inaccessible to many so I wanted to create a space where everyone, regardless of their means, could honor their loved ones.
The altar became a beacon of hope in a time of darkness, reminding us that even in our most vulnerable moments, we are never truly alone.
For me, the creation of the altar became a defining moment—a testament to my strength, resilience, and unwavering love for my father. Harnessing my grief and love, inspired by dad, ended up being the moment I knew I could keep moving forward to honor him.
The altar was a symbol of healing and remembrance. Through community, compassion, and shared experiences, we can find solace and strength to continue our journey toward healing.
In honoring our emotions and creating space for our experiences, we pave the way for healing, growth, and renewal. The Colorado Nonprofit Community Memory Altar was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.
As I reflect on my journey with the Colorado Nonprofit Community Memory Altar, I realize that this experience marked a profound transformation within me—from a storyteller to a dedicated story keeper. It wasn't just about sharing narratives; it was about safeguarding them, holding them sacred, and ensuring they were never forgotten.
This shift from storyteller to story keeper holds immense significance for my culture. In a world inundated with information and noise, it's easy for stories to get lost or overshadowed. By embracing the role of a story keeper, I became a custodian of memories, a guardian of legacies, and a champion of collective narratives.
Moreover, as a communicator and marketing professional, this transformation took on added significance. It wasn't just about crafting compelling narratives for brands or organizations; it was about creating brave spaces where people could share their truths authentically and unapologetically. It was about fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, where every voice was valued and heard.
Moving into this role of actively creating brave spaces was both a privilege and a responsibility. It meant going beyond the surface level of storytelling to delve deeper into the human experience—to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and authenticity in all its forms.
The Colorado Nonprofit Community Memory Altar served as a tangible manifestation of this ethos. It wasn't just a digital platform; it was a sanctuary—a safe haven where individuals could express their grief, celebrate their loved ones, and find solace in shared experiences. It was a testament to the power of community, compassion, and connection—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.
As I continue on this journey of transformation—from storyteller to story keeper—I am reminded of the profound impact that stories have on our lives and our collective consciousness. They have the power to inspire, to heal, and to unite us in ways that transcend boundaries and divisions.
In embracing this role, I hope to continue creating brave spaces where stories can flourish, where truths can be shared, and where humanity can be celebrated in all its beautiful complexity. For in the end, it is through our stories that we find meaning, purpose, and connection in a world that is constantly evolving and changing.
