Tonight I light a candle
Watching the flickering flame dance as I conjure up memories of my tío

His hearty laugh
His wisecracking humor
The cool uncle who you would hope to be one day

It has been a while since I pulled out a vela.
And tonight this flame joins the over five million and counting candles that have been lit since this pestilence emerged over 21 months ago.

What should I feel?
Sadness?
Relief that his suffering is over?
Solace knowing he is in a better place?

This disease has taken so many far too soon.

But what is too soon?

How do you direct your anger and frustration at the systems that let so many suffer while you reckon with the reality that life offers no guarantees?

The flame provides no answers
It just dances and flickers
Pulling you out of the moment and connects you with all the moments

Descanse en paz tío

Descanse en paz