Thinking of Our Loved Ones Who Have Passed Away

Every family carries stories, sacrifices, and faces that live quietly within us — whether we notice them or not. Remembering those who came before us is more than a nostalgic stroll down memory lane or a dutiful nod to the past. It is a way of reconnecting with parts of ourselves that we may have lost to time. It is a way of retracing our steps. And when we do that, we often gain perspective, insight, and a deeper sense of wholeness.

Our loved ones are not only the people who cared for us or who share our bloodline. They were mirrors, reflecting pieces of ourselves back to us. They shaped us and left imprints we often don’t recognize until years later. From a distance, the picture becomes clearer.

Looking back has a purpose. It allows us to appreciate, value, and recognize our own passage through this world. In the psyche, time doesn’t exist — that’s why sometimes in a dream we meet a childhood friend and feel emotions even more strongly than we did in real life.

In that sense, our loved ones are still alive within us. They are woven into the very fabric of who we are. The way we dress, the choices we make, are most likely inherited even when you think they reflect your unique contribution to the world! Taking a moment to remember them — to love them, to thank them for their presence — is an act of gratitude, humility and self-love. Even those with whom we had a difficult relationship left their mark. To honor them is to acknowledge their contribution to the person we have become. In this way, remembrance becomes a form of self-affirmation.

These encounters often carry sadness, melancholy, or nostalgia — emotions that modern society sometimes labels as “negative.” But sadness has an important role. It invites us to reflect on what we love and on what gives life meaning. When we fail to honor this natural instinct to sit with our sadness, we deny ourselves the time to remember what matters most. We may even lose perspective and feel adrift, because we are not listening to the voice within.

Sometimes this conversation comes unexpectedly. While I’m cooking, I’ll ask Alexa to play a song by Barbra Streisand or Donna Summer, and I know it’s my mom within me, appearing for a visit. As I sing along, I am suddenly filled with emotion. In that moment, I am in her company again. I am her, I am Tomás the little boy, and I am myself in the present — all at once. It feels like the past and present are being woven together, integrating all my parts into a cohesive whole. I often cry, not only out of love for her but also out of relief: the recognition that she is not gone, but alive within me.

Many traditions around the world set aside time to remember those who have passed. Whether it’s lighting a candle, visiting a grave, or telling a favorite family story, these small acts keep us connected. More importantly, they keep alive an ongoing conversation with the threads of our being that stretch across generations.

In our home, we created — almost without realizing it — a simple remembrance corner. We placed photos of family members, parents, siblings, and in the center a statue of a Thai Buddha. Not because we are Buddhist or have a special love for Thailand, but simply because it was a gift from my sister-in-law and it felt right. Instinctively, we placed a candle in front of it. Over time, it has come to represent the love and protection of the divine flowing through the bond of family. Every year, on a loved one’s birthday or death day, we light the candle, place some flowers, maybe buy a pistachio ice cream (my mother’s favorite), and share a story abo

ut them. It’s a simple way to bring them into our lives and thank them for their existence.

When we pause to remember, we are not just honoring the past. We are strengthening our roots, walking forward with more gratitude, perspective, and wholeness. By remembering those who came before us, we remember ourselves.

2015 — A special memory: my mom and I teaching a yoga class in one of the slums of Caracas. A dear friend had started this initiative to bring yoga into these communities, offering a peaceful space in the midst of so much hardship. For many young people, it became a way to release tension, find calm, and cope with the difficult realities around them.

I hope this early reflection nourishes you. If it speaks to you, share the full article link with a friend who could use a moment of remembrance.

Tomás Rodriguez is a Wellness Coach, merging his expertise as a life coach, yoga teacher, and meditation guide to empower clients on their journey to holistic well-being. For more info visit www.tomasjrodriguez.com or call (305) 639-0840 to learn about private sessions, classes, and courses.