As we move into fall and enjoy cooler temperatures we are preparing for our Día de los Muertos celebrations. Every October our families come together to honor those in their lives who have died. We create an altar for our families to bring an ofrenda, sharing beautiful photos and memories and their loved one’s favorite food and treats. The evenings are filled with sadness and joy. Each participant is given the opportunity to share about their loved one.
I treasure last year’s memory of young Riley who went up to the microphone with his Grandmother to share about his Dad. He held his Dad’s picture up for everyone to see and proudly told about his time as a marine and how he became a Hero saving the lives of soldiers and getting a purple heart. Riley looked at his Grandmother for reassurance, but he was strong and confident as he shared. Special moments like these are cherished during our Día de los Muertos celebrations.
And they give us pause as we think of the 1 in 11 children in Arizona between birth and 18, who are grieving the death of a parent or sibling and that the number doubles when you include young adults. I am including this year’s Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, to share why our work is so important for children, teens and young adults in Arizona.
During this time of celebration, we hope that you will honor and celebrate the loved ones in your life who have died and cherish the memories as we do with all of our Tu Nidito families. Sincerely, |
Liz McCusker, Executive Director |
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| What's Happening at the Nest...
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At Tu Nidito, we often use metaphors to help our participants understand their feelings – this month we are using the metaphor of making soup to talk about grief. Through the books, “Tear Soup” and “The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup” our support group participants will learn how they can take all of their emotions, feeling and memories and put them into a pot of soup to help them honor their loved ones and all the important times they shared together. After reading the books and sharing in their groups everyone will gather together for wonderful homemade soup and connect their stories to their lives.
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Later in the month of October, we begin our Día de los Muertos celebrations. Our participants are invited to bring an ofrenda and their favorite food to place on our altar. One by one families share about their special person. The night ends with sharing all the different kinds of food and listening to beautiful songs performed by our wonderful volunteer, Bruce Philips.
Many of our participants share that these October nights are when they feel the closest to their special person. |
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Nominations CLOSE November 3, 2023 |
Chosen Remarkable Moms will be Announced in January 2024 |
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The Remarkable Mom Nominations OPEN! |
Each spring, Tu Nidito honors mothers in our community who speak to the heart of our mission. These mothers also reflect the beauty and diversity of our Southern Arizona community. Whether it’s overcoming their own obstacles in the face of a serious medical condition or death, or making a difference in the lives of our community’s children, Tu Nidito’s Remarkable Moms are role models.
Please consider the strong, kind, loving and remarkable moms in your life and nominate them to be recognized and celebrated at Tu Nidito’s Remarkable Celebration, taking place, Saturday, May 11 2024. |
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| Eclectic Cafe's Fundraising Benefiting Tu Nidito |
Please join Eclectic Cafe's fundraiser in honor of the General Manager Sherry Nakatsu's son, Mathew who passed away on October 14, 2008 from cancer.
On October 14, 2023, 10% of each sale will be donated to Tu Nidito. Thank you for supporting Tucson's community and our Eclectic family! |
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Top 10 Dia de los Muertos Activities |
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It's National Estate Planning Awareness Week! |
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National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 16-22: officially the best week of the
year to plan for your future, and the future of those you love. Have you explored Tu Nidito's
partnership with FreeWill and their free estate planning tool? Take action this week and see
how your estate plan can bring peace of mind, for years to come: |
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Fun Ways to Support Tu Nidito
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