Friendsgiving has always held a special place in my heart. I do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional way, but a week before the holiday I used to host a small gathering where friends came together to share food, laughter, and a sense of community. Everyone brought a little dish and I provided the main meal. Throughout the evening, friends and family would drop by, chat for a while, eat, and then say their farewells until Christmas/Yule.

It has been a week since the passing of my beloved friend, Charrissa Hudson Farmer (known as Char in our circle of friends). Every day presents a blend of minor progress and instances where the sense of loss remains equally profound. Nevertheless the grief is still fresh and raw. Her absence is still surreal, and the deep loss is something that will continue to be felt for a very long time. I can only imagine how her children and family are feeling. It is an extreme loss, and

October is the month of honoring our ancestors as we move into the upcoming seasons. With celebrations like Diwali, Samhain, Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and Día de los Muertos, it’s a powerful time to remember those who came before us and shaped our paths.