In Buddhist teachings, it is believed that a person’s journey to the afterlife takes place in the 49 days after death. During this period, prayer ceremonies take place every seven days in front of the altar, where food is offered to nourish the deceased on their path to reincarnation or enlightenment. Cooking đồ chay for the altar has always been something that I watched and helped my mom do for our ancestors. It’s now a ritual that has allowed me to continue cooking the many recipes she passed on to me. Lately I’ve found that it’s the only time that I can find joy in cooking Vietnamese food. The hardest part about continuing this practice has been accepting that the thing I love to do most is what reminds me of her and her absence the most. What hurts me is also what heals me. 1&2: mom’s altar offerings 3: our offerings to mom 4: mom & guanyin