I spent my childhood on Matlock Street in Mesa, Arizona. I was surrounded by friends mainly from Spanish-speaking homes. German, my best friend, was just a few houses away and for many years I practically lived at his house. His dad, Jose Lopez, was a warm and welcoming figure and always treated me like family. I remember Jose smoked a lot. He would enjoy his cigarettes outside on the patio of the house with a small chair, side table, and lamp – creating a tranquil and social atmosphere. His outdoor smoking ritual became a shared experience, fostering connections with neighbors, friends and family. Every so often we’d join Jose on the chairs for a story, a joke and a strong dose of second hand smoke. Many years later Jose died of lung cancer. It was the first time I had ever witnessed what cigarettes can do to a person and it broke my heart. I’ve never been a cigarette smoker and I never will be but thanks to Jose I can appreciate and respect the social aspect of it. This lamp is a tribute to those aspects and the cherished moments I had with the Jose. Rest in Peace friend.