All Souls Day 2/10/2022

Life has taught me not to believe in many things, but I do firmly believe in life after death.

Death….Yes D.E.A.T.H….. An inviting topic in our society and yet very much avoided.

The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is an appointed time for everything,  and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die … a time to weep, and a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl 3:1-9).

All Souls Day is an outstanding tradition in the Catholic faith. November is dedicated to remembering those who have died. We all have experienced death, whether directly or indirectly, and no matter what, we should never forget our loved ones and those who may have contributed to our lives in one way or another. The dead are remembered not because their departure changed our lives; but life never ended by their absence.

As we celebrate this memorial day for the dead, we call to remembrance all those who have died, those we know and those we do not know, but especially those who die lonely and those who die without coming to terms with their God. We say a prayer for those who may have died in bitterness due to issues among family members, friends, or community. We also remember those who may have taken their lives for whatever reason that God will be merciful to them.

The aborted children, men and women killed in war and violence, may they find peace in the bosom of Abraham.

As we journey with the souls of the faithful departed this month of November, take your time to remind them as Gary Sturgis did in his poem entitled, At The End Of My Journey –

“I just want to let you know I’m okay. I still feel your presence in my everyday life. I talk to you all the time…and I see the signs you send me. I smile when I think of something you would say to make me laugh. I can still hear your voice in my head and feel your love in my heart. I don’t feel like you’re gone just because I can’t see you…I know you’re now just a part of me. A very important part…just as you’ve always been.

I try really hard not to feel quilt, regret or anger…because those emotions only make me feel further away from you. I’m also not sad all the time…I know you would hate to see me that way. I talk to you just as I always have…sometimes even out in public. I don’t care what other people think. They don’t know us…and they don’t know our story. I know as much as I tried I couldn’t save you. I did the best I could with the knowledge I had at the time. I made the right decisions based on what I believed was best for you…and us. I know you know that. Here’s the thing…I’m here…and you’re there…and I hope where you are is better…because I’ll see you there someday…when I find my way back to you.

 Thank you for being a part of my journey…even though I wish it could’ve been longer…and for teaching me about the promise of never-ending love. Until we meet again I promise you I’ll continue to honor our relationship by releasing the anger that no longer serves me, forgiving myself for what I might have done wrong…and living the best life I can…with no regrets. I’ll honor your memory by living my life for both of us…and at the end of my journey…I know you’ll be waiting.”

Take your time, ‘Talk to the Dead’ – write them a letter, write them a text, write them a note, and whisper a prayer for them. Do not forget to tell them how much you miss them and how forever you will love them.