A Day Of Remembrance
The first Sunday of November many of us ‘celebrated’ All Saints’ Day. This is a day to honor and remember those, whom we love, who have crossed over to a better place. We are happy that they no longer feel pain – emotional, physical or mental. But our grief still lingers. It can be yesterday that we lost our loved one or it could be years and years ago. They may be gone but we still love them.
Take some time to read through these prompts – don’t hurry. Pause for each and enjoy the memories, the presence and the spirit of your loved ones whom you have lost.
- Let us take a moment to remember those to whom we have said goodbye. Think of their names.
- Envision them standing before you right now.
- Think of a good memory about that person.
- It might be a joke they told. Or something you did together that was special to you. Maybe something they taught you or told you.
- Hold on to that memory a moment – relish it; cherish it.
- Let it bring a smile to your face as you remember that special moment.
- Now envision a hug with that person. Whisper into their ear, “I will never forget you.”
- And hear them whisper back to you, “I know. And I will always love you, too. Think of me once in a while, but don’t stay there. Live your life as you know I want you to live.”
- Give a final squeeze in your hug, then slowly let them go. Give one last smile, then turn and go on with the life they want you to live. In that way you honor them.
- Amen.
Reflection by: Bonnie-jean Rowe – Spiritual Director, Certified Lay Minister, Minister of Spiritual Formation
This reflection represents the view of the author.