I am so glad that we have November as it is a month dedicated to remembering. For those who have lost their lives (and still losing lives) to fight for something bigger then themselves. To know that the risks were great but the hope lived inside of good and fruitful days to come. Alas we pray. As Remembrance Day draws near on November 11th, it is a day filled with a joyful sadness within the hearts of many. The joy of knowing the hearts and minds of family members, friends and neighbours, who sadly in the circumstances of war, gave up their lives so that we could have much. For those remaining, strong and true, who survived war as they reflect with heavy hearts and sorrow the loss of the men and women who stood beside them. But also with the memories of those same people who changed their lives as well. No words can comprehend the magnitude of such losses but only in the remembering lest we forget.
At the same time as All Saints and All Souls Day are wonderfully placed at the beginning of this month, opens the heart up to bring the journey dedicated to the special people in our lives that left this earth, long ago or more recently. Those old memories they don’t go away as they just show up, fleetingly, and then float away, returning when you least expect it. Like in the dark, under the bed, in a photo, a deja vu, in the pew, seeing an old friend, eating burnt toast, a funny tale or something that jogs you right back into drawing on those memories. Some pleasant and others maybe not so much, evoking the back story in our hearts and bodies. The joyful knowing and the sorrowful loss coming together and bringing up all kinds of feelings of warmth and tears, sorrow and hope, wonder and regret too.
Maybe it is befitting to have November be the month of remembrance as the length of darkness falls further with only short times of light, the light of hope, take place at this time of year. As I sit today looking out my window at the darkness even if early morning, the November day speaks of a gloomy cloudy day ahead with its cold northerly wind bearing down. And just around the corner comes the s……. Not going to say it. At least for now.
But it is the light of hope for those who we have lost are the light in our hearts. The beacon that shines brightly in the memory. This week has been another sorrowful tearful time in my family. A big old bear, our Luna, a huge English mastiff brindle had to be put down. A youngun, I think 7 years old. Knowing her, she shone her light with her big personality. You could not in any way shape or form miss her presence. She made herself known daily. And the biggest thing for me was her love and protectiveness. I think she saw herself as a pup, small and cute. Cute maybe but small. No, her tail could knock over my granddaughter. So no, she was not little. But big and strong, and did I say big. Yep. Try sitting on the couch and she decides to come over for a love. Yeah. Run. She liked to climb up on either side of me and wait for a scratch on chest or reach way way up for a scratch behind the ears. Luna was the cats meow, the jam to the peanut butter, the icing to the cake. She made you pay attention with her big personality. Oh Luna bin, I am so going to miss you.
I did not think I had any more tears to shed after my folks passing this past summer. Love you mom and dad. What more can one’s heart take! But apparently the heart rejuvenates for another bout of tears to shed. My heart hurts for my daughter and her family. Going into their home on Sunday, where I would normally hear a loud bark and a four legged beast come a running down the stairs…..nothing. I knew then. I went up the stairs and around the corner to find her lying there. Her long tail wagged a wee bit to acknowledge she knew me but barely lifted her head. Husha baby. I laid with her stroking her head, knowing that she would be leaving soon. Breaks my heart as she was the best of the best for her master, my son-in-law, who spoiled her rotten. LOL. She was his baby for sure. But Luna protected the flock and watching my daughter who never really had much in the way of pets to go by….gave her an unconditional love along with the kids. I pray for you all.
So thank you November for being a dedicated month (which I realize can be all year in memory for many) I think of those who have gone before me. Especially to my parents as I grieve with love in my heart for them as their light was bright in my life. And to my uncle who passed away, my mom’s brother this year. And my brother’s dog Ozzie, who too passed this summer. And now this day to Luna. These are the hard goodbyes, one’s you don’t want but do happen in this precious life we have been given.
I like the feeling in my faith that we are people of eternal hope. It is the memory of celebrating those, our dearly departed, and remember them with a light of hope, sharing in a memory, a smile, a kindness with others in those dark times. But when we come together with others, our little glimmer of light, can meet another, bringing a little bit more, in shared love for our neighbour.
So today I feel a joyful presence in memory of those who have touched my life in ways everlasting. I pray for keeping their memories alive and in that they are well and alive in me. Blessings.
Let us pray for those who are in need of our prayers today and for those dearly departed. May they know their light shines ever brightly. Amen
Karenpondering 