Today is All Saints Day - a day to remember those who have walked this journey before us and are no longer with us. It is a day to laugh and cry, grieve and rejoice, but most of all to remember.
Last year I attended my parent's church for All Saint's Day (the pic above is from that service) where we remembered those who had died during the previous year. We lit a candle in memory of my Dad. We laughed and cried, grieving the loss and rejoicing in the memories. Remembering is a gift to ourselves and an honor to those we have loved and lost.
This year, I am acutely aware of the agony of losing the ability to remember. My mother-in-law doesn't remember that she doesn't remember. It is heart-wrenching - as those of you who have cared for (or are caring for) loved ones with dementia know all too well.
Yet, I am humbly aware that memories of my own are fading, too. Sometimes I long to hear my dad's laughter, but it becomes harder and harder to pull it to the front of my mind. Sometimes I go days without thinking about my dad. I know he is always with me, but I am grateful for a day like All Saint's Day to intentionally remember.
God, especially on this All Saint's Day, help me to remember. Help me cherish the memories that linger in the back of my mind and pull them to the forefront where I can frolic and delight in their presence. Amen.
