Now comes the time of remembrance, the annual tribute to the memory of those we cherish, those we left behind, those who left us behind. It is All Saints Day, All Souls Day, “undas,” it is our annual time with The Remembrance.
Flowers are once again hitting the market shelves en masse, local law enforcement is readying for the influx of traffic in and out as people go to visit the resting place of their loved ones.
The season of holidays doubles up as a time to get away from the hubbub, the grind of life, if for a moment—a moment of peace and respite with family, those still with us, and those that have moved on.
While All Saints’ Day may be largely a Christian tradition, it, especially here in the Philippines, is akin to Christmas; something that has long since transcended its origins and become rooted in the culture of the country.
The desire to have one more moment, one last dance with those we love who have gone to whichever afterlife, or lack thereof, we believe in is universal; the want of more time transcends all religions and is very well part of the origin of that in the first place.
Grief and longing are universal aspects of the human experience, and now comes the time when we can fill the holes they left behind, if only for a day.
In the progression of life, not only will we inevitably part ways with people we love, we may very well leave our roots and seek gainful employment elsewhere, and plant new roots where we land. Our circles may grow as we find more people to care for.
Eventually, the wounds of loss will scar over and the space they take up in our minds get smaller, but every year, without fail, we are given a chance at remembrance.
This year, and every year after, regardless of whether you–-we have the chance to visit their remains in whatever resting place they take their Blessed Sleep, the least we can and should do is take some time in the gardens of recollection, to remember them, the good and the bad alike—for once they die, what are left are memories, and until we no longer remember them, they are never truly gone.
Spare them a moment, a day if you can. Keep their memories alive, and hold them close.
