All Saints Day

November 1st is called 'All Saints Day.' In Madison, MN, it is a time to honor those who have passed away. They intentionally HONOR. It began with my mother-in-law receiving a letter saying there would be a special service at Faith Lutheran to honor Dan and others who passed away this past year.

On Sunday night, I accompanied my mother-in-law to a separate dinner for supporting those who will be going into the Thanksgiving/Christmas season without a loved one for the first time sponsored by the funeral home staff. Candles were lit and fragrant of mulled cider, soft lights and holly berries adorned the tables. A lovely reception dinner with salad, ham, potatoes, carrots and a homemade dinner roll were served. Following was a beautiful program with pastors from around the area providing support, prayer, meditation, and singing. At the end, each person in attendance was given a candle while the name of the loved one was announced. Tears flowed steadily.

Sometimes I find life to be so unfair, which its supposed to be! I don't like to mourn. Its embarrassing. Its humbling. Grief is a necessary evil and only those who experience it know its confusion of emotions.

My grief is hard to describe. I miss that I no longer have any earthly fathers to depend upon. I miss that my children will not have grandfathers to make them feel loved and special. Oh yes, their grandmothers are amazing...but not the same as grandpas! It irritates me at times to see those who have fathers and grandpas taking them for granted! I did the same thing! How did I know they would both be gone from my life before I reached 40 years old?

Wrap Scripture around me like a blanket. Help me to understand that, as the psalmist wrote, "joy comes in the morning." I don't know when I will fully feel that again but I look forward to it!