Beyond death

This year's commemoration of All Souls' Day at the time of the pandemic is totally different. On the day itself, we will not visit our loved ones. However, we have been given days or even weeks before it. And so we can no longer expect the usual bulk of people this year to rush to cemeteries. As this will mean a lot of planning in accordance with protection and health guidelines, and that they are COVID-free, for relatives and loved ones also have second thoughts about returning home to their provinces.

Yet we are not hindered by this new arrangement from remembering our loved ones. Anytime, wherever, we can still remember them. It's not the memories in their actual resting place, but the outside places — in our homes, in the favorite places we have been to, in the restaurant we visit, every Saturday at the beach, every Sunday in church, are worth keeping. There are pleasant memories in these places that we still can refresh. Memories with them and that even if they have departed us physically, they still remain in our hearts, forever.

We loved them when they were alive, and while they hold a permanent place in our hearts, we still love them. We miss those great personalities who, even after their death, have touched our lives and shown a positive way of living.

Death in a new place is not the end, but the birth of a new life. Death is traumatic for loved ones and leaves a remembrance that cannot be stolen. Remembering those lovely souls is going to get us through those memories. Holding these memories, though they are still with us, means valuing their contributions. Our experiences with them are what make who we now are. So many of our lessons, happiness and even pains that we have shared with them make us stronger and better people.

Death isn't the greatest loss, but the greatest loss is the thing that dies inside us. This is not a curse, but rather a blessing. It is a part of life and we come to realize everlasting life as we embrace it. Don't think we have time to do now, whatever we want for death comes when we least expect it.

Let us live our lives to the full, and we won't fear death. Since we are at the beginning of eternal life, let us make our souls free. It's just hard to forget about someone who gave us so much to appreciate. Don't linger on so desperately when anyone dies. They are in heaven with the Creator.

Let us give them love and remembrance on this All Souls' Day. A prayer will build the life of a person in heaven. For that soul, let us give a prayer that made us smile while they were on earth. The memories of our loved ones who are in eternal rest are precious. We hope that we'll join our loved ones in heaven one day as we live temporarily in this world. No one really knows when God calls us for a beautiful life after death. It is a life without pains and struggles, and just pure bliss.  

Wishing everyone a faith-filled day!