Souls Live On
by Heather Home
I used to belong to a memoir writing group. I spent days dedicating my mind and skills to composing my thoughts around my life to date, putting them to paper or into computer files. I sometimes found it helpful to begin with a family or community photo that would inspire me and keep me on track. It was a wonderful practice in so many ways and I got a lot out of it.
Last year, about this time, I had been feeling like I needed to strengthen my root connections. While musing upon whatever my next memoir topic might be, I searched through a resource book on my family tree, turning the pages and looking for a photograph to get started with. I came upon an ancestor's image and a letter she had written to family so very long ago. I WAS ASTOUNDED WITH WHAT I'D FOUND. Her sepia portrait showed a young woman who looked as if she could have been a mash-up of my sister and I at that age! I could also spot likenesses to our mother and aunts. The letter revealed some of her deepest concerns, pains, and hopes. I was enthralled. Her words could have been my own, and my heart went out to her, though she had long since left this world. Here was the connection I was desperately needing, and this all made for a wonderful literary opportunity. I honoured my relative's memory as well as my own by thoughtfully writing up my memoir, copying her photo, and taking it all to group to be shared among the ladies. This was meaningful to me. Returning home, her photo went up onto my quilt square of a Tree Of Life that hangs by my front door, always there to remind me that I am connected to deep roots.
At this time of year, with Hallowe'en / Samhain, All's Hallow Day, Remembrance Day and more upon us, I find it natural to want to think about and honour those who have gone before me. I am so very, very fortunate to have what I do, to be here, and to know that my future has been secured by the sacrifices and the building that those people had exerted. "Thank You", I send out to all of them.
Also at this time of year, many of us notice a spike in paranormal activity, the visiting of those crossed over. I don't believe that this is triggered by the ideas around the Hallowe'en holiday, but rather the other way around --- the holiday inaugurated long ago in response to the season. Season being the key word, here. As a Light-Worker, I've always paid attention to what was taking place around me in these regards, not just repeating back what others have said about the veil thinning on October 31st. For myself, I notice a full season of hearing footsteps and creaking floorboards, pets and children staring at seemingly nothing over in the corner, and vivid dreams of grandfathers bringing messages. Some of these experiences are my own, and some are shared during telephone calls from clients and the community who are looking for answers or in need of telling their stories. I notice that this phase tends to take place, not on a single day, but for a different length each year, depending on Mother Nature, usually starting with the heat coming on in the house, and ending with the earliest snow falls. Yes, paranormal activity happens 365 days a year, but why is something more afoot now? We can make guesses, but what is more important, I think, is to continue to pay attention, and also to honour the experiences.
I understand that, for many people, visitation from the other side can be somewhat unnerving, even downright upsetting. For myself, I've don't recall any negative activity during this season. In fact, to me, I feel that those who are reaching out are very much wanting to let us know that we are not alone, they look after us, or perhaps are in need of some comfort from those of us that they perceive as strong and able to bring it to them. To me, this is beautiful. Yes, I am the first person to acknowledge that when I am vulnerable (like when I'm sleeping), I am not, not, not comfortable with a physical visitation. "Please", I implore the spirits, "wait until I am awake, up and about". It can creep me out to feel a hand on my back or the other side of the bed sink down when I am alone. While awake and witnessing the seemingly miraculous activity of visitation, however, I love the connection and feel a great honour at being included in these events.
All year 'round, I hear my grandmother's voice, that she thinks of me often, and reminding me to not slouch. I think of my father and wonder what life could have been like if he had lived, and send him wishes that he be okay on the other side. I miss my pets and smile and laugh when I feel that they have come with me on a walk. I'm reminded of how lucky we are to be safe no matter what race we are, what religion we practice, and no matter what gender we are... and I am so grateful for the sacrifices of our soldiers and those serving previous war efforts. These are the connections I FEEL all year. At this time, however, those on the other side seem to want to share what they are feeling, share their stories, remind us to not forget them. What an honour to be chosen and spoken to. What an honour to be asked for help.
As we move through this season, I send out wishes to one and all. Wishes that you may each be thoughtful in your memories, thoughtful in your gratitude, and mindful of those who are making efforts to connect with you (whether still here or crossed over). Love is love, after all, and we are one big family.
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