Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord....

The feast of All Souls is celebrated on November 2nd.  It's a day we remember to pray for those who have died.  We remember and pray for the poor souls in purgatory, all unborn babies, and our friends and relatives who have passed away.  It's a good reminder how short our life is here on this earth and that heaven is for all of eternity.  

This year on the actual feast day, we had some crazy weather.  It started with a mix of lightning and thunder, rain, and then ended with a beautiful snowfall.  Needless to say, I wasn't going to be able to surprise the kids again and take them for pie at the cemetery.  I'm glad that we waited, because the very next day it was a lovely, chilly, fall day.  The sun was shining, and although it was cold, it was perfect.   

I had the kids called out of class again and we went over to the cemetery where Joseph is buried.  We ate a yummy, warm, fall lunch among the babies who have died and then wandered over to the older part of the cemetery.

I walk around quietly, watching the kids run from headstone to headstone to check out who can find the oldest grave there.  They are running and loud amongst the stillness of the cemetery.  I don't mind it at all.  It makes me grateful that they are full of life, even though I am reminded that we will all die one day.  

"Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon them.  May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen."