Dias de los Muertos is the time to remember those we’ve lost, but not a day of sadness. Sixth grade treated us to a beautiful prayer service today including traditional music, decorations and a joyous tone.
The names of those we have lost this year were read by Ms. Murphy as the entire student body sat prayerfully, and somewhat wiggly, sending out love and celebration for our loved ones who have left this world. We were reminded that all of our departed family and friends live and laugh together in God’s kingdom. What a joyful image! I lost both of my grandmothers this year and at one of the services, a poem was shared that gave great comfort.
It begins with ‘Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room.’ For us as Catholics, the next room is Heaven. But, for those of us trying our best and toiling on Earth, Heaven can seem so far away. Dias de los Muertos is a time to draw close to the next room. To imagine our loved ones just around the corner. We are truly never alone when we remember those who have slipped away and are waiting for us. ‘I am but waiting for you. For an interval. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner.’
My grandmothers were with us at our prayer service today, enjoying the music, the colorful decorations, the wiggly first graders and the prayer leaders in sixth grade. I imagine the church was full of loved ones. Smiling and warm in the knowledge that we never forget them and know, we are never alone.