Like a lot of folks flirting with ninety, my Dad often talks about having more friends that are dead than ones that are still alive. I suppose that is true. In fact, my posse of those passed is getting pretty big in its own right. But, sometimes if feels like they haven’t gone anywhere. Sometimes I realize they are still here. They live in the stories, their life lessons endure in my heart, they come to me in my dreams.

As I write this, leaves are falling from the trees just outside my window. These are leaves that were nourished by last year’s leaves, and in a few months they will nourish next Spring’s leaves. They carry in their cells the leaves of the past and they will be a part of the leaves of the future. The connection is forever. We too are forever connected to one another, both materially and spiritually. The veil isn’t as thick as we think.

A lot of us can testify concerning times a reminder seemed to have come from a loved one long dead. Perhaps it was a rainbow, a song on the radio, or a cardinal at the bird feeder at just the right time. There are a lot of whispers and winks from the other side.

Today (November 1) is All Saints’ Day, a day we remember and give thanks, not just for the upper case Saints, but for all those that have gone before us. We are thankful for the paths they have shown us and the love they gave. More than that, we remember that even now they surround us and cheer us on, like a passionate, home crowd as we take our turn on the field. (Hebrews 12:1) Again, the veil isn’t as thick as we think. Death is more a bridge than a wall.

So, once a year we are invited via the church calendar to remember and over the next few days I am going to do just that. I am going to remember my mother, my grandparents, mentors, teachers, and friends. And, yes, I am going to ponder a few of the upper case Saints as well. As I remember, I am going to try to hear their cheers. Listen with me.