Tonight, Halloween, is the “hallowed evening” before a day we honor the dead.  Day of the Dead they call it in many countries.  We bless those who have gone before us, giving us life, showing us the way (or even showing us not the way!).

The longer my life, the more I recognize the gifts of honoring the dead, actually more like talking with the dead, having conversations with those on the “other side.”  They are very wise, but don’t talk much to me.  And only visit when invited. 

The spirits of my dead family and ancestors always offer reassurance and hope, kindness and support.  They remind me that this life is a gift, not a dreaded drudgery.  However it is in how I look at it.  Some days, it is recognized, I need to be in the shadow of darkness, despair, sadness and pain so the sunlight is not taken for granted.

Both light and darkness are part of this world, this journey, and today I honor the night.