All Hallows’ Eve 2018

As we gathered downtown for the annual Trick or Treat night I found myself struggling with the crowds. I don’t do well in crowds and often need to find space to literally breathe.

Families were having fun as were so many members of our community. Yet I found myself going back in time to All Hallows’ Eve a year ago.

A year ago we were at the hospital where my Mom fought to come back from a massive subdural hematoma. Three weeks later she would take her last breath and transition from this world to the next.

On All Hallows’ Eve, the veil between this world and the next is thin according to my Celtic ancestors. Halloween was also one of Mom’s favorite nights. She loved to hand out candy and “ooh and ahh” over the costumes of the kids who came to ring the doorbell and say “Trick or Treat.”

So this All Hallows’ Eve, I remember my Mom… and I truly do feel her presence this and so many other nights and days. Tonight the fire is lit and we are relaxing. It isn’t the night that the old Scots rhyme talks about: From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!

It is instead a night of remembrance. It is a night of prayer. It is a night spent with family. For special family and memories, Good Lord we thank you ❤️