A week ago I had the honor of spending what would’ve been my mom’s 69th birthday with people who loved her. These people included her sister and brother, a couple of dear friends, two cousins, my boyfriend, myself and a 91-year old aunt who was at the hospital the day my mom was born. For the third year since her passing, we have come together to celebrate her life and to continue her spirit of giving through a service project. Those friends who were unable to attend this year generously donated from afar. For the last two years, this special group of people gathered paper products, laundry soap and money to give to Annamarie’s Alliance – a unique domestic abuse shelter that also includes a space for pets. My mom cared deeply about many things – but children and animals were particularly close to her heart. We came together, as in years past, to gather the donated items and to share a meal. I keenly felt my mom’s presence in the love and laughter we shared around that table. I’ve also felt, in the days that followed, the need to explore what I’ve experienced in doing these projects – the sense that remembering our deceased loved ones through acts of service creates changes at the deepest levels of being.
When we give – our time, resources and presence – in someone’s name and memory this isn’t simply a gesture that feels good. This act creates an effect in the world beyond what we can see. Our loved ones feel the energy of love that infuses these acts. In a similar way to prayer – acts of remembrance and service elevate, strengthen and support a spirit in their journey beyond life in a body. These acts also change us. We open ourselves to a deeper connection with ourselves and each other – both in this physical world and in a world we can’t see.
Remembering is meaning-making. Remembering is prayer. Remembering is love in action.
Remembering Margaret – a dedicated and generous mom, daughter, sister, cousin, niece, friend and human being. With loving thanks to her friends and family.