The All Souls Procession Ceremony stage backdrop shows projected images of loved ones lost by community members. This year there will be an image of my two brothers.
The All Souls Procession is just over a week away. My how a year can fly. Seems like just yesterday that I was on a Tram to the Procession End Ceremony at Mercado San Agustin, (where the Procession After-Ceremony is again this year) when I received a text that no one wants to receive.
It was appropriate. I could transition to the idea that my brother had passed on amid other Tucsonans and inhabitants of the this Earth-bound world.
People of my culture, American, once mourned for a year. It takes that long. Sometimes longer. It has taken a year to cycle through all the adjustments I needed to make to my life whole again in a world without my brother. I am not even half way through the mourning period for a second brother who left this world a few months ago in July.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to grieve in a community that radiates acceptance and compassion. Creating legacy is much easier when it can be done openly and truthfully.
Do continue reading on She Knows about how Tucson “gets” and creates legacy.
I am surprised to find here in Santa Fe no celebration of Dia de los Muertes. The timing of my trip was made so we’d be here for the day. But in San Francisco, I think they do something, so next year I want to be there! It is supposed to be a joyous celebration. You know….Your brother is on a grand soul journey and I’ll bet he is having the time of his life. So to speak….
I know they are learning and preparing for the next time through when I hope they have easy paths.
You have been through so much, Nancy. Wishing you strength as you continue on this journey.
We take what we are given. They were wonderful elder brothers who taught me so much.
Being in a special place for Dia de los Muertes is now on my bucket list. There are so many wonderful destinations to choose from. I wish you well on your journey of remembrance.
Kimberly XO
Thank you Kimberly.
I’m so sorry for your double loss. It must be a true comfort knowing your among a supportive community as you transition through the grieving process and period, though. Best wishes to you on the journey. I’ll be thinking of you.
It is comforting to me. Each year we have more people attending from around the world because they need a place and event to help them focus, express and let go of grief.
I love this tradition and the joy it brings to those who celebrate their loved ones.
Yes, it does add to healing and continuity of life.
Nancy,
I had no idea about these tragic losses of your two beloved brothers. I am truly sorry and I send prayers and healing thoughts to you. I am glad you are in an area where you can openly grieve.
My mother lost her brother, her best friend, suddenly when he was 23. She never talked about it for years and neither did my grandparents. I knew nothing about him, except that I was born on his birthday. It’s only recently that my mom’s been able to talk about it.
I hope you’ll talk about it and keep their memories alive.
Cathy, One of the disadvantages of having friends who are bloggers is knowing them as writers, both from in person and online interaction, and we all know that writers are different at home and when they are not “on.” We also tend to only catch slices of their lives and writings. No writer can read all the blogs of all the writers they know all the time. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I think that the world must love your mother to have given her you to fill the hole in her heart that opened when her brother died.