"Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life."
-from Papa's wallet words of wisdom
July is the month of Papa's birth, the
mark of his solar return. He would have
celebrated 94 trips around the sun this month as he'd likely tell hush-hush
jokes that kinda make you chuckle and hold onto the punch line as if it were a
secret. He'd be moving busily about
cleaning up and running errands to ensure everyone else's comfort and happiness
even at his own birthday party. And he'd
make sure there ran a steady supply of Muddy Waters or Ray Charles blues tunes
to cradle his North Carolina born and bred soul.
Today, my ministry is about the work of honoring souls who
have crossed over and spiritually supporting their families. Yet, I sometimes grieve the opportunity to
have fully honored the beauty and wisdom of my grandfather's legacy. Honor
Your Loved One was born from my deep commitment to provide for others the
spiritual support and resources that I did not experience when any of my loved
ones passed away. Not so long ago, I sat
like so many others, in a state of numb shock unable to fully express and
celebrate one who was a pillar to my very being- a rock like foundation from
which the fabric of my character has been woven. My paternal grandmother, Nana, crossed over
only a few days later and I was stricken by the loss of the last two grand-elders,
my pillars, in a single, frost bitten January week.
In that week, I never imagined the impact their
passing and the experience of honoring them, or lack thereof, would have on my
life's work. Moreover, I had no idea
that the ache and sting of grief had deep lessons of growth and awareness for
me. When we are struck by the loss of a loved one, a meaningful Life Tribute really is the most profound beginning of our journey from grief to healing. Firsthand, I’ve learned that the grief I once avoided in my life was not an inconvenience but a necessary passage, opening me to come into the bereavement services I offer to so many others today.

This is my homage, daily, weekly to those I continue to love
and appreciate even though they are no longer in physical awareness. I honor them still. Silently.
Sacredly. Knowing that the
feeling is as real as his breath ever was in the body we knew. Knowing that his kind soul and blues, smile and
quick wit were never confined to that handsome face and that is why I feel him
still. Learning that every conversation,
every trip around the sun brought us closer to seeing God in one another and
resting there sometimes.
To contact Reverend Sala, visit www.honoryourlovedone.com for Life Tribute, Grief Counseling and Bereavement Support.
Holding vigil, memorial or ritual for our loved ones who
have crossed over can restore wholeness where grief still stings. Have you found ways to hold your loved ones
in your awareness in a way that feels appreciative and peaceful? Share your story and let your journey
encourage another. What are your ways of
remembrance?
3 comments:
awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your elder patriarch exemplifies his wisdom teaching through the reflection of how he lived his life. His wise words are your own legacy as well. Peace and Blessings.
Sala - thank you for putting grace, peace, wisdom, the sting of loss and the joy of remembrance into such beautiful words. I am deeply moved and nourished by them at the same time.
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