NOVEMBER is a double-one month, being the eleventh month of the year.
That’s stating the obvious,” my friend Rosse G. said.
I replied: “At least I think I’m the first to say that it’s a double-one month. I can compare this to something like the comments section in a YouTube video. Some viewers get to be the first to make a comment and brag, ‘First comment.’ Oh what a coup.”
“Wonderful. So what’s next, second comment?”
“We’re getting to that,” I told her.
Here I am now with my second comment. November has two popular celebrations: All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.
The two dates celebrate the holy and the departed. It brings to mind the Holy Communion wherein Christians commemorate the sacrificial death of the Lord Christ Jesus for the remission of sin. He told His followers to do this symbolic act as often as they wanted in memory of Him. Christians through all generations have been celebrating the Last Supper as frequently as they want. It’s a double celebration: To honor the memory of Christ and to remember what He did.
“So how do we put this in practical terms?” Rosse asked. We discussed ways to make the living happy and to honor the memory of the departed.
Here’s what we came up with.
Rosse: Retell stories about a departed loved one’s feats and talents.
Me: Set down into writing your family history so that generations to come will know their roots.
Rosse: Why not pursue long-cherished dreams? You’re alive, right? The dead can no longer dream. So why not pick up that paint brush and start painting again? You want to finish college education? Get up and go back to university next semester. Chase your dreams. You can catch it if you start now. A positive and productive person will make people around him or her happy.
Me: Write a letter to your father or mother or anyone you cherish while they’re still alive and can appreciate your words. Tell that person now what you like about him or her. Tell that person how he or she has influenced you. Don’t forget to thank that person.
Rosse: Now is the time to start using all “reserved for visitors only” tablecloths, utensils and china. Don’t wait for a special occasion. The people around you are special enough.
Me: Give gifts, small gifts, for every type of kindness you see or receive. Remember to say thank you. Offer a positive comment about someone.
Rosse: Cook a departed loved one’s favorite food. Cook a “living” loved one’s favorite food.
Me: As for holy, don’t forget to say grace before each meal. Reserve even just five minutes to pray and to read a daily inspirational book like “Our Daily Bread.” You have to recharge spiritually so your physical self will be energized.
I end here. I know you have better ideas than I do. The ball is in your hands now. So how will you celebrate Nov. 1 and 2 in a non-traditional way?