Oh gosh this made me cry (but I'm already extra emotional after just returning from this trip 😂) I love it though. It's also shown me that I do already have my own little memory rituals to honour who my mum was, even if she isn't gone yet. Taking photos was always our shared joy, too. I was going to bring her cameras back this time but didn't have room. I already have my granddads old cameras, too. It's funny how it's a hobby that's been passed down for generations. I was also sorting out her sewing box for my dad and merging it with my grandma's old stuff from her house just the other day - and thinking about all the shared creative interests we've passed down. They feel like they're mine, but that they're also part of a long legacy, too. Like I was meant to be born with a camera in my hands. Thanks for this 💜💜💜
This is beautiful Sabrina; another gift of offering permission for our own, and more personal traditions. I have an old buffet cupboard that hosts an altar to our departed. It's surrounded by plants,candles, home made shell chimes, and a rocking chair. While this is a physical place I can visit, I also catch snaches of them throughout my days - listening for their voice when I'm making a decision they would have given great advice on, finding something hilarious that only they would have understood, saying their name when I'm struck by the beauty of nature, imagining their embrace when I'm going through a rough emotional time. Always grateful 💕
Wow Emily such beautiful reflections here. I love that you have a physical place you can return to and expand on. Plus such vivid ongoing experiences to keep their essence alive - the beauty of nature grabs me too. Dad and I used to send each other photos when we'd see something awe-inspiring. And animal videos or other silly things. And listening for those wise words - so evocative. Thanks for sharing this. Do you find you're drawn to different approaches throughout the year?
Thank you Sabrina, and yes. Around this time of year, when the veils between worlds are said to be thinner, I tend to spruce up their altar and add little extras. Most years we also cook some favorite meals and leave offerings on the Day of the Dead. Those are propably our most intentional actions for our beloved departed.
You're so right about this time of year. I love the idea of the veils between worlds being thinner. What a wonderful way to refresh that space and remember what they loved. I still bake the cake my dad loved for his birthday. It's a ritual I find calming and helps reconnect to him.
Thanks Natacha for reading and your lovely comment. I think he'd be smiling too. And yes, there is no right or wrong way to honour is there? Do you have an approach you find helps?
When I lost my soul dog, I did so many rituals. Even a stuffed replica of him. I now have an altar of sorts for him and my grandmother, with his cremens,
but I had to let go of other mementos that reminded me of him all the time. I had to cut the cord and let him free.
Oof I feel your pain for him. It's so hard to let go of a loved one isn't it? I'm glad you've found something that honours him and your grandmother. I have the cremens of my sibling black cats I've lost now. They're in these beautiful etched brass pots with black backgrounds. It seems fitting.
Oh gosh this made me cry (but I'm already extra emotional after just returning from this trip 😂) I love it though. It's also shown me that I do already have my own little memory rituals to honour who my mum was, even if she isn't gone yet. Taking photos was always our shared joy, too. I was going to bring her cameras back this time but didn't have room. I already have my granddads old cameras, too. It's funny how it's a hobby that's been passed down for generations. I was also sorting out her sewing box for my dad and merging it with my grandma's old stuff from her house just the other day - and thinking about all the shared creative interests we've passed down. They feel like they're mine, but that they're also part of a long legacy, too. Like I was meant to be born with a camera in my hands. Thanks for this 💜💜💜
Wow Cassie, I know things have been tough for you lately but what amazing objects and legacy hobbies you've got.
It's only when we step back and realise what we're naturally drawn to that the patterns emerge.
I'm so glad you've seen what those connections are and across generations.
What a powerful legacy my lovely 💜💜
This is beautiful Sabrina; another gift of offering permission for our own, and more personal traditions. I have an old buffet cupboard that hosts an altar to our departed. It's surrounded by plants,candles, home made shell chimes, and a rocking chair. While this is a physical place I can visit, I also catch snaches of them throughout my days - listening for their voice when I'm making a decision they would have given great advice on, finding something hilarious that only they would have understood, saying their name when I'm struck by the beauty of nature, imagining their embrace when I'm going through a rough emotional time. Always grateful 💕
Wow Emily such beautiful reflections here. I love that you have a physical place you can return to and expand on. Plus such vivid ongoing experiences to keep their essence alive - the beauty of nature grabs me too. Dad and I used to send each other photos when we'd see something awe-inspiring. And animal videos or other silly things. And listening for those wise words - so evocative. Thanks for sharing this. Do you find you're drawn to different approaches throughout the year?
Thank you Sabrina, and yes. Around this time of year, when the veils between worlds are said to be thinner, I tend to spruce up their altar and add little extras. Most years we also cook some favorite meals and leave offerings on the Day of the Dead. Those are propably our most intentional actions for our beloved departed.
You're so right about this time of year. I love the idea of the veils between worlds being thinner. What a wonderful way to refresh that space and remember what they loved. I still bake the cake my dad loved for his birthday. It's a ritual I find calming and helps reconnect to him.
This was an absolutely stunning read. A beautiful homage to your father.
There’s no right or wrong way to ritual, to honor, to make space and to remember.
His smile would be super wide for you right now. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Natacha for reading and your lovely comment. I think he'd be smiling too. And yes, there is no right or wrong way to honour is there? Do you have an approach you find helps?
You are so welcome.
When I lost my soul dog, I did so many rituals. Even a stuffed replica of him. I now have an altar of sorts for him and my grandmother, with his cremens,
but I had to let go of other mementos that reminded me of him all the time. I had to cut the cord and let him free.
Sometimes part of the grief is in the letting go.
Oof I feel your pain for him. It's so hard to let go of a loved one isn't it? I'm glad you've found something that honours him and your grandmother. I have the cremens of my sibling black cats I've lost now. They're in these beautiful etched brass pots with black backgrounds. It seems fitting.
Sending you lots of hugs Natacha 💜