Remembering..

I just set on a small little table photos of those of my family who have died. Two small candles light up the faces of Dad, Grandma & Grandpa Brady, Grandma & Grandpa (OWeel) Rasmussen, Great Grandpa James Brady, Bill's parents, aunts and uncles. Missing are photos of Uncle Bill, Uncle Ed, his Parents, and Aunt Charlie, who I remember. Also included today would be Lance's mother who died a few weeks ago. Then there are the young people, Henry Bruckelmyer and Bill's nephew Mike.

Today is All Saint's Day and tomorrow All Souls Day. The Celts and many other religions feel that this is the time when the barrier between the earth and the underworld or heaven is the thinnest and our good thoughts and memories can be passed on and through that barrier easily and our relatives are closest to us.

I remember Grandma Rasmussen telling me that I would be as beautiful as a model if only I would scrub my neck better. I remember when I got older, being invited to have a cocktail in the afternoons with her, looking over the beautiful field behind their house. I felt so grown up. I remember O'Weel bringing us a $1 each Saturday morning for our allowance and letting us eat an entire 1/2 a pint of ice cream EACH when we'd visit. Grandma Brady was always fun when she visited and I got to visit New York City twice and she took me everywhere. I especially remember Radio City Music Hall and the automat. I remember every train stop seemed an entire city by itself. I never met Grandpa Brady but we did write a few letters.

We all remember our own fathers, but as yet, it seems so much easier to recall my grandparents and write about them. I am glad I set up this little altar today, and I hope the 2 little flames attract those on the "other side" and let them know we're thinking of them and love them.