As the manager of the cemetery, I spend a lot of time at Hillside. So I thought it appropriate to discuss the significance of All Souls’ Day which falls on Nov 2nd.  While All Saints’ Day on Nov 1st is focused on Christian martyrs and saints, All Souls’ Day is about the members of your own family and family history.  It’s a day for being with family, visiting the cemetery, sharing memories, and honoring traditions.

A walk through Hillside reveals many past lives.  We can see headstones of those who have lived 90 years, even 100 plus years.  There are markers that show lives cut short by war—some dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War and on up to the Afghanistan war.  The saddest memorials are those of children and young people.  Some headstones are inscribed with a favorite toy, there several very old graves marked with a little marble lamb.  The newest graves are often covered with notes, mementos and photos left by friends and family. This past year from last November through today we buried 61 beloved individuals at Hillside.

On All Souls’ Day, I encourage you to make time to celebrate your family and its history. Play a favorite game, prepare a family recipe, go through a photo album, or call a distant relative.  Just try to connect with your family.  

My little prayer for today is:

May we remember those who have died in the past year.

May we celebrate their lives, even as we continue to grieve.

And may the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.