Those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one, even if we believe that she or he has gone to a better place, still find ourselves struggling with the parting. It’s hard to let go. Sometimes it’s made a little easier if we have been present for someone’s last days, and at the moment of their death, when we experience the whole strange (and often quite beautiful) mystery of living and dying being played out before our very eyes.
As the temperature outside drops and the leaves turn brilliant colors, our thoughts turn toward the annual celebration of Thanksgiving. What a wonderful tradition we have as Americans to not only gather on this festive day with loved ones, but to have a special opportunity to thank almighty God for all the gifts He has bestowed on us as individuals, as families, as communities, as a nation, as a Church.