On this day before Halloween, I am usually pretty excited and giddy, getting ready to celebrate what is for me as a Pagan more than just a dress up in crazy clothes day. This year, though, I will work instead, and considering that we are in a temporary place, not celebrate with our usual abandon. Still, Halloween or Samhain will be exciting enough, as we celebrate and honor those who have left before us.
Therefore, my gratitude list today focuses on some special people and animals in my life that have moved on.
1. My grandfather
He passed away exactly one week after my 12th birthday, but during the short time I had him in my life, he made a lasting impression. Leaving me with an independent spirit and the freedom to choose my own path (he insisted that I would not be raised in any faith so I could make up my own mind later on), I honor him today.
2. My adopted Father
While he left me with many scars and wounds that will always define how I view the world, he introduced to me the need of taking care of our world around us. He taught organic gardening to many people, including me. He also gave me access to mythology and ancient traditions which define much of my belief system to this day.
3. Angel
Probably the strangest animal I have ever met, but also the most profoundly loving cat there was. After adopting his mother without knowing that she was pregnant, he was one of the 2 kittens (out of a litter of 6) who were completely bald. Sphynx cats are rare, and well, I must say ugly, but he was the most beautiful animal to me. After his death, I had sworn never to get another pet, because the loss was too great. But, I currently have two dogs and another cat. Still, he will always be my true Angel.
I am very grateful for having had many people in my life, briefly or for a long period of time, that made a large impact on me, and brought me to the choices I made to become me.
Whom are you grateful for in your life? Why not share that list via the Celebrate The Small Things Blog hop hosted by Lexa Cain? And stop on by Dory’s Backyard, where everyone is talking about shelter animals.
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What a wonderful thing to celebrate. It’s a blessing to have had special people touch our lives, and it’s good to take a break and remember them. (animals too).
Thank you Tonja! We usually include a small table that holds pictures or items that remind us of people that passed – an Ancestor Altar – in our celebrations. Glad you stopped by, have a blessed Samhain/Halloween and weekend!
What a great way to honor those who have left
thank you! Glad you stopped by!
It sounds as if you have had some very special people in your life. I guess that my father-in-law is the person that I miss the most. He was very special to me. Of course, I miss all of my pets that have left me. ♥
I am sorry for your loss, but I am glad you had him in your life. Blessings and happy Halloween!
I’m impressed you can look beyond the bad and see the good in your stepfather. That takes a strong sense of self. Angel sounds adorable – even if bald! I adore cats, but lost too many over the years. It’s heartbreaking. Have a lovely Halloween/Samhain! 🙂
thank you, Lexa. It is a necessary choice to make, in order to not be the prisoner of the past. Took me a while to get there. Angel will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I am going to hug my dogs – have a wonderful Samhain/Halloween!
Samhain was just a word a few weeks ago. Suddenly it became so important on Saturday because of where I am now that is like a rebirth. Something has to die in order for something new to bloom and that is true for everything, especially the inner work we are doing.
I honour your dead with you and offer you my thoughts.
you are describing exactly what Samhain is about – it is an empowering realization because we can become so much more comfortable with change this way. Thank you for offering your thoughts. It means a lot to me. Blessings!
What a wonderful way to spend the holiday!! Thank you so much for linking up to our Blog Hop!!
thank you for having me – I am glad I ran accross your hop – will stop by often! Have a great week!