After yesterday's funeral service and wake (reception?), today's "El Dia de los Muertos" service was more than I could enjoy take, so I left the church during the first hymn.

It was a lay-led service, and the sermon portion was given over instead to members of the congregation who were invited to come to the front and share memories/stories of their departed loved ones and friends. Or even enemies, if it felt right.

I say "enemies" because last year during this service, one of our community shared with us a story of how she was always at odds with another person, and it was only after her death, looking back, that she had come to appreciate what the dearly departed had had to offer; i.e., a different viewpoint and a willingness to engage in dialogue.

Yesterday we shared memories of Margaret, a long time friend of mine about whom I haven't written much recently. And in so doing, we also brought to mind memories of other friends and family who are also no longer with us.

I really couldn't do it two days in a row. I care very much for the living and the dead, but I don't choose to wallow in an emotional morass. What's done is done; what has been said and shared, is in the past.

If we have memories, joy or regrets, doesn't matter. The only way forward is to follow the path before us.

Thus endeth the day's lesson.