All Saints... All Souls

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Not sure what I’m trying to say here. I live in Brittany and although Halloween is gaining ground as a ‘thing’, and the shops are increasingly full of pumpkins and spider webs, the main focus here is the First of November, ‘Toussaint’ or All Saints. In every churchyard the tombs are being washed down, spruced up and decorated with the most beautiful floral displays in remembrance of dead loved ones. 

For the last 20 years I have always visited the churchyard at Toussaint. Each year I have had a friend or two to mourn as I am quite a bit younger. This year though, my husband’s name is inscribed there amongst the dead. How has this happened?  

My husband isn’t buried there, nor his ashes scattered. He donated his body to medical science, so there was no ceremony. I’m completely happy with that, but I had his name inscribed on a granite plaque in the memorial garden. I wanted some acknowledgement of his name and his life, and it seems right that he should be there amongst my dear friends. 
I haven’t bought a floral tribute (he would’ve hated that!). But I will pick a bunch of whatever is still flowering in the garden and take it there on Friday.

  • Nice, that! My grandson put dandelions on my son's gravestone when he visited the spot where his uncle's ashes were scattered.

  • Hello to you, from France too. I know exactly what you are saying about the tombs and chrysanthemums in French cemeteries. My Barry is in the Jardin de Souvenir, a sheltered quiet spot at the side of our local cemetery. Just going today in fact to put some flowers, heather and roses.He hated chrysanthemums! I had a bench placed there last year. I can walk to it and sit peacefully. I can talk to Barry and it is sort of ok. A bit better than last year.

    Thinking of you too . Hugs to you.

    Fifinet 
    As Voltaire, the French writer said " I am going to be happy because it is good for my health "
  • Hi Daisy

    It's lovely you are able to add your husband's name to your village memorial and to be in a small community where it's meaningful.

    I am in Spain. It was Todos los Santos. 

    I went for a walk with the village hiking group in the pre Pyrenees, amazing autumn colours in forests. My husband would have loved it.

    News has been superseded with the Valencia tragedies. 

    One thing I learnt in grief, that it's ongoing. I lost my husband but many others face tragedy too and the world won't centre around my loss

    But I will keep his memory burning bright.

    Love to all and hope you have a good weekend xxx