A Toast to My Father on All Souls’ Day

Remembering the dearly departed on the first day of November

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It’s All Souls’ Day, and yet, here I am, engaging in a senseless banter with this intoxicated gossiper. As a consequence of the deafening balderdash among the event attendees, I struggle to offer my thoughts and prayers for my beloved father, who passed away over three decades ago.

While the noise grew louder, I retreated from the crowd in search of a special place to honor him.

Every year, even though we’re miles away from each other, my sister, mother, and I celebrate him on the 1st and 2nd of November.

In a corner that was dark and quiet, I lifted my glass and said,

“Here’s to you, pop. I’d heard how much you liked your drinks. Apparently, it’s one of the things you and I have in common. If you can hear me, please know that you are never forgotten. You will always be in my heart. I will always love you.”

Yesterday, my mother called and told me about their prayer meeting at her house. She talked about the hymns they sang and the excellent sermon delivered by her pastor.

She also mentioned the food they had prepared and shared after all the departed loved ones were named in their prayers. My father’s name was amongst those…