Remembering is Part of Healing
The 11th of December 2009 will mark 10 years since I lost a part of my heart, my brother Lui. As I type this, I can hear my Mother’s voice as she delivered the news to me over the phone. As I type this, I recall the words of my dear friend Jan in an email, “Oh Neen, I almost want to ask…are you sure?” As I type this, I can hear his laughter as if he’s only down the hall in his bedroom. As I type this I am reminded, remembering is part of healing.
It is one way that we can express our gratitude for the past while looking towards a brighter future.
I have been invited to the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach this Memorial Day. Lantern Floating or toro nagashi is a Japanese ceremony in which participants launch paper lanterns taking with them healing prayers. The ceremony will be led by the spiritual head of Shinnyo-en, Her Holiness Keishu Shinso. Although a Buddhist practice, organizers and the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order welcome all faiths.
I haven’t decided if I will participate in this ceremony, but if your spirit is inclined I encourage you to go. I have accepted that I will never regain what I have lost, but my faith teaches me that it’s only temporary. For now, through my stories, through my memories; remembering is part of healing.
I wish everyone a reflective Memorial Day.
