IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
Alex Eduque
Slowly, but surely, the economy is opening up. Restrictions are being modified, if not lifted. To some extent, we are going back to some semblance of normalcy. Halloween season is about us. That means, All Saints and All Souls Day too. But many traditions this year will be practiced quite differently, if at all. For one, cemeteries will be closed and there will be no trick or treating in villages. Traveling is still limited to local and chosen international destinations for the most part. What we must realize however, is that these rules put in place for precaution and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 do not and should not prevent us at all from spending time with our families. After all, this may in fact force us to bask in, and realize the true reason for the season.
As a family, we can still find a way to gather – either in our homes in small groups, or virtually via Zoom – to pray for our beloved departed, and reminisce on our yesteryears with those who have gone ahead of us. Although we may be unable to physically visit them in their resting place, this does not prevent us from celebrating their memory and the legacies they have left behind. We can most definitely visit them when the situation permits at another time. If anything, they are the ones who will understand. Now is the time to read between the lines and see between the cracks. What is the circumstance trying to instill and impart in us? What is the greater meaning in all of this?
Perhaps it is to make us reflect on the notion that the ghouls, the cutesy ghosts, the carving of pumpkins, chocolates and candies are just sugar coating of the holiday. It is to give the children (and kids at heart alike) another festivity to look forward to. That the real meaning behind all of it truly is to take a pause from our everyday lives, and to pray in solitude for the souls of those who have gone before us. To give time to them even if they are no longer physically present here on earth. It perhaps lends a different meaning and emphasizes to us what “forever in our hearts” should entail, and gives us the chance to delve deep into the reason their memory merits that very special place in our lives, minds, and hearts. It is not the time to drown in sweets, to revel in Halloween parties or play some tricks. The pandemic that continues to loom about reminds us of what truly and should matter in the grander scheme of things.
So for now, I guess the scarecrows will take a break, as will the witches and the friendly looking ghosts. Perhaps not many pumpkins will be carved, and skeletons will stay in the closet. Money will not be spent for one-time-use extravagant costumes because really, at this time, it should be channeled elsewhere – to those in need, and to the essentials we have identified in life. If there is one thing this pandemic has also taught us, it is the importance of saving for a rainy day. And in the absence of that, how to make the most out of our every day – not to take any moment, anyone, or anything for granted – because life is a gift. One we must celebrate regardless of the situation and the circumstance. Every new day brings about new opportunities. The determination, the resilience, and the mindset to take those chances and risk should withstand and go beyond any pandemic. After all, we only have one life to live so we might as well live it well and in the way we wish. Carpe Diem!