C.S Lewis was a famous writer who wrote over thirty books in his lifetime. The most famous of his books is ‘The Chronicles of Naria’. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. His Christian faith really influenced his work and his writings. His wife’s name was Joy and she died from cancer at the very young age of forty five. It was a massive blow for C.S Lewis. In one of his books, ‘A Grief Observed’, he said: “The death of a beloved is an amputation.” You can feel the massive loss his wife Joy was to him. He had lost his soulmate.

Whether recently or going back the years we still miss our loved ones deeply. Yes we remember them at different times of the year and if we are honest they are always in our thoughts. But at the start of November we create our own sacred spaces and we remember in love our loved ones who have died.

Many people will visit a cemetery during this month of November. It is not an empty or meaningless task. It’s always good to remember those who have died. Our belief is that death is not an end but a beginning for the soul or spirit of the person who has died. Our belief is that our loved ones who have died are still near us but not physically with us. They now live in eternal light and love.

Trying to put this into words is never easy and all we can humbly do is to try. It is also a time of year to be kind and gentle to yourself too. Like C.S Lewis felt in losing his wife Joy, the loss of a loved one is hugely significant. It is lots of small steps as we try and adjust our lives around our loss. This can take a long time. It is so important that we are kind and gentle to ourselves and to other members of our family who are grieving. November may be a dreary month but it can also be a gentle month of healing especially as we remember those who have died.

The old Irish prayer seems most appropriate at this time: “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, May perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.” Amen