A Filipino Tradition

Flowers on every grave at the Loyola Memorial Park

Every 1st and 2nd day of November, we Filipinos honor our dearly departed. It is a tradition that shows how much we love and respect those who have gone before us.

Earlier this morning, as I was looking for a pretty flower bouquet to take to my father's grave, I heard a voice inside my head saying.. "Don't spend your money on flowers for me. Feed a hungry child instead." All I could think of is "Daddy, is that you?"

I will be going to the cemetery tomorrow. I will still bring flowers, but I will remember to feed a hungry child, just as I was instructed.

Sharing this poem with you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

by Mary Elizabeth Frye (1932)

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

Missing you Daddy.

My daddy