Memory Eternal

This past Saturday was a commemoration of the departed called Saturday of Souls. We have several of these services throughout the year. I find this particular one special because it comes on the day before Judgment Sunday (or Meatfare) in which the Gospel lesson is about the Christ's Last Judgement of the earth.

It is an amazing blessing to me, and anyone else who has lost a loved one, to attend one of these services. I was not able to go this year because of Mommy duties. (It is difficult to go to even one of your favorite services when it falls in the middle of nap time!)

I was moved to tears that morning during our prayers as we "remember our departed loved ones, especially our beloved Moms." Saying these words and seeing my husband hold our beautiful daughter was almost too much to bear.

We named our little one Zoe for several reasons. First, after the Martyr Zoe who lost her life because of her unwavering faith in the Lord. Second, because "zoe" means "life" in Greek. How fitting that our first child, born exactly 9-months to the day of my own mother's death would bear the name "Life!"

Genetics are a strange and wonderful thing, and when I look at our new, little life I can see glimpses of Mom. I can't explain how strange it is to look over and see Zoe glancing at me with that slightly mischievous, 'Anne' look, like "I know something you don't know!" In those moments, I feel Mom's presence with me. I hear her saying, "Now you know how much I love you."



I love you, too, Mom.



Memory eternal, memory eternal, memory eternal!