Yesterday Catholic and Anglican Christians celebrated the Feast of All Hallows. And today they celebrate All Soul's Day, to commemorate and pray for the faithful departed. Although I am not Catholic (I am not even Christian, at least not in the technical sense of believing Jesus to be the Christ and my Savior; however I am deeply infused with Christian values and culture; so I am a “cultural Christian”, but not a “faith Christian”) okay, so, although I am not Catholic and not even a Christian, I find it fitting and appropriate to set apart a special day to think about our departed loved-ones.

So, earlier today, I took a little walk (you know, Germans love “spazieren gehen”). It was a beautiful late-fall day. Snow is still lying on the grass and in the fields, that came down a few days earlier. But it was mild and pleasant, and although the sun at times hid behind clouds, they were not dark, but high and white clouds, so that it was a bright, but not blinding day. And I took a walk to the cemetery to visit my father's grave.

Later this day, I also lit a candle for Heath. At home I have a little “altar” for him. Oh, not much, just a framed picture and a little candle. A friend of mine and fellow-Heathen had been to Western Australia this spring (well, it was spring up here in Europe, autumn down there in Australia), around the time of Heath's birthday. She had been to Perth and on Cottesloe Beach and brought me a muscle shell and a little vial filled with sand from the beach – smooth, white Pacific sand. I hope, one day I can be there, too. But until then this little vial is my personal piece of Perth, of Cottesloe Beach.




In can understand the Catholics. Somehow these little “rituals” helped me and did give me “a quantum of solace”. Yes, I shed some tears for Heath. But through the tears I could smile a smile of thanks. I even felt a little “sense of closure”. I felt that his spirit still lives on – through his films; through all the interviews, video-clips, pictures he had left behind in this our “media age”; – and especially through his family and friends and through all those whom he inspired and who love him. Although he didn't live all too long, he certainly did not live in vain.

So, let's pray for Heath. Let's pray for all souls. (And I am not even Christian...)

Thank you so much, Frank. You know, I'm a minister's daughter, but never was raised to know anything about All Soul's Day. You're absolutely right, it's a perfect idea. Although I pray for Heath all the time, today seems right for it.

I also have lit candles for Heath, although I'm not Catholic or Anglican... I have photos of Heath's candle in Notre Dam in Paris and Salute Church in Venice. When I get finished going through them all, I'll post them.

Thanks for the reminder about All Soul's Day. It's a perfect idea.

Where I live we also celebrate All Soul´s Day and I lit a candle for Heath..

I know what you mean Frank, and we also have all soul's day in Belgium.
I grew up in a 'catholic' family, but even my parents aren't religious.
So you could say I'm also a'cultural christian'
The traditions are still there, even though I don't believe in christ, I do believe in God.(I guess I'm more jewish in that sense lol) It makes me a better person, and gives me comfort in tragedies like Heath's death.
You said it beautifully Frank, and I will also light a candle for Heath and my grandparents.

I am Christian but not Catholic or Anglican. I do "borrow" from my Jewish, Catholic and Anglican friends and find this to be a beautiful and significant day. I love the idea of lighting a candle in someone's memory, as well as sendng a special prayer up for those who have departed. Thank you Frank. I also love the idea that you have a vial of sand from Cottlesloe Beach. That is so special and sacred.

Hi Frank, I must admit I've never heard of All Soul's Day. I grew up Catholic but excommunicated myself as a teenager (grew up in Austria). I'm not religious but I have strong beliefs. I also believe in the benefits of certain rituals and lighting candles is probably my favourite. I've lit quite a few candles for Heath in Europe and Australia...

I too, have intended to bring back a vial of sand from Cottlesloe. I don't know how I'll get it through customs, but it's coming. LOL...

Heath's beach, all over the world. But have to be careful, or Cottlesloe will be nekkid soon.

Yeah here has been all soul's day yesterday, I've grown up as a carhloc, but I'm not sure about my religion anymore,,anyway I've lit a candle in the pas t for heath ...and he's always in my thoughts..i 'm sure that if it does exist a heaven he 's there