Dear Friend,

Yesterday we observed my Aunt's six month memorial. I dressed in black to mourn my Aunt and wore the cross that she left for me.

I went to the bakery in the morning to pick up the holy bread. Another loaf will be made for Sunday's service. Then I went up the the grave site to ready it for our graveside memorial in the evening. I washed the marble and filled her lantern with olive oil. I need to feel useful when I'm sad. When my Aunt died in January, we were already scheduled to come and say goodbye. We were two days late. That still weights heavily on me. She knew we were coming and held on as long as she could. Her neighbors, our friends and family here said she was waiting for us... one of those details that both comforts and saddens.

We headed up to the grave site as a small group of family and close friends along with the priest. We lit candles for my Aunt and lit her lantern and incense. Father Michael read scripture, prayed and sang... his deep resonating voice floating up into the mountains behind us. We cut the bread and each took a piece. We walked slowly back to the house down a quiet path lined with olive trees. It was a fitting way to reflect.

XOXO,

Karen June

P.S. The church bells tolled this morning for the death of a family member, so tomorrow I will go to the funeral and then we head to Athens for the night to see Caroline off. I will write again on Sunday.