All Saints Day

Someone once described saints as 

"figures from the Christian past  

whose lives have been insufficiently researched." 

 I don't need research for these folks. 

I know many, though not all, of their stories. 

(Do we ever truly know all of someones stories?) 

None of them were saints 

in the way the world thinks of saints

as being 'holier than thou'.

 

They had feet of clay,

lives with secrets - 

most often masking pain - 

and the same everyday struggles 

we all have.

I loved each one;

not with a 'perfect' love,

but the kind of love that

stretches,

shapes,

molds

and morphs

your view of yourself

and reality

forever.

I was wounded by some, 

loved unconditionally by others

and changed by all.

Their influence in my life hasn't ceased 

simply because their breathing has.

Not a day goes by 

when they don't cross my mind;

not a week goes by 

without seeing some sign 

which reminds me 

they're still around.

I trust they're in a better realm of reality.

I pray I'll share space with them again,

when all things 

are restored to a wholeness

this world cannot provide.

I wouldn't change my relationship with any of them.

I'm grateful, 

beyond words, 

for their presence in my life.