November: From Mourning to Dancing
Make-up and Styling: Arielle Alvarado (Me)
Photography: James Elij San Andres (jamessandresphotography.blogspot.com)
The month of November is characterized mostly by All Souls' Day. It is the time of year that commemorates the passing of loved ones, and one that can be sorrowful for many. As the day is spent revisiting the memories of people who had significantly touched our lives by sharing old stories and offering flowers; there is that sting that is felt by the heart as the feelings of mourning and loss are rekindled once again.
Death and loss, grief and sorrow, and everything else in between. These are situations and emotions that can really crush the spirit -- tear the soul in half and leave it quite empty; and what is worse is that no matter how much time has passed, there is something inside that is not the same again.
What people fail to remember about November is that although it begins with a solemn holiday, it ends with Thanksgiving -- a time when family gathers to celebrate just simply being together and all of the blessings throughout the year are shared over a simple dinner. It is a night of acknowledging all that has past and all that is to come, and recognizing the good in between all of the bad.
Sadly, not many celebrate Thanksgiving; and yes, it is such an irony to have two very contrasting holidays celebrated on the same month -- but, this is exactly what people fail to realize: that there is always the light at the end of the tunnel, that there is a reason for everything that had to happen, that there is always something to hope and live for despite the trials the heart has difficulty coping with and understanding.
Acknowledging the gift of the present. To not dwell in the past. And to hope for a brighter and better tomorrow. These are the gifts that my friend (more of like a little sister I never had), Viel Eugenio, has shared with me in the few short years that I have known her.
Viel is a woman who is spot-on about almost everything; she is very organized, she enjoys being involved in the community especially when it involves her talents in dancing ballet and in playing the piano (very flawlessly, I might add), and she is ever so graceful and poised (she puts me to shame, at times, haha!).
She is probably one of the most respectful girls I know, and also one of the kindest and pure of heart -- someone that if I could, I would keep her safe from the harshness of the world. She is as delicate as a porcelain doll and as beautiful as one, too; but what is most captivating about Viel is that she has a light that shines through her despite gloomy days and feelings of despair that may overwhelm her at times. She reminds you that there are people in this world who are truly good and genuinely loving and gentle, and in general, someone who contributes to making this world a better place -- that glimmer of hope in a world that is dark and filled with despair.
Although November has passed, let us all be reminded to try to focus on the all the good things and people in our lives and appreciate their existence. Let us not dwell on past hurts and lost dreams and grief.. but instead face the future with hearts filled with thanksgiving, acknowledging that the world is an evil place, but choosing to fight it instead with goodness and optimism.
After all, the season of love and hope follows November.. coincidence? I think not. :)
To my friend, Viel, continue to be a light that shines amidst the darkness. :) Continue to inspire people just like you inspire me to be a better person.. to give me a reason to believe that the world is still worth praying and fighting for. :)
And most importantly, to continue to serve as an example of how God can truly turn mourning into dancing again just by being present in our lives and in our hearts; that despite the questions we may never get answers to and the desperation we feel to search for the missing link.. He will be enough to get us through. :)
" 'Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow,' declares the Lord."
(Jeremiah 31:13 and 14b)
