Olivia had memories of her parents and grandparents taking part in the celebration and festivities, but it wasn't until this year that she had really felt the need to participate. Maybe it was her way of coping with her loss...a way to reconnect with her late husband, George, and to allow her heart to rejoice despite the sadness she felt. November 2nd was rapidly approaching and it was the first time she would actively participate in the festivities of the Day of the Dead…It had been years since she had returned to Mexico, but now seemed as appropriate as ever. The one-year anniversary of George's death was about a month away and this fact had her feeling quite emotional. Her trip to Mexico had been strategically planned so she'd be there during this time. Seeing how everyone around her looked forward to celebrating death instead of mourning it was something she wanted to feel for herself…

Growing up, she had seen her parents build altars at home for those family members and friends who had passed away. As a young girl, she didn't understand how the whole concept "worked", but she did remember that the house was always filled with a warmth and happiness every 2nd of November. It was a concept that she didn't understand until she was much older- the idea that the soul did not die and that the spirits could return to their homes and visit relatives once a year...allowing the living and the dead to co-exist for one day a year.

Olivia found herself in the flower market, her first stop in her quest to buy everything for her altar…She directed her attention to a bouquet of orange Marigolds that caught her eye. She wasn't sure why that bouquet particularly caught her attention as there were hundreds that looked just like it, but she reached for it and smiled.

***

There is no concept of time in the spiritual realm. In fact, trying to describe the spirit world is impossible unless you have actually experienced it. It is a physical nothingness. It is not rational or logical...or even comprehendible to mortals. It is however, the same place where miracles and phenomena happen.

It had never occurred to George during the entire time he was married to Olivia to celebrate the Day of the Dead. She had told him about the Mexican custom of celebrating death during the first two days of November. Although an intriguing concept, he had never really familiarized himself with it too much. Apart from what he had read about setting up altars with offerings, cleaning and decorating the gravesites and gathering with family to remember loved ones, he had never become too involved in the tradition, that is, until right now.

George wasn't sure what was happening. He had never experienced anything like it before, but he was being drawn towards a scent...the scent of a flower. It was irresistible and he gladly let it guide him. He quickly realized that as the scent got stronger, the number of spirits around him also increased. He didn't fight it though; he went right along with the others, guided by that marvelous flower. He suddenly became aware that the concept of time had returned to him, allowing him to notice he had traveled quite a distance and the trip had already taken what seemed like hours. How was this possible? The concept of time took a backseat when he realized he was beginning to feel...it wasn't what he experienced in the spirit world...these were...human feelings. He began to smile as he realized he was making his way back to Earth. He looked around him and saw the other spirits with the same excitement across their face. He called out to one who was just to his left.

"Why are we going back to Earth?" George asked. It wasn't out of fear as that was something that didn't exist, but out of curiosity.

"Someone is calling for you. Today is November 2nd- The Day of the Dead..."

'My beautiful Arias...' George thought to himself and smiled.

***

The room had remarkable warmth to it. The marigolds, which decorated the altar, let out an exquisite scent. Olivia had done a marvelous job setting up her altar for George. The simple act of setting it up had been therapeutic for her. She had placed the candles at each of the four cardinal points, displayed her favorite picture of George at the very top, and followed with some of his personal belongings on the levels below. She had spent the afternoon cooking George's favorite dish and set out a glass of water and the bread of the dead that she had bought at the corner bakery. She had chosen a playlist of George's favorite songs in order to fill the room with music he loved. She inhaled deeply and felt content as the aroma of the marigolds filled the air. She closed her eyes and smiled as she remembered her sweet George. Memories of her years with George even made her laugh softly as she recalled how funny he could be.

George had arrived. It was the intoxicating scent of the marigolds, which had initially drawn him here...and then he saw the altar his wife had set out for him. He walked to it and admired it. He inhaled and in seconds he tasted the distinct flavors of the meal that had been prepared in his honor, enjoying its spiritual essence. He focused on the bread that was laid out and tasted the sweetness of it as well. The water calmed his thirst and he chuckled when he saw another glass filled with cherry punch.

Olivia opened her eyes as she recognized the song that began playing. She knew she had not put it on the playlist.

My dark sweet lady...You really got to me...You gave me everything...I've really fallen...You came and helped me through...When I'd let go...You came from out the blue...Never have known what I'd done without you...My dark sweet lady...Your heart so close to mine...You shine so heavenly...And I love you dearly.

"You're here...." Olivia smiled