Will it may sound rather odd to enjoy visiting a cemetery, there can be great peace there. I guess for me it began as a child. We often would go to visit the graves of family members and place flowers at the sites. I always thought it was neat to see my mom and dad lug the flowers from the car along with their garden tools. We’d walk along and read the inscriptions on the tombs and notice the decorations. There was a sense of pride in taking of the graves and a time for silent prayer. We’d learn funny or kindnesses about the people buried there. I think it gave us an identity of sorts.
When it came to learning to drive, Dad would take us to the Cemetery where my grandparents are buried. We’d practice making turns, backing up between garbage barrels, and driving around. I don’t live in that area anymore, but I still recall the layout of the cemetery in my head. 
When we have a physical death in our families, it is a time of loss for sure. The person we are parting from has moved on and we are left alone. There is an emptiness and unrest for those of us who have to carry on all the business and decisions alone. We are often surrounded by our family or friends, but the person who has died can no longer share in decisions, conversations, or memories. That is the hardest part.
The finality and loss of the person influencing our life becomes so real as time goes forward. Knowing we will all die at some point keeps us kind, open, and sympathetic to one another. We offer our respects, we remember those who pass in prayer, and hopefully we reach out to those grieving with invitations and kindness.
As we approach the Holidays, think about those who are alone and how you can reach out to them. How can you be a source of comfort? How can a simple gesture or action bring out the best in you and the joy in another person?
One simple step can put you on the escalator of success in helping others go forward and heal from a loss. Please take that step forward. You will be glad you did and the person who receives the kindness will have a good day.