> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://emilymorter.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Our beloved dead - URL: https://emilymorter.com/our-beloved-dead/ - Published: 2024-05-07T22:00:24.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-14T04:44:05.000Z - Description: the last harvest, remembrance, honouring Sally, anniversary, restorative rituals - Author: Emily Morter - Tags: Writing May 2024 0:00 /340.822494 1× We have reached the mid point between autumn equinox and winter solstice here in Melbourne. Known as Samhain or Halloween, this is the last harvest festival before winter. A time of bonfires and composting and turning over the soil for fallowing. I think about this in relation to my thoughts, habits and relationships, more than my actual garden. But the wonderful thing about seasons is they are happening all around us and within us, showing us nature’s way, if we take the time to notice. Traditionally, it was believed that the dead return to the world of the living on All Hallows Eve. In my modern life there is not much space for haunting or wandering the darkness and getting up to mischief. Instead, I use this time of misty mornings and early darkness to draw inwards and **honour our beloved dead.** Just as collectively we gather to lay rosemary wreaths and say *lest we forget* at ANZAC day, we can personally practice remembrance at home… by wearing their jewellery, using their words, practicing the skills they taught us, cooking their favourite foods and setting a place for them at the table. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/fbc41592-ebde-4c2a-8358-9b9a6e5e3907_2830x3569-jpeg.jpg) Wearing Sally’s ring to honour her, April 2024 Thoughts of remembrance and mortality have been even closer for me… this April, I helped a client find ease and peace within her body in the months, weeks, days and hours leading to her death. Her journey to die with dignity and autonomy through the VAD ([voluntary assisted dying](https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/general-information-about-voluntary-assisted-dying?ref=emilymorter.com)) process was long and required persistence and determination. When the paperwork was finally approved, she was steady and serene. It was incredible to witness her make her own choices every step of the way from there. Waves of family, friends and carers came to visit, surrounding her with love. Things that needed to be said, were said. Precious belongings were gifted to each intended person. She planned every detail of her ‘afterparty’, intentionally choosing the words, music, photographs, flowers, candles, cakes and champagne. So the funeral felt like a sensory hug from her, to comfort those left behind. Each person at her life celebration was given the chance to speak from the heart. These are my words (articulated a little more fully now in writing): > *Sally, you were such a gift in my life.* > > *We shared a love of fluid thinking. You inspired me with your deep dives into astrology, red light therapy, past lives, healing with sound, colour, scent and subtle energies. And your stories of glorious choral concerts, driving through summer nights with the roof down, of parties and spiritual retreats, and untangling karma with various people.* > > *I know you collected other thoughtful, spiritual people - I met many of them at your afterparty. You never stopped being curious about our shared humanity. I aspire to stay that open to Life, for the rest of my life.* > > *Thank you for being a kindred spirit across time and generations. I will continue to live your values and the lessons of the heart you taught me. Always.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/a7edb4ee-950c-410b-8a07-9053bccc5222_1441x1533-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/5fd382e3-a23c-4499-aa39-f3b8dbb30219_2804x2630-jpeg.jpg) May 2024 and May 2012 Happy 12th Anniversary to us! Each year, we take a moment to honour our beloved past selves… it can be hard to feel the passage of time slipping by. So this remembrance helps us feel how the layers of experience, time, connection, miscommunication, reunion and joy, create a richer and deeper relationship. I would not be who I am without this partnership. May it continue to shape us both for many years to come. [Restoring the Ib](https://www.livingevents.info/restoringtheib.html?ref=emilymorter.com) I will be one of the support women at these restorative rituals in June, August and October. If you would like to nurture your mind, heart and soul, or simply feel held, please consider joining one of the days. They are open to anyone. Contact me directly if you would like a spot but can’t afford it. I have some money from my pay-it-forward clients to pay for a place. *Love and blessings to you all; be fearless\**, Emily \*these were Sally’s final words to us [Subscribe](#/portal/signup)