In Memory
Linda on May 6th, 2008 | Filed under From The Heart
How precious life is, and how fragile.
That was my thought as I stood by the bedside in hospice of my dear friend of over two decades, watching her body waste away from the ravages of a fatal disease.
Death changes everything and changes nothing. The grief of those left behind is exactly that – the grief that belongs to those of us who miss the person who died.
And yet, is that really the end? For those of us who believe in a Higher Power and a life after death, this is only a transition and a shifting of the energy of life here on earth into something more glorious and original.
I am not a human being with a spirit to be dabbled at will, but rather a spiritual being in a human form. I may choose to ignore that part of my responsibility in this life, only to have the same lessons over and over because I am not getting it — or I may choose to reach for more understanding and grow within, which in the long haul makes this human life much easier to live, and creates peace within myself that spreads to those around me.
For those of us who are blessed with gifts of Spirit, we understand that death of a loved one is transition into a different kind of relationship, and we have not “seen” the last of them. They are simply on the other side of this dimension, and sometimes more able to love us and help us than when they were on earth in a human body, struggling with the challenges of human life.
They have become part of the legions of angels that God sends to help us in time of need. They are nameless, because angels don’t care about names, and are connected to our souls, not just our human life as we are living it now.
Death also stimulates an awareness of what is important and what is not. Suddenly the coffers of my accumulation of money, investments, credentials, knowledge, property, and “things” of which the world at large creates status for me have become meaningless — because I don’t take any of it with me to the other side.
I am reminded that I am not defined by what I have or what I do. In this world, if I had nothing and did nothing, I would still be me and it would be OK.
My true self and soul that live in this human form are what matter. How I live my life in compassion, love, and truth is what I will take with me when it is my turn, and answer for how I have behaved. My character and honesty and how I treat others are my wealth. How I take care of myself and love myself creates the tools with which I am able to live this human form to the fullest. Following my path in faith is my assignment.
I must be present to live this moment exactly as it is given, in whatever path has been handed to me, and do the best job I am able to do. The past is gone, and the future contains no guarantees. Living in either defeats my effectiveness in the now, and I lose out on the wonders around me because my focus is not there.
I have not arrived and I am not perfect, but I continuously strive for the model of what I inwardly know is perfection in the Holy Spirit.
Today I am grateful for all with which I have been blessed. I am thankful that I breathe easily, my heart beats strong, I have enough to eat and a decent place to live, and that I have discovered loving others is way more important than what anyone thinks about me. I march to a louder drummer.
I will see this loved one again, both when I cross to the other side and also here on earth. That is part of my gifts of the Spirit, to be tuned to the subtle energies around me, and to understand that I am surrounded by angelic light. I “see” and “hear” what is given to me, and I am here to follow that, to serve, and to help others when they ask.
Rest In Peace, my friend. Your trials are over and your spirit is free to travel in the Light of God’s love.
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