I went to a memorial service today in honor of a dear friend who had passed away last week. It was a celebration, actually, and as I sat there and listened to the stories told of his life I wondered what he was doing and what it was like where he was now on his continued journey in a different form.
He was a prayerful man, and in the service they shared this Irish Blessing and it was as if I could hear him imparting this message to each one of us with love.
The rhythms of life are sure and true and there comes a time when our lives blend more with the spiritual than the physical and we find ourselves at a juncture to where we cross over. It’s a mystery – one that most fear.
It’s comforting to think that life doesn’t end when we die. It just picks up and continues in a different dimension invisible to our eyes still connecting us in some way. Just as Emily Dickinson said as quoted from Dr. Wayne Dyer in Wisdom Of The Ages:
And lads and girls;
Was laughter and ability and sighing,
And frocks and curls.
This passive place a summer’s nimble mansion,
Where bloom and bees
Fulfill’d their oriental circuit,
Then ceased, like these.
Everything changes in the world of form and that includes us. Part of the suffering comes from wanting to hold onto what we have and the people we love but it’s not designed that way. So, in time we learn to let go and bless the moments, things and people that come in and out of our lives. We learn to be present.
So, for now, as I bid farewell to my dear friend likewise extending to him the Irish Blessing, I’m reminded of a passage written by Kent Nerburn in Simple Truths: Clear & Gentle Guidance on the Big Issues in Life (page 109):
“When we come to the end of our journey, and the issues that so concerned us recede from us like the day before the coming night, it will be these small touches – the child we have helped, the garden we have planted, the meal we have prepared when we were too weary to do so – that will become our legacy to the universe.”
“It is a small legacy, perhaps, but a legacy nonetheless. Somewhere, between a baby’s cry and the distant brightness of a star, the mystery was alive in us for a moment. It was our privilege to feel its presence, and to have the chance to pass it on.”
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I also went to a funeral, just yesterday. I went with a friend of mine to the funeral of one of her cousins. We went with my friend’s sister and picked up two of their Aunts to go with us. We got to the funeral and just as it was starting, one of the Aunts started not feeling so well. We had to call an ambulance and spent the day in the ER instead of going to the funeral. Despite the circumstances of the funeral and the ER experience, I got to know the two Aunts and got adopted into their family. We worried, waited for the doctors and tests, prayed and laughed together and 5 women became closer through it all. It was a wonderful day of making new friends.
Hi Pat,
It’s always tough to lose a friend, family member or loved one – tough on those of us left behind, and I’m sorry for your loss.
I love the quote you shared by Kent Nerburn. That’s precious.
This has been a great post that touches on a subject most don’t like to read about, let alone write about. Kudos to you for speaking of life after death.
JEMi did a great post on death too. It was so touching, it brought tears to my eyes.
Barbara – thank you for your warm and kind comments.
Yes, writing and reading about death are not up there on the top reading lists.
But there was just something about the service that touched and stirred something within me.
I guess it was something that had to be put to words as it was one of the easiest, flowing posts I’ve written. It was amazing how it all came together.
Hopefully, it will be something that will lift or comfort someone else.
I’ll jump over to JEMi’s site and check out the post you mentioned.
Blessings,
Patricia – sounded like you were in the same frame of mind but Spirit took you in another direction where the need was greater.
Isn’t it interesting how that works out and it all flows in perfect order how it’s supposed to?
I’m glad that the Aunt was able to get the care she needed and I’m sure just you being there made all the difference in the world.
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate you.
Blessings,