Tears and Tattoos

Another sweet soul has shuffled off this plane of existence to return to his Source. One of my daughter's friends as well as an occasional visitor to our home made his transition this past Saturday night as he slept.  Over the last six months, quite a few young souls living in Kirkwood have left as a result of illness, suicide, murder or just not waking up.  We ask why? And we cry.  This last loss has a group of young people suffering a great deal and clinging to memories and each other.  And the question is being asked why? why? why?

The last few books I've been reading have been about what we call death.  Proof of Heaven  by Eben Alexander III, M.D. tells about his Near Death Experience.  As a neurosurgeon and scientist, he is able to scientifically prove that what happened was real and not just chemical reactions within the body.  An interesting and reassuring accounting of what is to come once this body temple is no longer of service.  

Another book I am currently reading is If You Could See What I See  by Sylvia Browne.  In this book, she discusses the contracts we make as souls preparing to enter this plane of existence.  This concept certainly explains why bad things happen to good people and why a sudden exit happens to some people.  Browne believes that we have chosen Planet Earth as our "school" since it is one of the most difficult schools around and our soul progression will be hastened.  

The concepts in these books can be some consolation to those grieving the loss of a loved one or questioning why 19 firefighters die in a fire as they are attempting to assist the citizens they serve; however, the loss is still real. No longer do we have a body to hug or a friend to laugh at our jokes. 

Throughout my life, even as a young child, I never really worried about what happens when one dies. The belief that there was something more has always resonated deep within. I have missed people though. And there are a few people who I still expect to show up at my door or at social functions even though they moved on a long time ago. Occasionally, I feel the presence of someone who has been special in my life. Maybe this is my imagination or wishful thinking, but I think not. Too often we negate that which is true. 

With all this being said, I must now touch on the tattoos part of my title. After the tears, a lot of people feel it is important to get a tattoo to remember the soul who has moved on. I have nothing against tattoos; however, I wonder if there isn't another way to honor the memory of a loved one. How about dedicating some time to serve another hurting soul by visiting a nursing home, or helping a neighbor with work they are unable to do, or paying for the purchase of the person in the car behind you at MickeyD's. Even a smile to a stranger might  make all the difference in their day. And, please, if someone asks if you are okay during a time of despair and grieving, give thanks that they are concerned instead of being angry. Be happy that someone cares enough to ask.

The death of a body is part of life.  The soul does not die. What really happens after a soul leaves its body temple is part of the great mystery of life. Some day we will all take that final voyage and the mystery will be over. Until then, live each day fully. Love, laugh, dance, express joy and goodness. That's what life is all about.

And to Josh, I say 

Bon Voyage!
You are loved and missed!

Namaste,

Mareda