Last week, my assistant director, my right hand, my friend Beverly passed away unexpectedly. It has given me great comfort to know that she passed peacefully in her sleep and did not feel pain. Her faith in God has also provided comfort. Many people question my beliefs simply because I am not a Christian. They do not realize that just because I do not go to church and I don't call God by the same name that they do, that doesn't mean I do not believe. Beverly has begun the next part of her incredible journey and, as painful as it is, those of us who knew her must move on. I know that, for myself, it will be a long time before I'm ready to move on. Selfish as it may sound, I'm not quite ready to say good-bye. I cherish the last week that Beverly and I had working together. We laughed and cut up, enjoying the work and the fellowship that working side by side in a small office affords.
Beverly knew that how much I respected, relied on, and cared for her. However, in these past few days, I've spent a great deal of time reflecting on my life and know that some changes are needed. The first, and perhaps, most important is that I will not take for granted those people I care for. I will not assume that they know how I feel about them. I will tell them and show them in as many ways as I can.
Please take the time to tell those people that you care for in your own lives how important they are to you. You never know when the next joke or hug or smile will be the last.
"Into The West"
by Annie Lennox
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say: «We have come now to the end»
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West
3 comments:
Interesting song you chose. And interesting that this post is the Tuesday before St. Pat's, America's recognition of my people.
Going "into the west" is a concept deeply rooted in the Irish psyche--an archetype, I'd say. If you have a chance this weekend rent the movie "Into the West" with Ellen Barkin and Gabriel Byrne. It is a fascinating exploration of death and Irish pagan traditions.
Somehow that seems appropriate now.
Love you.
Honestly...I had never put together the song and anything Irish. It's very cool to know that there is a connection though.
Into The West was featured in the closing credits of LOTR: Return of the King. It was,I thought, simply about the Elven trek out of Middle-Earth. Gandalf spoke of the far distant shore as the next part of the journey...death isn't the end but the beginning of something else.
I'll check out that movie.
Love you too!
D.
Doug,
I will take this time to say "thank you" for being you. Thank you for all the extra miles you have traveled in order to assist, not only me, but so many other students. I am grateful for you, and I want you to know.
I personally believe that every human being is a beloved child of the Holy, no matter what one chooses to call the Holy. It is absurd to quarrel over mere semantics. This thing we call life is too fragile and too short to waste time bickering over trivial matters. I, for one, do not disount your spirituality simply because it may differ from some mainstream system of viewing God and/or the world.
We are enriched through our experience in diversity.
Warm thoughts to you my friend,
Greg
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