|
Earthly Death, Eternal Existence
By Willowbei Eversole
Over the past two and one-half years, writing for Healing Garden Journal, a recurring theme of mine has been change and transition. As I write this, the end of February the beginning of March, I have just experienced the very wonderful and touching transition of my mother from this life to the next.
Earthly death is a real and constant companion throughout our physical lives, however we as a society have not found adequate ways to accept and honor death as an integral part of our eternal existence.
My mothers’ passing left me feeling both sad and happy. Although it was unexpected, it wasn’t a surprise. The passing of my mother provided me yet another opportunity to look more closely at the subject of change and transition.
My mother, a vibrant 88 year-old, had her arthritic aches and pains but they didn’t keep her from enjoying the things she loved. She was active at her church and at her apartment complex. She belonged to a china-painting club and was active in regional and state activities revolving around china painting. She still drove herself to all her activities. She was a healthy woman.
Eighteen years ago my mother-in-law passed away after a prolonged illness. There were aspects of that time that were a blessing and aspects that were very trying. We did have more time to anticipate and accept her transition from this earthly life. When she passed her children and their spouses were by her bedside for the blessed event. There was great beauty, wonder and power in that moment.
My mother chose a different path. Thursday afternoon she played bingo with a group at her apartment complex. Friday morning my brother took her to the hospital. Saturday afternoon my wife and I visited with her. She was spirited, alive, peaceful, gentle and tranquil. She was at ease with herself and her relationship to all life. Later that evening she made her transition.
As I look back on her activities over the past month I have come to believe she spent that time saying goodbye to those she loved. Our visit with her the Saturday she died and my brother’s time with her the previous day are clear examples of that. In speaking with others that loved her and were in her life, I can see that she had been present with them in a different way over the last few weeks of her life.
Over the years, my personal journey and the changes inherent in that journey, have offered me many wonderful growth opportunities. I have come to appreciate just how much control we really have in our lives. My mother clearly made her own decision to transition in her own time and in her own way. I am grateful for this gift.
I thank her for being part of my earthly life and for showing me just how peaceful, loving and gentle the transition from one life to the next can be. I feel that this telling of her passing honors her courageous spirit.
I say a loving thank you to my mother for giving me this opportunity to expand my appreciation for the wonder of change and transition in my own life. I also thank her for being present with me as I write this.
May we open our hearts, minds, souls and spirits to the wonder of life eternal. May we find ways to honor the wonder and the joy of the transition that is earthly death as much as we honor the wonder and joy of earthly birth.
As we transition from the wonder of spring to the vibrance of summer let us hold in our hearts the wonder, the beauty, the power, the richness and the aliveness of a Universe that is ever supportive and eternal.
In silent prayer I stand
a lone guardian watching
over your gravestone
can you see the light
In the blink of an eye
you pass before me
waking to another world
waking to your home
I look upon your memory and smile
my job complete
Death Becomes Small
Death becomes small in my eyes
in a vision beyond seeing
I welcome the holy transition
as a child welcomes a mother
death becomes small in my eyes
as I approach its sacred door
there is a sureness in my heart
there is a peace in my soul
awaiting me on the other side
is an adventure of great worth
my spirit knows without a doubt
life exists for all time
I am not here
to sing your holy praises
I am not here
to bind you to this earth
I am not here
wishing you had stayed longer
in this world of limitation
I am not here
to cover up for you
or cry tears of sorrow
I stand beside your mortal grave
in honor of your sacred time with us
in honor of your free choice
in honor of your journey home
that you may bask in the light of eternity
My presence well known
Holy guardian of death
I stand by your side
I see you on your way
I comfort those who stay
Waves of peace moving within
overcome weak-minded disbelief
this physical world
pretends to accept
my ancient soul whispers
through time
brings forward wisdom
not all together unknown
by me
a time of remembering
a time of great hope
called forward
a time of expectation
a time of realization
a time of Oneness
Savoring the memory that is life
the magic that is death
the wonder that is transition
the glory that is understanding
the beauty that is connection
the peace that is letting go
I honor your sacred journey
your shift to another level of knowing
your continuation of life eternal
I sing a song of joy for you
and
for myself
My spirit, ready to soar
held back only by
my false sense of limitation
surrendering to the Truth
of my soul
I embrace Universal Oneness
a gentle wind to soar upon
Effortlessly
I tumble through
a passage of light
once seen only in shadow
lost in my falling
sinking
sliding
surrender
my soul opens to the beauty
known previously only
through dreams of Oneness
my feet dance a rhythm
unheard by my ears
I face myself with courage
fall willingly into the mystery
seeking nothing buy myself
For more than forty years, Willowbei Eversole has been thinking and writing about the spiritual journey (his and others). He has self-published two books of poetry and a book of essays. A CD containing over 70 of his poems is also available. For more information contact him: ObeiLet@aol.com or PO Box 7002, Huntington Woods, MI 48070-7002. Willowbei is available for poetry readings or book signings. |
