Some “Day After” Thoughts

Sun, Jan. 17, 1999, 3:14 PM
Jared’s Room, Ben Lomond

It may seem, o son, that you should be taking part in the family conversations on this “day after”, but, importantly, I want you to realize and affirm that these Teachings should be a “priority”, and not just something “to do” if you have nothing else pressing.  Some of what you were hearing was worthwhile, but “a lot” was of little import to you.  You still need to assess priorities in your life.

This has been a memorable event in your life, and the life of your family.  The sudden death of Michael (he really doesn’t seem to be “deacon Michael” to you), your second son, was unlikely, considering his health, vigor, and life style.  And then the death certificate tells another story… that given the condition of his heart the premature death was almost inevitable.  The larger lesson is that in this earth scene very little is absolutely certain… the “real” and the mystical are intertwined, affecting one another.

Michael was a fine, Christian man, and it was fulfilling to hear, from many, of how he was appreciated and valued.  And, you’re right, there is some “honor” in dying while many folk, in different “settings’, lament the passing and show this regard in many ways.  And you wonder if he really did have a choice – between going on (as he did) or living on in a weakened, even invalid, condition – and chose not to be someone whom he couldn’t, personally, accept.  I won’t give you an answer (and I could), but it is a legitimate, appropriate “wonder”.

You feel more and more sure that, in your stage of earth life, if you had such a choice you would opt to move on.  Oh, you are important to Lenore, but she has little “natural” appreciation of weakness.  You observe the weakened condition of your brother-in-law, Bob, and you note that both you and Lenore are uncomfortable in relating to him, as he is.  It is a spiritual challenge for Joyce, and she is meeting it in some more than adequate ways.  Is this a karmic experience?  Just assume that it is… even for both of them?  It is possible, even probable, that Wendy would have more trouble with a “Bob-like” Michael than with him gone, but with strength.  (What would the Michael unable to give bear hugs be like?  And what would a comparable you be like?  Hmmm.)  Live life fully and vigorously, for what is left of it.  Be cautious… about being too cautious.