The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #59513 Message #948947
Posted By: open mike
08-May-03 - 06:09 PM
Thread Name: Obit: my father, Neil Linebaugh
Subject: RE: Obit: my father, Neil Linebaugh
I too lost my father, about a year ago,
but like yours, for years he was trapped in a body
which it was a relief to be released from
Treasure your memories, and
cherish the times you had with him. Grieving
comes in all different forms. I remember
reading this in a Ram Dass book when I was
processing my parents' deaths:
leaving your body is like taking off a tight shoe.
it is a welcomed relief.
then i found this poem in my mothers' effects:
THEY SOFTLY WALK
They are not gone who pass
Beyond the clasp of the hand,
Out from the strong embrace.
They are but come so close
We need not grope with hands,
Nor look to see, nor try
To catch the sound of feet.
Tehy have put off their shoes
Softly to walk by day
Within our thoughts, to tread
At night our dream-led paths
Of sleep.
They are not lost who find
The sunset gate, the goal
Of all their faithful years.
Not lost are they who reach
The summit of their climb,
The peak above the clouds
And storms. They are not lost
Who find the light of sun
And stars..and God!
The are not dead who live In
hearts they leave behind.
In those whom they have blessed
They live again,
And shall live throught the years
Of eternal live, and grow
Each day more beautifuyl
As time declares theur good,
Forgets the rest and proves
Their immortality.
-Hugh Robert Orr
this may not fit your situation,
but i found it overwhelming to
see that the image of taking off shoes
followed thru both the passages.\
You will find that may happen to you too.
that reminders will come to you.