...awakening...

How many feet and inches below, she doesn’t really remember; it doesn’t matter anymore. Nearly a quarter of a century has come and gone; no mound of soil remains to whisper what happened; to speak words left unsaid. All is settled to even and grown over with blades of green. The place seems as any other patch of earth, except for the rectangular stone; engraved with small hands folded in prayer, roses in full bloom wrapped in a bouquet…a few numbers and words. Words: what do they mean? What do they say? Sometimes everything. Sometimes nothing at all. The words on this stone mean she is remembered by some; forgotten by most. The words tell who she was; who she is...but not who she might've been... Written words…inscribed to speak the words a grieving mother would tell any who pass thereby: she was here…she’s gone. Standing over that small piece of earth, where under is cradled the eternally sleeping remains; she remembers the warmth and scent of a small, wriggly body. She remembers…how can she but? Oh, how the many years have flown…and how they've crept slowly. Her eyes turn to the sweet young daughter with sunshine in her hair and the summertime sky in her eyes; how full can one heart swell? No sorrow for loss hides in those eyes; only a hint of understanding for what came and went before she arrived. Standing close beside her now is one with eyes that see her unshed tears and ears that hear her silent weeping. A moment before, she was standing alone. From Compassion; from Friendship comes now an arm of love and tenderness, reaching into her silent reverie; gathering her in; gathering her toward warmth and strength. A second arm embraces Sunshine-hair and Summertime-eyes. Now, three are one. Two strong arms binding together and holding close. Now, we are love and companionship; we are safe and home. “Let’s have a moment of silence to honor the memory of Heather.” We do. I was outside myself. I was alone, looking into myself as one watching through a dirty window. Suddenly I’m encircled about in the arms of love. I’ve been awakened. I know what life can be. I know what love is supposed to be: friendship and trust, kindness and true charity. Filled with gratitude and relief, I weep. I turn my face to look into the eyes of my best friend…my friend is weeping with me. I feel grateful. I feel comfort; peace. We are harmony. We belong here; standing together. All is well. Sometimes it takes death to awaken to life what must be; what should be; what can be, if we will allow it. Every tear shed is worth the joy of living. Thank the God of Heaven and Earth for the lessons of yesterday and the many gifts today has given. Even more, I thank Him for the promise of tomorrow’s rising sun. So much life yet to live! Let us live it well...