* Dedicated to the many who have passed and those of us who will forever miss them. *
Today I am THANKFUL for memories that never fade no matter how much time lapses in between. I am THANKFUL for the time spent together even though I long for one more hour. I am THANKFUL that even though I can no longer feel your touch, I will never forget what that touch feels like. I am THANKFUL for the many treasures.
All of us at some point or another have experienced the passing of a loved one and if you have not, count yourself lucky and also know that each of us at some point will transcend from this plain. From ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and sunrise to sunset, no matter how prepared one thinks they are, there is no way to fully grasp that moment when life… simply stops.
When the tears begin to dry, the pain lessens, and the world gets quiet is when the reflection starts to happen. That is what I am THANKFUL most for; those quiet moments, alone with thoughts and memories. The same memories that can make you cry can also make you smile. Missing that physical presence often leads to remembering those cerebral moments of laughter, happiness, and those unique encounters that only you shared. I am THANKFUL that I was blessed with the time I was given. Time is one of those things that waits for no one and you cannot retrieve after it is gone, so use it wisely and cherish each second for no man knows the day or the hour.
I am THANKFUL for my many angels and although that thought is sometimes debilitating, I rest assured that they are no linger suffering, in pain, or being affected by the ills of this world. I am THANKFUL knowing they are at peace. I am THANKFUL knowing they now watch over me daily and will and can move mountains on my behalf. I am THANKFUL that because of them, because of who they were, because of how they lived their lives, and because of how they loved me, I am the better for it. I am THANKFUL that a legacy and tradition was established and now I have a blueprint to follow. I am THANKFUL most of all because God’s promise reigns supreme and I know when that day comes, we will be reunited once again.
So today I am THANKFUL for my predecessors, those that have gone on ahead of me and paved the way for me. I am THANKFUL because of you and all that you were and are, I can still hold my head, look toward Heaven, and even when a tear falls, still smile. Thank you for loving me and literally giving your lives for us all.
“Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew: 25:23 KJV)
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” ~ Author Unknown
Death is not the end. Death can never be the end. Death is the road. Life is the traveler. The soul is the guide.”
~ Sri Chinmoy