A Wintry Tale
Life has many surprises; some known others the eyes and ears are closed to find. Many truths covered up as untruth pleases the brain, emotion encouraged and old wives' tales told. The modern day is exposing the brittle remarks made as the emotion pushes its way from the subconscious mind, the feelings having power to push the self into a quagmire of doubt and tearful supposition.
To place the point I wish to make I will take a situation and show its value as belief takes toll of the feelings one enjoys bringing to the surface. The way of passing as life is lost and many people feel they have to be morbid whilst often hiding the gladness relief could show to be present.
A pattern of the ways of men and the outcome where truth resides.
"Why don't you let go?"
A lady lay sick a number of years, gradually her life was ebbing away. Her husband nursing her was finding grave difficulty and relief was needed, though to please no one mentioned the fact.
When rising and sitting by her side I had a vision of the dear soul hanging on to the doorframe but would not let go.
I said quietly, "Why don't you let go?"
Her answer came strongly, "What would happen to Father if I did?" I had to remind her that for some nights he had not been to bed and was exhausted. At that a few days later she let go and passed quietly away.
The family living in various parts were all notified and one who rather liked being seen to help hurried to the bedside to prepare the body. It was said, had I myself come I would have been of great help. I did not think so; knowing people I felt sure my need was in a different way. I went shopping for food, knowing that sad or happy people still need food, but no one else thought of that.
On arrival I was politely reprimanded. I felt however that I would not have been appreciated in doing anything other than that which was really necessary. All were in sombre clothes except myself; it was midsummer and complaints of the heat made me say, "Why on earth you all came dressed as if it were winter, I'll never know." There were some giggles at what I said and some began to take off top clothing, while others clung to the fact that death meant darkness and all had to be obedient.
Drawing people back to earth
The doctor having been, food was talked about, all conversing with each other for having forgotten that hunger needs to be assuaged. I suggested the table be laid in the garden, no room for all to sit down in the house. I had on a bright summer dress and some remarks could have brought emotions to spoil the day. I laughed and said, "How many of you read the Bible, or is it you like people to know you are sad? You are not really sad, are you? And the clothing gives no feeling of sadness, only the following of the niceties of earth."
It is said in the Bible that one should be sad for the babe that is born; the hell of earth having to be lived in does not always give happiness to the little one, but to the parents it may do. Happiness on behalf of one passed away will allow the new life to be a happy experience and one should be glad that all pain is finished. Drawing people back to earth has brought many back, but as no one can see them it is most unhappy for them. They also may see a different picture to the love they thought they had had.
I said, "Go and put your cricket things on," and most took my advice; they all loved cricket and the whites so clean and refreshing.
The table looking inviting all sat down and enjoyed the meal with a relaxed and much lighter feeling; laughter was very evident as all cleared the table and set chairs ready to encourage friendship and chatter.
A loving family can always come together at a funeral
The woman next door looking on called and shouted loudly that we were profaning her neighbour. She was soon quieted when she was told that her idea of sadness was not right, "The lady wants happiness, she can only get it if all bless her with happiness and don't draw her back to discomfort."
"I've never looked at it in that way before," she said. All laughed at her woeful face but she cheered up when offered a cup of tea.
"What happens to her?" the neighbour whispered to me.
"She no doubt will join the party her relatives will have arranged for her, so she will be happy if we are. There is a large family over there and she will probably be surprised at how many there will be to welcome her, even her little dog that she loved so dearly that was always with her."
"Really!" was her short answer. "Do you think the same would happen to me? I lost my Mum and Dad when I was young."
"Certainly, they surely know more of you than you think; aunts and uncles and cousins as well, a loving family can always come together. I should say our friend will be happier there than lying in bed here."
"What a lovely idea, thank you. I won't forget what you have said; I know some who have thought otherwise will be glad to know that."
The day at last came to an end and the daughter of the one passed said, "I was sure it would be tearful, a wintry day, but the sun has shone and we all hope Mum will have had a happy day. She had enough of rest; how happy she will be to see that flowers grow and love is still the benefit we all want to find, she will know that it is there."
What a day! It has been a joy to be here.
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