Death and the After-Life

Due to caring for an ill loved one I have not been able to write for some time….

There are many times in life when it seems we have little or no control over our destiny and that of our loved ones and acquaintances. A loved one receives a terminal diagnosis

and you are stunned by the implications. This is someone that interacts with you and affects your life directly. The person has cancer and you storm the heavens with prayers asking God to heal that person. The person does not get better physically necessarily (although this can happen) but learns to accept their situation. I witnessed this transformation before my eyes. Naturally, the loved one wanted to live on but miraculously accepted her terminal illness. God supported her in her trial as her faith grew enormously! She gave her family strength through her courage. She even had visions of the after-life. When this person’s husband heard about these “imaginings” he simply said his wife must be dreaming. However, she assured her spouse that these images of heaven were real. She knew they were real.

My loved one was reluctant to tell others outside the family believing that others would interpret her experiences as being fantastical. Today this woman’s testimony remains the most solid evidence for us personally about life after death. Because of this experience the woman felt that her mission on earth was accomplished. She also felt she was unworthy of such a unique experience but I can attest she was a very loving person. Alas, God notices as Mother Teresa would say, to perform small acts of service with love. For example, if you give someone a cup of tea solely to make them feel better, then it is being done with the right intention. Probably one of the most moving scenes in the Charlton Heston movie of Ben Hur is when the protagonist gives the cross-bearing Jesus, a cup of cold water.  Earlier when Ben Hur had lost the will to live, Jesus lovingly provides water to the despondent, galley slave. Jesus of course uses his entire life unselfishly loving others. For me I sought out and was consoled by Jean Vanier who listened to my tale of woe and sense of helplessness. He assured me that the family should continue to love the dying person to the best of our abilities. This timely advice sustained us in the coming months and years. Truly God is present-especially when we need our Creator the most.