It Started With a Death
Paul has been showing up at the park most days, sometimes to eat, sometimes to help us serve. He shows a heart of gold to all interested in taking the time to listen. Paul shared this piece of writing today as a reflection on Leroy, Pat, and our ongoing work of loving each other as much as we can. Thank you Paul.
I didn’t know the man first hand in life, but I did see him in all of his glorious peace, on his deathbed. Peace which I felt fortunate to witness, Peace where struggle and pain have been put to sleep, Peace that is powerful, healing, and vital.
It was kindness from friends that inspired the chain of events that led to these circumstances. The peace was so strong and apparent, it opened my eyes. It was as if I had been sleeping since the last dead person I saw. I felt revitalized and fresh. I felt a new life stirring within me from the beauty of this man's journey, and the love and care of his friends, the way they devoted themselves to serving him in his last days, and how despite death, I could see the joy and peace in the mans face, like an echo of goodness that transcends time. I was moved. Moved to be grateful for friends. Moved to be reverent towards life. Moved to not only respect, but reaffirm my own mortality.
I had made a connection where there was an empty link. I saw, in the quiet beautiful absurdness, something not only natural but necessary, a personal relationship with elders and the dying. The end of the cycle. The beautiful glory that you were promised in life, that inspires the living to live.
The tragedy is fertile ground for good. When a loved one passes, when an invisible virus threatens the world, when a mountain erupts and the earth shakes, the landscape is tilled and ready for new planting. The preparation of our hearts, our bodies, our city, the greater landscape, hurts, but as new ground is tilled and ready for planting, we accept the pain as an essential part of the process. We can preserve the good that has gone with sentimentality, and get ready for the good that is coming with open spaces in our hearts and minds.
The simple act of treating ourselves and others with dignity has great results. I know this from experience. I would not be here without your belief, your kindness, and your willingness. You cast your light out into the darkness and I saw it and moved towards it. You helped me greatly. My strength is your strength. Together we can do this. Thank you.