Your Daily Focus: Joke
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledgeof the beyond. – Kahlil Gibran, from The Prophet
In my Dad’s last day in physical he was hospitalized. He was receiving a small amount of morphine for comfort, but he was still quite restless. He was continuously trying to pull his covers off and curl up on one side or the other. He seemed to be both a bit removed from the situation, what some people might call disoriented, but yet still had a clear objective of what he wanted.
About a dozen times during this time he would pause and look deeply into my eyes and ask with the greatest intention, “This is a big joke, right?” At the time I had no choice but to answer, “Yes, this is a big joke, Dad!” A day later when I look back I believe he was partially making his transition, and was speaking to me from a half here half there perspective. The intensity of his gaze was profound. It is really interesting for me to contemplate his question with that in mind.
The mysteries of death are as important as the mysteries of life, and ultimately are one and the same. If you would like to continue to unravel these mysteries, please read On Death from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. It is pure genius, and feels to me like words directly from God.
And remember, don’t forget to laugh all along the way, because “this is a big joke, right?”
Great post, Rick! I know you’re celebrating your dad’s life to the fullest! Sending you all my LOVE!! The Prophet is one of my favorite books, I am constantly delving into it! I will revisit it today and re-read the part of “On Death”. Thank you for your profound words even in this perfect trying time for you! Peace and Love!
Dr. Andrea (Camryn’s mom)
Dear Rick,
My sincerest “sympathies”, perhaps empathy in the loss of your father. When my dad died surrounded by family, I saw his soul leave. He waited til my sister returned to the room. I saw both of my parents in that “in two worlds” state. My mom, last June, made sure I came (I was afraid I’d be the only child there – as it turned out my granddaughter (angel) came with me) and then she slipped away as we momentarily left the room. It is an amazing process – transition.
Spiritually I am what’s known as a “portal keeper” helping both transitions. Your words touched me deeply in a week where I am processing many old memories and my parents and in-laws have been around. I got a message directly from my mother-in-law right after she passed even though I was not physically present. She said “I am safe, happy and home.” Then she shared who she was with – including my father-in-law and my dad. Then she asked “Please tell everyone how grateful I am to have had them in my life”. I got up at the funeral home and gave her message. It was quite profound for everyone. Thanks for letting me share. May heavenly peace fill and surround you and your family. Your dad is already in his glorified body, ascended state. Yes, and “The Prophet” is my favorite book of all time since age 16. Namaste’.
Love and blessings to all!
Cheryl Croci
PS Thanks for going back to your old format.
So sorry to hear about your dad, Rick. It sounds like a peaceful passing, and I am so glad that chiffon cake recipe showed up in time for Easter. It really is those little things, that aren’t so little, that make it seem like life is not random and everything really does happen for a reason. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Dear Rick,
Your words always leave me comfort and growth. I as well saw Dad curling up and somewhat restless moving the covers, not quite finding his comfortable place. His gaze was hypnotizing.
I wanted to let you know through this public viewing station how much your morning statement means to me. How much thought it brings out and how i look forward to it every morning, like clockwork, even it a situation like dad’s passing, it was still there for me. How you managed, I don’t know.
In this world of texting, email, social network, I’m of gratitude to the masses it can reach,
and yet is it not also a puzzle of how easy it is to share our feelings and thoughts in this format yet face to face hold back.
As your sister I want to share with you how much it meant to me for you to face to face bring to me some of your thoughts about dad and his prospective. It helped me understand his energy and cast less judgement, rather rejoice of his wishes and understand him .
I’ll ponder “its a joke” for a long time. I kept waiting for mother to leave me some messages
while she passed and dad you and I were at her side. Her medications may have not allowed her
to pass along her feelings or thoughts.
We were very very lucky to have both of our parents pass into a better place within our families
presence.
“The art of being kind is all the world needs” – Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I’ve tried to aim to live my life in that energy and often falter. Forgiveness has kept me on this path as each day God gives us a brand new day to start afresh.