This last weekend, I had two powerful experiences. The first was supporting a family who was losing their grandfather to cancer.

The second was celebrating with another family the birth of their granddaughter.

The first family shared a beautiful story about the family gathering around their beloved patriarch. Each one was touched with the peaceful smile he had as he passed over. The second family was laughing about the loud entrance the newborn made, coming into this life experience.

This caused me to reflect and ponder. In my life, I have witnessed several souls enter this life as well as witnessing others leave. While every birth and every death is unique. I was struck with some insights.

Isn't it interesting, how often babies come into this world crying, yet so many souls passing over do so in peace and serenity? Do we, as a society have it backwards? (Wouldn’t be the first time) We celebrate birth and mourn death.

This is understandable, in the context of our own personal life. Similar to a loved one flying in for the weekend. We rejoice when they arrive and grieve when they depart. We are filled with joy being able to see them again, and feel a sense of loss when they have to go back. But when they get on the plane, have the ceased to exist?

In early child development, a toddler learns to cope with separation anxiety. When mommy goes out of the room and baby cannot see her anymore, there is a sense of eternal loss. The baby fears their mommy is gone forever. However, as mommy comes and goes, baby learns to trust that being out of sight does not mean that mommy has ceased to exist.

As adults, we struggle with this same fear. If I say goodbye to a loved one that has passed over; have they ceased to exist? The answer is as obvious as the toddler's fear of losing their mom.

While the length of time is perhaps greater, the certainty that our loved one still exists is just as sure. And while we cannot see them, they are still aware of us and are still connected to us. In fact, they are in their full being of unconditional love, so their love for us is more vibrant and clear than at any time while they were physical beings.

We can still be connected to our loved ones. If we can become quiet, still of movement and thought, and allow ourselves to feel their presence, their love for us will wash over us like a warm quilt on a cold winter's night.

You are eternal, I am eternal, and our loved ones are eternal. Just because they are in the next room does not mean they have ceased to exist. All we need to do is allow ourselves to feel their presence and open up to their love.

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