Loved ones never leave us

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Good morning and Happy Easter Sunday!  Today is a blessed and special day.  Whatever your cultural celebrations or religious beliefs may be, we really need all the help we can get today.  The pandemic has created sadness and uncertainty around our world, but there is always hope for a bright future.  It can seem like this is a never ending uphill battle, but life continues to move forward and we need to keep moving with it.  We have been quarantined at home for the past four weeks.  To some it may seem like a life time, but there are many positives attached to it.  Take the time to remain focused on what’s important in life.  We will recover and heal; physically, mentally and spiritually.  Stay safe, strong, healthy and vigilant.  Together we will succeed and move forward with new life.  I wish you all a blessed and beautiful Easter day. Wherever you may be, let’s celebrate the day together.  I am grateful to share it with you.

Last Sunday I mentioned how I talk to my Dad.  I wanted to explain that in more detail.  He passed away six years ago.  That doesn’t deter me from talking with him every day.  I miss hearing his voice and the wisdom of his responses.  The death of a loved one is never easy, no matter what the circumstances.  So many people around the world are feeling this pain.  I always remember that with death comes new life.  My Dad was an amazing man and father.  I was blessed to have him in my life for many years.  Even now, knowing he has returned to energy in the universe, I often see his answers and where he is guiding me.

My Dad’s parents immigrated from Italy to the United States in the early 1900’s.  They became U.S. citizens and began a better life.  His family settled along the Ohio River, where he was born and raised with his brothers and sister. 

In 1942, Dad was inducted into the U.S. Army, after the outbreak of World War II.  After basic training he was sent to England in preparation for the invasion of Europe.  His unit was attached to the 101st Airborne.  This brought him to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, and on through France, Belgium and Luxembourg.  December of 1944 the woods in the Ardennes was covered in snow, where he survived the Battle of the Bulge.  Several stories were recounted of seeing General George Patton and his pearl handle 45’s.  His unit pushed into Germany, where the war ended.  After achieving the rank of Staff (technical) Sergeant, he returned home and received an Honorable Discharge.  

My parents married and Dad remained in the Army reserves.  Active duty status called him back during the Korean War.  He served as a Drill Instructor, was deployed to Japan and returned to the States.  Prior to his military discharge he moved his family to sunny Los Angeles.  My Dad received an Honorable Discharge on the day I was born.  

My father was a beloved son, brother, devoted husband, loving dad, uncle, friend and adoring grandfather.  Dad was one of those guys that could fix anything.  Blessed with a friendly demeanor and personality, he was liked and loved by everyone.  Dad passed away with his family by his side.  He is inurned at Arlington National Cemetery, receiving full military honors.  As are many other unsung heros of his day, he is indeed part of the “Greatest Generation.”     

My father wasn’t just any ordinary Dad.  He was my Dad and so much more.  My parents raised me in the Catholic faith, to tell the truth, be honest and have integrity.  I believe in God and have spent the last half of my life more spiritual than church bound.  I believe there is “more” after we leave this life on earth.  We are all energy based beings, as is everything in this universe.  I believe our energy and soul maintain their existence.  I could share many of my experiences to illustrate my belief.  I want to share a couple of my stories with you. 

Several years ago I was going through an extremely difficult time.  I had recently retired from my career in law enforcement.  I was soul searching, looking for answers and guidance.  I left my house in the late afternoon to walk on the beach.  The beach, mountains, desert and other settings in nature have always provided energy and solace.  This dark and cloudy winter day seemed to further dim my spirits.  I hoped the beach would provide some inspiration.  I didn’t see anyone as I walked in the chilly air.  I talked to my Dad, as I often have, asking for his insight and guidance.  After about 20 minutes I implored him for some kind of sign that the path I was considering was the right choice.  I stopped in my tracks as a ray of sunshine hit my face.  I turned west to face the ocean.  The clouds seemed to part ever so slightly.  A thin ray of sunshine ran down to the water and right up the beach to me.  I stared at it in disbelief, as I realized it was only shining on me and nowhere else.  I thanked my Dad for his stunning display and his reply.  The clouds immediately closed and the sun disappeared once again. 

This is one story of many encounters I have experienced and witnessed over the years.  I often feel his presence and hear his message.  One of the first times that solidified his presence was shortly after his death.  It occurred during my first ever Reiki session.  During the session I could feel him standing next to me.  After the session ended, the Reiki master was telling me what she felt.  She detailed how she sensed a man next to me.  He had his arm around my shoulder.  She asked me if that meant anything to me.  I told her it was my Dad and how he would often put his arm over my shoulder to hug me.  That experience led me to opening my mind up to all the possibilities.  Shortly after that I completed my Reiki I and II practitioner certification.    

You may or may not believe in the afterlife.  I wanted to offer my belief that our loved ones remain close to us after they leave this earth.  If you haven’t allowed yourself to open your heart, mind or soul to these possibilities, it may be time you do.  The universe is a vast endless space made up of energy, of which we are all part.  

To boggle your mind further, consider this from Scientific American.  We live in a galaxy, on a planet rotating around a large star we call the sun.  The earth is rotating eastward in a counterclockwise motion at approximately 1,000 mph.  The earth is moving in a near circular orbit about the sun at nearly 67,000 mph.  There are other galaxies in our neighborhood also rushing at nearly 1,000 kilometers a second toward a structure called the Great Attractor.  It is a region in space roughly 150 million light years away from us (one light year is approximately six trillion miles).  The Great Attractor has a mass of 100 quadrillion times greater than our sun and spans 500 million light years.  It has both visible matter that we can see and dark matter that we cannot see.  Our eyes only allow us to see a small portion of stars in this galaxy.  Scientific exploration reveals the vastness of open space and the universe beyond.  We know it exists.

How often do you contemplate our planet or how we got here?  The earth was formed in our galaxy billions of years ago.  Modern day man has only been in existence a short period of time.      When you attempt to comprehend this information, it can be quite mindboggling.  I know thinking about our energy circling the universe after we leave this earth can be a curious process as well.  Keep your mind open to the possibilities.  Don’t discount it because you can’t see it. 

This is a time we all need to offer support for one another.  Believe in the power of positivity, but understand it takes work to make things happen.  Let’s begin with gratitude and move forward from there.  Be strong and let’s thrive together.                

Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more!  The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation.  Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!

Thanks for your love and support!  Embrace Life!  Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!