For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin -- real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.
With their last breath those we love do not say good-bye -- for love is timeless. Instead, they leave us a solemn promise that when they are finally at rest they will continue to be present to us whenever they are called upon. Let us fear not, nor grieve beyond letting go the departure of those we have greatly loved, for in the Tree of Life their roots and our own are forever intertwined.
