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We are all spirits greater than these bodies. During the time we "wear these robes" as some American Indians refer to it, our being exists beyond our bodies connecting us to the entire web of life. We live beyond these bodies in time, as the end of one life becomes the beginning of another. We are greater than these bodies. Our time here is but one chapter in the life of our spirit self.
Our beloved Bear touched all our lives in this chapter of his journey and while he has left us for now in the physical sense, his spirit may be present for some time before moving on to begin a new chapter of his journey. I am sure that he is here with us now, as I doubt he would miss a good party (celebration) in his honor!
I often wonder why good people, people who make life good for others leave us all too soon. There are "What if...'s" and "Why's" and "If only's....". The only way I have found peace with these contemplations is knowing that they are ultimately unanswerable, part of the mystery. And, how wonderful it is that we don't have all the answers for everything. In the grander life of a spirit through ages and lifetimes who is to say why they leave us when they do?
Bear had cancer, yet ironically that is not what took him in the end. Perhaps he caught a glimpse of what lies ahead. I believe, as untimely as his death seems, as much as he had to live for here, his great love for life and the people in his life, perhaps he is on a mission. Maybe we can trust that we walk through life with one hand in the hand of the Creator, and that Bear is therefore in good hands. And, maybe our sorrow can be eased knowing that somehow, all is as it should be.
What we do know is that he will always be in our hearts, and our memory will keep him alive as we celebrate the thousand joys, and the thousand tears that he shared with us.
What gift did you receive from knowing Bear? If you could find one word to describe the gift he brought to your life, what would it be?
Let us take a moment of silence to honor Bear, allowing this word to rise to the surface, and whoever feels called breaking the silence by speaking this word, with others following until we fill this whole space with our appreciation and acknowledgment.
Words have energy and words have power. Let our words lift him up and perhaps lift up our hearts as we begin this celebration with joy and gratitude.
Now we open the floor to anyone who would like to share.
Bear, we hope that you can receive these offerings of words, thoughts and feelings. When it is time, may the love of all you have left behind be the wind in your sails and may your crossing be blessed with grace, peace and light.
Bear, we thank you.
Bear, we honor you.
Bear, we celebrate you.