A Tribute to Todd — Departing for Heaven … (07/27/12)
In our happier times, I remember often uttering the humble mantra “You never know” when talking about anything related to the future (and even some things related to the present). And I remember Todd, with his impeccable wit, often turning to me after I had done so and responding with a smile and a, “Sometimes you do” …
Even though this life is essentially a Great Mystery (another favorite Todd-ism), there are some things we innately know to be True – and these are often the things that we conveniently forget, because they are either very difficult to engage or very frightening to face. And whenever I think of my final days with Todd, I remember a few of those things; things that are applicable to every one of our relationships, every day of our lives. In essence, even though Todd’s life is over, our own lives continue onward … Even though he is no longer with us, the life he led speaks to us still. As such, as a final honoring of the truly Great Man that was Todd Andrew Hilbers (a.k.a. Thor), I offer the following Truths for you all to remember today – and hopefully for you to re-enliven tomorrow:
Truth #1)Actively cherish your Loved Ones … Do so regularly & do so continually (and do so today). You might think that you have lots of time left with the special people in your life, but you do not. You are only guaranteed today … Please act accordingly.
Truth #2)See through the behaviors of your “enemies” … Forgive them actively & forgive them openly (and forgive them today). People who might seem to be “evil” or “crazy” or “inconsiderate” or “dishonest” are not so. They are simply people in a great deal of pain … Please act accordingly.
Truth #3) The only way to truly honor the dead is to Be courageously Caring towards the living. This is especially true for the living who are most difficult to Love … Please act accordingly.
Thank you all so much for allowing me to honor my brother in this way.
I now look forward to going forth & continuing to do so,
… with my deeds more than my words.
Never say about anything, “I have lost it,” but only: “I have given it back.”
Is your child dead? … “It has been given back.”
Is your wife dead? … She has been returned.
Is your brother gone?… He has simply gone Home.
~ Epictetus
…………………….
“From these shadows depart towards Heaven … May your Soul be happy and may it journey Peace-fully. Rejoice! You have departed from the city of fear and trembling.
If the doors of repose have been barred to you, then depart gently by way of the roof and the ladder. If your body’s image is gone, awaken the image-maker and join Him for tea. If you are alone & far from friends, take God’s hand and become a Child of Harmony once more.
Though you are separated from the water and bread of the material, you have now become the very food and drink for the Souls of others.
While you can no longer receive sustenance from the known, you will forever nourish the world in gentle silence with your LOVE.”
~ inspired by an anonymous Saint;
given humbly to all those
who have recently — or not so recently,
returned to The ONE
For those of us who remain, let us revel in the priceless Gift of Life with which we have been blessed … Let us do so today, and let us do so with gentle, courageous acts of Caring … Amen.
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