The end of a chapter

We all know how the book ends ... we die.

We know how it begins ... we're born.

Given that the beginning an end are the same for everyone, what becomes important are the chapters. The chapters are the plot, filled with twists and turns, sub-plots, climaxes and anti-climaxes, parallel plots, rising and falling action, characters human and otherwise, and the full array of human emotion.

On 7/13 a chapter is ending. It's a last page I don't want to read, but the book can't go on unless I do. It was a long chapter whose end comes too quickly. It was filled with fun, excitement, love, physical and emotional pain, sadness, promise and betrayal. If I could, I'd skip the last page, but the universe won't allow that. Sucks how that works. Many things will change after the page is read. The last words will bring great sorrow and pain. There will be a time of mourning. But the book is not yet over, hopefully it has many pages left to read, but there will be a mental and emotional pause before I begin the chapter.

I will not "rage against this night" as all things have their turn, all things have their season. To do so is the rage against life and what's the point in raging against something of which we have so little understanding?

I suspect that while the stories are all different, we have each read such chapters. And now it's time to turn the page.

Fiat Lux

WHEN DEATH COMES HOME II: GOODNIGHT IRENE

The silence is deafening. I just came in from feeding the horses and cleaning out the stalls. My wife, Deb, has gone to do some errands. This would have been the first day in six months that we could have gone out together for a simple thing like getting groceries, but we figured someone needed to be here to take the phone calls.

Normally, Deb would be gone early Saturday mornings. It was the only time she could get out of the house for a break. At least I got to go to work every day, but Deb works at home. When I came in this morning, gone was the drone of the oxygen console and the blaring sound of the Today Show. The morning coffee and breakfast with Ma is gone. The making fun of the stupidity of people in the news is gone. Only silence.

Silence can be your friend, but it can also be unnerving. Memories come flooding back to fill the void left by the absence of noise; horses whose gallop will never be heard again; dogs whose tails no longer knock over curios, and tongues that no longer lick the face; goats, pigs, cows and chickens who no longer add to the morning symphony at sunrise. And, of course, family and friends whose presence no longer grace your life and who have moved on to that unknown netherland. Then there are the should’ves, wish I dids, if only’s, that surface from the depths of some dormant cells in the cerebrum.

Irene McCollett, age 78, transitioned on October 30th, at 10:42 a.m. She passed in her bed at home with Deb holding her hand. The transition went as both Irene and Deb had discussed on several occasions. It was peaceful, no pain, and full of grace and dignity. I had written a previous story on this topic where I provided some of the details of the situation but let me quickly recap. Irene had COPD. Two and half years ago she moved in with us as she was not taking care of herself. She was on 02 24/7 and she was not taking her medications. Her diet was atrocious. Since Deb was the only one who worked from home, we gladly took her in. Last May, she had a bout with pneumonia and we almost lost her. However, they discovered she had mesothelioma and she only had about one quarter of lung capacity. They gave her six months and she was put on home hospice care. Irene was still functioning. While she often lost her short term memory, she was still able to go to use her portable pot, she ate fine on her own and was still capable of enjoyable conversation. Basically, she was still fun to have around. For a home care giver, however, it meant that one of us had to be home at all times. Over time, this does take its toll. Offers to give us break were non-existent. Family can be funny that way. The few two times we had someone stay with her, she basically had panic attacks. To Irene, Phil and Deb were the only ones who could care for her. So, even though Hospice does provide a relief service, we were unable to use it. There was a nurse, Maria, that Ma and both of us came to love and Ma did let her stay with her so we could go out for breakfast. That was about a month ago.

About ten days ago, Ma came down with early signs of a cold, a deadly virus to someone in her condition. She was on anti-virals immediately. It made her cranky and irritable. After the course, however, she did seem better. She began to eat like a pig and was her old-self. Then, on Thursday morning, the 29th, Ma would not wake up in the morning. Nothing we tried worked. Her 02 levels were all over the board. Maria came out and spent a better part of the day with us. We love her dearly. Irene was stabilized, although still sleeping. She would react to conversation by twitching or shaking her head, but seemed unable to open her eyes. Maria told us that she may, or may not come out of it. It was not a coma, just a deep sleep. Later in the day, Don, her deceased husband of over 20 years, told me to put on some 40’s music. Be as skeptical as you want, but that is what happened.

The house seemed to be filled with people dancing. It was as if Don was simply going to dance her into the light. As some family members came over, ones that did not have ‘time’ when she was functioning to come and visit, several actually said they felt “presences” of other people. Deb said that her Dad grabbed her hand and spun her around in dance. Way cool. With company gone and the music off, Irene was resting comfortably. Deb slept beside her that night. She hoped that she would still come around. Truthfully, I felt she was essentially gone; most of her spirit went with the last dance. It was not a restful night for Deb. She spent lots of time just watching her mother. She did not want to break the pact, that Deb would be holding her hand at the end. Come morning, Irene’s breathing was very shallow. Maria came out, and the four of us sat with her and waited. Deb then saw her father and mother walk off into the light, hand-in-hand. Skeptics will say this was the imagination at work. But you know what? Life is just the imagination at work. Several moments later, without a twitch or a spasm, Irene had left.

Yes, there was crying. But there was also laughter and joy. Deb saw what she saw and was happy. Ma left the way they talked about. Gone were the struggles to catch a breath. Irene’s face was glowing, worry lines were gone; she seemed angelic, at peace and happy. Deb and Maria bathed Irene and put her in a dress. It was comical. Irene was not very cooperative. And so, the phones calls have been made, arrangements with the funeral home were done months ago, and on Tuesday, the 3rd, Irene’s physical body will be placed beside her husband’s. I look at her room and see her ‘stuff.’ And you know folks, it is just stuff. Some will be given, some will be tossed, it’s just stuff. ‘Stuff’ has caused wars and terrible misery for billions. When it is all said and done, the fight for stuff, the greed, the avarice, the economy, Wall Street, the stimulus, the Middle East, it’s only about stuff. When the generals, politicians and Wall Street executives’ die, some will ask, “What should we do with the stuff?”

Home hospice can be tough. Even with the help, little of which one should expect from family, it tries the patience. But, when it is all said and done, we would not have done it any other way. It will teach you not to fear death. It will teach you what is important in life. And so, Goodnight Irene, we’ll see you in our dreams! Thank you for being a part of our lives. We love you and will not forget you.

BRIDGES IN TROUBLED TIMES

Things are obviously a little stressed for many people. The economy is having indigestion, the environment is assessing its options and there is a bit of turmoil on the international political scene. You deserve a break! As we move towards an era of new hope, dreams fulfilled and a more peacefully society, many have come forth to make the transition a bit more understandable and easier. What follows is a list of books and CD’s that you will enjoy. Most offer guidance in these somewhat tumultuous times; some are just for pleasure. It is our hope that as we approach the holiday season you will consider purchasing these titles, and listening to the music. They will make you feel good, entertain and ponder the true nature of reality. You might even learn how to control your own destiny – a bargain at any price! WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE TO A NEW REALITY!


Book: Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris. Why the Law of Attraction is not enough to manifest and exactly what to do about it. Learn to manifest in a multi-dimensional, integrative way. www.voiceoftheangels.com
mail@voiceoftheangels.com

Diagnosis: Lupus, The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient
When she was suddenly assaulted by myriad baffling symptoms of joint pain and extreme fatigue, the author embarked on an intensive search for diagnosis and treatment of what would be diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus, a little-known autoimmune disease that promised to destroy her body, her mind and her spirit. From the pages of her intimate daily journal, we travel with her through chronic joint pain, frustration, anger and grief for her former self to her current state of remission. Far from being a litany of complaints, the author’s pages reveal her unexpected spiritual growth and gratitude for life itself, and she hopes she can be of help to others who suffer from this disease or other chronic illness.
Contact: marilyncmorris@ sbcglobal. net

Invisible Blueprints -- Intuitive Insights for Fulfillment in Life by Diane Brandon – 5-Star Rating on Amazon.com

Invisible Blueprints encapsulates information Diane Brandon has gained through her integrative intuitive counseling work with clients and covers such topics as personal growth and unfolding, essence, relationship types, soul agreements, purpose and mission, reincarnation, spectrum of consciousness, manifesting, and even how readings are evolving from "fortune-telling" to counseling and personal facilitation.
Available on Amazon.com and www.dianebrandon. net/products. asp.
Contact: diane@dianebrandon. com


Law of Achievement; Discover Your Purpose, Possibility and Potential
Law of Achievement offers a rare look into what it really means to discover your purpose, possibility and potential. Kathleen and Lori dare to reveal uncommon and rarely explored philosophies in this unique book.
Message of Hope; Inspiriational Thoughts for Uncertain Times
Message of Hope offers invaluable, inspirational, highly recommended perspectives for dealing with life's uncertainties, especially those arising from change, loss, death, and fear. Each single page observation is worth of contemplation and reflection.
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
P.O. Box 551
Pleasant Hill, OR 97455
541.654.0426
http://www.kathleengage.com
http://www.themarketingmindset.com (blog)
http://www.dailyawareness.com (spiritual blog)



A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss by Elaine Williams
http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com
A Widow's journey through loss, grief and renewal
Midwest Book Review - 5 Stars

How to Heal from Psychic Attack the Problem Solvers Alphabet by Nita Hickok ISBN 1411688708
The Problem Solvers Alphabet uses symbols to cleanse, clear and resolve problems in the persons life to empower them in all of their decisions. Nita http://www.lulu. com/astralhealer

Bringing to Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings her extensive studies in ancient and contemporary wisdom and philosophy, Ms Bradford has acquired more then a quarter of a century expertise in Clinical and Transpersonal hypnosis. In spite of her extensive professional credentials, she could never have imagined the singular psychic event that would transform her life. Commencing in the winter of 2004, a hypnosis client, Lena Lees spontaneously channeled twenty-eight sessions delineating Eastern goddess of Compassion, Kuan Yin's modern spiritual scriptures. Witness and transcriber of these sessions, Ms. Bradford then compiled them into the extraordinary manuscript, The Living Word of Kuan Yin: The Teachings and Prophecies of the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. Distilling from that work, the essence of the goddess teachings, Ms. Bradford now brings to you the highlights of Kuan Yin's world-renowned compassion along with the next generation of manifestation sciences.
The Living Word of Kuan Yin <"http://www.amazon.com/Living-Word-Kuan-Yin/dp/1419646400">Click here to go to the webpage.

Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings: www.lawofattractioninfo.

Storm
by: Joyce A. Anthony
"Who he is and why he's here is a mystery, even to Storm--a mystery that can only be solved within the whirling rainbow. As he searches for answers, he touches the lives of society's forgotten and when he finds his identity, nobody is left untouched."
http://www.storm.2freedom.com/

A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story available through http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com Learn to write a book, what publishing options you have, and how to market for success!
Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power
Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power offers practical and fun ways for parents to develop and nurture maximum brain power from the womb to baby’s first birthday!

Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year
With its realistic portrayal of the many ways that life is changed after the baby is born, Oh, Baby offers practical advice and sensitive know-how to help you survive -- and even thrive! -- in the first year.

It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence
In It’s Twins, parents of multiples tackle the important questions on raising twins of any age with plenty of tips, tales, tricks-of-the-trade, trivia and more.
Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power
http://tinyurl.com/5u3twx
Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year
http://tinyurl.com/57bzqw
It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence
http://tinyurl.com/6fkr8n




MAY I SEE YOUR HAND? Palm Reading for Fun and Profit
A How-To book for Asian Palmistry
All the information everyone needs to go forward with anmate or to learn how to find theirs.
Also 46 short stories from soul mate palm reading clients.

SOUL MATE CONNECTIONS
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Relationships, Love, Romance and Soul Mates
The title/sub title give away the whole story of this book.

DIARY OF A PALM READER
Palm Reading Sessions from 1956 to 2003

Myrna Lou Goldbaum
Palmist/Psychic/ Author
www.myrnaloupalmist ry.com
www.soulmateconneci tons.blogspot. com
Myrna Lou Goldbaum
PO Box 19081
Boulder CO 80308


Healing the Shadow
An in-depth look into the human shadow, how it affects us and how to heal it.
Truth
A book for the advanced spiritual seeker providing a host of helpful techniques and insights.
Journey to Enlightenment
A contemporary view into the transformational process called life.
Ross Bishop
Shaman
201 Jefferson Drive, Palmyra, VA 22963-2325
(434) 589-3902

web site: www.rossbishop.com
blog: http://rossbishop.com/blog/


OWEN FIDDLER (Sing along to the tune of the Beatles' "Nowhere Man")
Has a selfish point of view, why he's such a fool, no clue. Isn't he a bit like me and you?
Owen, man, please listen. You don't know what you're missing. Owen, man, your world is at your command!
He's no role model for you or your kids, but reading his story will learn ya a thing or two, and that's a fact. This is an entertaining, thought-provoking, humorous and spiritually insightful book which will surely have you thinking about your own life. Hey you – yeah, you! Do you like to dance? Don’t forget to pay the fiddler!
www.owenfiddler.com

Title/Author: "Meet Your True Self through Meditation" by Swami Shyam

Description: A view of the Self through the eyes of the enlightened being.
Reading this book transforms one's consciousness into the state of
meditation and knowledge of the Self as the free Space. Written in an
engaging and intimate style, the text explains what to expect from
meditation with a gentle explanation of the practice, and includes
anecdotes; a clear description of the meaning of the super state of
consciousness; references to the Bhagavad Gita; and the technique of
meditation that anyone can follow.

Available at: http://www.shyamswisdom.com/books/

Juliana by Adelle Laudan
Juliana's healing journey after an abusive marriage.
http://adellelaudan.com
BUY link
http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/book_pages/juliana.html


Title: In Silence, Discovering Self through Meditation
By Jane Rosalea Booth
e-mail: janerosaleabooth@yahoo.com
www.in-silence.net
blog: http://www.janebooth.wordpress.com
ISBN: 978-1-4251-2004-7
To order: http://www.trafford.com/07-0804 or http://www.in-
silence.net
A simple daily approach to meditation, ancient wisdom and inner
peace, In Silence, Discovering Self through Meditation is a guide
for exploring our inner sanctuary and reminds us to live each moment
from the natural, peaceful place where we are closest to God.

Once Upon a Time There Was You: Three Magic Secrets to Finding Your Real Self
More than just another self-help book to discover new ways to find yourself but rather a journey to the center of yourself and back out again that gives you the key to YOU and also helps you to fit it into the lock and turn it.
Contact: 310-264-5625; maia@allaboutlifecoaching.com or http://allaboutlifecoaching.com/book-by-a-life-coach


"Core of Your Business"
one line description: An empowering workbook to help you get in touch
with the core of your business. Exercises for listening and
strengthening your small business.
contact: http://www.coreofyo urbusiness. com
Kaya Singer kaya@awakeningbusin ess.com 503-493-1199




Debra Oakland
Living In Courage Online
http://www.livingincourageonline.com

A Spiritual Oasis for Overcoming Life's
Biggest Challenges
The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to WriteA dynamic blend of inspiration and instruction for anyone in any genre seeking to write more effortlessly, flowingly and engagingly. http://calltowrite.com

The MoonQuest: A True Fantasy-The critically acclaimed, award-winning visionary novel that will change your life.http://themoonquest.com
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)Paperback: 244 pages . Publisher: ePress-online (September 18, 2008) ISBN-10: 1934258245 , ISBN-13: 978-1934258248,Amazon Link: http://tiny.cc/9OGbN ,Fictionwise Link: http://tiny.cc/W7B4w
Five planets visibly align in the dawn sky marking the long-awaited Kamali's Cycle. Based on ancient prophecies, Elita's faith carries her to the first portal where she is faced with a choice; the risk of never seeing her home again. Upon entering the first gate, there's no turning back. Her faith quest thrusts her into a one-way race against time, before the planets move out of alignment and the gates close for another 50 years. Follow Elita on this life transforming mission to free her home world.
Windwalker (Fantasy),Paperback: 220 pages ,Publisher: epress-online (September 14, 2007) ,ISBN-10: 0977222489 ,ISBN-13: 978-0977222483,Amazon Link: http://tiny.cc/F8MKt ,Fictionwsie Link: http://tiny.cc/bPKBR
The peace-loving Stygian people trust in their ancient prophecies predicting the coming of the Arich-their savior. Paranoia and fear prompt the issuance of royal Jonnick decrees designed to thwart his coming. Midwives ordered to report the birth of any child born on a moonless night know it means death to the child. Effects of the law trickle to the present where Manelin, a social outcast, and Jalil, a lame Jonnick girl ordered to be killed at birth find themselves thrust into the midst of unfolding prophecies and a world on the verge of annihilation. www.theinkslinger.net
Bartlett’s Rule: A novel about love, patience & hope.http://shop.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/product.sc?categoryId=3&productId=3
Reach the author at: ChelleCordero@gmail.com

POLARIZING YOUR LIFE TOWARD PERFECTION, Philip F. Harris. Alter your life and you reality and learn how to use The Law of Attraction! http://www.amazon.com/Polarizing-Your-Life-Toward-Perfection/dp/1594316619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226238085&sr=1-1
COLLECTED MESSAGES: GUIDES FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATIOM, BOOK I AND II, Philip F. Harris. Discover tools for better health, relations, abundance, awakening and more.
JESUS TAUGHT IT, TOO: THE EARLY ROOTS OF THE LAW OF ATTRACTION, Philip F. Harris. In the top 2% of all books at Amazon since October 2007. 2nd edition now available from ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS
All available from http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com and AMAZON.COM (JUST TYPE IN THE TITLE UNDER BOOKS)

CD’S, MP3’S

"Eight and Beyond." Title track from "Eight" CD by Dyan Garris. Part of the Spiritual Toolbox(TM),This CD is 12 tracks of music for ascension and is #8 in the now complete series of music and meditation for Automatic Chakra Balance(TM), relaxation, help in sleeping, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit.

"Elements of Grace." An MP3 from the recently released "Eight" CD by Dyan Garris. Part of the Spiritual Toolbox(TM),This CD is 12 tracks of music for ascension and is #8 in the now complete series of music and meditation for Automatic Chakra Balance(TM), relaxation, help in sleeping, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit.


DVD's by Gurutej go to www.gurutej.com to purchase
1. Awakening the Intuition for Women: Our Intuition is our link to the source of all creativity. Loosing this gift is one of our biggest losses, it is losing the inner voice of our soul.
2.Mental Clarity; Would you like to be more clear, alert and present in the moment? If yes, this is you new best friend.
3.Strengthening the Immune System: Stress compromises our immune system and today we all need help to uncompromising it.
This is the support for your immune system that is always available to you.
4. Kundalini Yoga for Balanced Chakras: Your energy centers are crucial to every part of your life. This will help you have a balanced life. Try it.



Blessings
Gurutej
www.theenergygurus.com
www.gurutej.com


"A Journey Within Meditation -- Introductory Guided Meditation" by Diane Brandon

An introductory Guided Meditation recorded by Diane Brandon, Integrative Intuitive Counselor, Radio Host, & Author. This meditation, almost one hour in length, allows you to experience meditation by going to a deeper level of consciousness, as well as to find your own answers within and achieve deep relaxation and relief from stress. Diane's voice is soothing and expert, as well as adept in guiding people into deeper levels of consciousness. Available as MP3 file or CD. For more information or to order, go to either www.dianebrandon.net/products.asp or www.dianebrandon.com/index_files/page0176.htm. Contact Diane at diane@dianebrandon.com


Healing Methods – CD
Advanced healing methods for the spiritual seeker.
www.rossbishop.com
The Shamanic Journey – CD
The ancient shamanic journey process explained.