Spirit Stories: In Your Own Words

"There are no accidents". The meaning of this now-familiar phrase is more apparent to me than ever. Let me tell you why.

My first serious encounter with "New Age" material occurred as a preteen and came in the form of a TV miniseries called "Out on a Limb". I can remember clear as day, sitting in my mother's kitchen totally enraptured. Though the information was relatively new to me, it simply 'felt right'. At the time, I felt fortunate to have a mom who was so open-minded that she could share the Catholic upbringing she had (and we had begun) squarely in the eye and say, "Let my children discover their own truths". I now realize that we were guided down this path in order to help us face the future.

In 1996, my brother's life ended at the tender age of 21. His life was taken by the hand of another. We are reconciling ourselves with the loss of this special young man, not always successfully, but the knowledge that he is safe and well and around us is a constant comfort as we go forward in life. The interesting thing is that 'proof' of this came from a very special source: my nephew Martin.

Martin has a great many memories of his Uncle Dave. Playing and romping about, martial arts lessons, stories...he even taught him how to 'moon' his grandmother (something my jokester brother did quite often in our house). Martin's Uncle Dave is his hero. There's just one thing I've forgotten to tell you.

Martin was less than 1 month old the night my brother died.

Thankfully, we are fortunate enough to enjoy and encourage Martin in his relationship with David. Though we miss his physical presence every day, we are blessed with the knowledge that David will always be around and will be waiting for us when we get home.