Is that a new word? Who ever heard of a deathday?
It was my brother’s birthday this week. It’s been two years now since he went to Heaven. We were very close. I’ve been feeling the love. I’ll share a poem I wrote on his first birthday following his deathday . . .
Round and round the sun we go,
counting our blessings for those whom we know.
None of us know how long we will last,
But love is eternal, while life goes so fast.
While birthdays and deathdays may come and may go,
They remind us to celebrate those whom we know.
Today I celebrate my Bro and my friend,
And marvel at God’s mystery,
From beginning to end.
What more can I say? My heart strings were plucked by my brother’s birthday this week. My soulscape had some gray clouds, but they were very beautiful. I finally got the courage up to call and tell a family friend in London about his passing. She had babysat for us as toddlers and was very close with my Mom. She was devastated. I stood guilty before her, having waited so long before calling. It was a hard call to make. Nonetheless, her heart opened so beautifully as she reminisced about how she had played with Bro and still loves Mom. She remembers living in an apartment one floor above or below my parents, and hearing Mom play the piano. You can hear some of Mom’s piano playing on this slideshow I made after she passed in 2013: Click for Piano and Slideshow. Sometimes playful, sometimes exquisite, sometimes dramatic, always beautiful. Her piano playing was one of the greatest blessings of my childhood. So, thoughts of my brother this week led to thoughts of Mom, which led to more feelings of love.
Did I get depressed this week? No. I have found that if I redirect my mind to love whenever it feels sorrow, then I’m alright. Better than alright. I am blessed.
Love,
Sahadev
p.s. The photo above is the view from the hill I sat on when I called the friend in London. I captured it just before dialing.
QUOTES FROM MY NOTES
When we let go of attachments and aversions, love has a chance to blossom.
Names and forms are God’s costumes. Costumes change while the actor remains the same. An actor may appear as a criminal, but does not become a criminal. To overlook the fact that God is in all people is to overlook what is important. Learn to see through the costumes.
Seeing God in all helps us to live with compassion. This does not mean to ignore the dharmic codes of conduct. Criminals deserve appropriate treatment. It is possible to do this with compassion.
When an actor forgets they are an actor, and mistakenly identifies with the role, that is called ignorance. Meanwhile, just because an actor knows they are not the role, it doesn’t mean they should ignore the script for the part they are playing. Likewise, we are deluded by ignorance of our true nature. We believe we are this name and form. But even if we accept or realize that our true Self is God, it doesn’t mean we should ignore the script for our role. Play well your part in this drama!