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Conference hydra::dejavu

Title:Psychic Phenomena
Notice:Please read note 1.0-1.* before writing
Moderator:JARETH::PAINTER
Created:Wed Jan 22 1986
Last Modified:Tue May 27 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2143
Total number of notes:41773

1331.0. "One experience with life and death" by INISH::HORGAN () Tue Aug 07 1990 18:22

Our lives  have  been  blessed,  and I would like to pass along some part of
what  we  have experienced and learned over the past few years. Despite some
awful times we have emerged (or are emerging) as spiritually healthy people,
who  still  love  life,  and who have come to personal understandings about
death.

In late  1983  our  five  year  old son, Ben, was diagnosed with a malignant
brain  tumor.  Over  the next five-six years he would develop two more, each
very  life  threatening.  From the very first moment we knew how serious his
condition  was  we  opened  our lives to the prayers and support of everyone
around  us.  Over  time that circle around us grew, including many people at
DEC, and around the country. People prayed with and for us through ten major
surgeries,  many sessions of chemotherapy (some experimental), and months of
radiation treatments. 

Ben's reaction  astounded  his  doctors. They gave him a near zero chance of
surviving  the  first  tumor for more than six months, but that tumor was in
remission  a  year  later. But what amazed them (and us) even more was Ben's
tremendous  attitude  and strength. He had decided to get better, and he did
whatever he had to do to make that happen. 

Many times  during  this period we physically and emotionally felt the power
of  the  prayers  and support we were being showered with. That power lifted
Ben up, and supported him through some incredibly difficult times.

We experienced  many incredible miracles during those six years, as Ben beat
back three tumors - and kept his wonderful sense of humor and joy.

Two years  ago he developed a new tumor, worse than any before. It was clear
to  the  doctors  (although not to us at the time) that Ben was beat up. The
years  of  fighting  had  taken their toll on his body, and we realized that
they  were  starting,  for  the  first  time, to take their toll on his once
indominable  spirit.  Somewhere  in the back of my mind I started to wrestle
with  the possibility that Ben would die, and over the next 3-4 months began
to  somehow begin to 'accept' that. In hindsight Ben was ready to pass on in
October,  but he kept fighting to see his birthday (Nov. 3), and, of course,
Christmas.  He had a "great" (his favorite word) birthday and Christmas, and
on New Years Eve he fell asleep on our bed and went into a deep coma.

Throughout that  night  Ben  was very restless, and we were very distraught.
This  was  very  sudden, and we were not at all prepared for it. The doctors
were  hard  to reach, as it was New Years Eve, and he had seemed okay at his
check up earlier in the day. We prayed and panicked (not in that order), and
finally  in  a moment of typical wisdom my wife told me that *we* had to let
Ben  go. Strangely this seemed true to me, and so I held Ben as he struggled
and gently told him that it was time to leave, to stop fighting, and to move
on  to  be  with Jesus. Instantly he stopped fighting, and started breathing
very peacefully and calmly.

We took him to Children's Hospital in Boston, where they told us he was in a
very  deep  coma and would pass in a few days, weeks, or possibly months. In
our  hearts, and without ever speaking, we knew he would leave that day, and
we called our family and friends to be there.

Throughout that  day Ben lay in a coma, surrounded by an ever-growing circle
of  love  as  people  joined us at Children's. A small, wonderful, circle of
friends  from  church stayed outside the room praying for us, joined by many
who  could  not be there with us. And during that day we all took part in an
incredible  experience,  joined  together  in  this  rite  of passage, bound
together  in  a  way  that  few  friends and family members rarely, if ever,
experience.  It  was  a  peaceful,  loving  day, and at 10:00 that night Ben
stopped breathing.

Most of  those around his bed wailed. My wife and I smiled at each other and
hugged,  knowing deep in our souls that Ben was okay, that his fight in this
life  was  over,  and that he was in loving hands....the same hands that had
watched  over  him  during  his battle and had kept him well and loved would
absolutely care and protect him now.

During the next few days we experienced a piece of heaven. We were loved and
cared for, surrounded by people who had stopped worrying about anything else
but  what  was happening in our collective lives right then. And what we all
knew was important was to love and help each other. 

As people  came  to  our house for the calling hours it was like a wonderful
trip though Ben's life, filled with the people who loved and cared about him
during  his  life. Teachers, nurses, people in town, neighbors, family, kids
from school all came. And with each we celebrated and remembered, smiled and
hugged. 

In the  months that followed we had times of incredible sadness and despair,
not for Ben as much as for ourselves. Eleven year old boys aren't "supposed"
to  die, and the sweetest one we knew had. I read and meditated on death and
the life after this. One of the simpler, more powerful, books I read was "We
Don't  Die"  about  George  Anderson.  I  was  driven  to  write  him at the
publishers,  and  months  later  we  went  to meet him as part of a parent's
bereavement session.

The meeting with George was incredible. We taped it, and have listened to it
carefully  many  times  since,  and each time we are struck by what we hear.
First,  it was Ben. George described Ben's age, hair (he lost exactly half -
right  down  the middle - from radiation), his speech (he slurred due to
the tumor), his room, and his family. Ben then told us that he was at peace,
living  in another plane, and that we should not worry about him and that we
should take care of our three daughters. He told us that he has thousands of
pets,  and  that  he  was  with  his  family.  We  then  talked to my wife's
grandmother,  whom she was very close to, who assured us that she was taking
good  care  of Ben and we should trust her. She told us who was with him and
named  the  various  relatives  who  had  passed on, and then my grandmother
assured  us  that  she  was  making sure Ben was not being spoiled. Ben then
mentioned  that  he visits us, and that we have not changed his room (true),
and  it  looked like a shrine. They bid us well, asked for prayers, and were
gone.

That was  six  months  ago.  We still struggle with grief, we still miss him
with all our hearts. But we have been blessed, and we have learned wonderful
lessons  about  our  lives,  here  and  beyond.  In our hearts, next to that
sadness, is a wonderful peace where we know that what we see today is not all
that  will  be, that there is something beyond this life and that it is good
and  peaceful.  And  we remember the love and support we felt throughout the
years and we know that even in this life we can experience some part of that
love  and  peace.  

Most  nights we take a walk and go by Ben's resting place (marked  simply as
Ben  - Child of Light), and our souls are refilled with the power of his short
life. 

Passing along a small part of a powerful, wonderful experience,

Tim



T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1331.1Re.0CGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Tue Aug 07 1990 18:324
    
    Thank you for sharing that, Tim.  That was beautiful.
    
    Cindy
1331.2DNEAST::PUSHARD_MIKETue Aug 07 1990 18:5519
    
    Tim,
    
      Thank-you for sharing your experience. It struck me,because I
    recently had a request from a stranger thru a relative,to try to find
    out about a child they had lost. I only had the childs
    name,and,requested my contact to check it out. I received a message
    that the child was with (my contact gave me a name here),and,that he
    was fine. After relaying the message to my relative,later the same week
    my relative told me that the name I gave them was the childs
    grandfather. It felt so good that I was able to help those people,even
    though I never met them. Your comment about pets....I lost a pet a few
    years back,and,recently found out thru my contact,that,he is with my
    Dad,who passed on in 1985.
    
    
    Peace
    Michael
    
1331.3contacts?CSCMA::SCHILLERWed Aug 08 1990 14:439
    My name is Kristin and I'm new to this notefile. I am wondering
    what a "contact" is and if I gave someone who had a "contact"
    the name of someone who has passed on, could they find out how
    they are for me? My father died in march of 1984 and in june of
    the same year, my boyfriend died, a victim of a drunk driver.
    I'd be interested in finding out how they are.
    
    
1331.4Thank youGVA02::CEHRSThu Aug 09 1990 12:122
    Thank you Tim for this very moving contribution to this notesfile.
    Martha
1331.5MY CONTACTDNEAST::PUSHARD_MIKEThu Aug 09 1990 15:0616
    
    Hi Kristin,
    
    
         In my work with the Ouija board,I refer to the spirit I work thru
    as my "contact". This spirit contact is the one I communicate
    with,and,thru. He (his name is JIM),controls the board,and,it is thru
    him that I get information. I mainly talk to him concerning my
    family,but,on accasion have asked him to contact or find out about
    others,which,in some instances have been successful. I have found JIM
    to be very accurate about many of the things he has told us.
    
    
    Peace
    Michael
    
1331.6I have chills ...BPOV04::BOOTHROYDMrs. Fletcher was pushed!Thu Aug 09 1990 16:484
    i've never read anything as moving and emotional as that.  i'm going to
    print it out.  it's truly inspirational.
    
    /gail
1331.7michaelCSCMA::SCHILLERThu Aug 09 1990 20:4313
    Michael,
    
    Would you be willing to try it for me? I lost my father six years
    ago and he worked so hard and never took time to enjoy the things
    his hard work go us...I'd like to how he is and who he is with..
    etc.. I don't know anything about spiritual ANYTHING but do believe
    certain things are possible. My dad's name is James Edward Schiller,
    and he died March 29 of a heartattack in Stow, MA. He was only 42.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Kristin
    
1331.8I will try KristinDNEAST::PUSHARD_MIKEFri Aug 10 1990 11:4616
    
    Kristin,
    
        I have had another inquiry off line,although they didnt come right
    out and ask,I think they would like me to check on someone. I could see
    this becoming larger than I could handle,especially if I was
    successful.My contact doesnt like to do this on a regular basis,and,I
    wouldnt bug him about it,if he refused. Heres what I will do: I will
    take your dads name,and,the year March 29,1984?,and see what I can come
    up with. It may take a few days,or,he might refuse to do it,or,he might
    not be able to find him. I will let you know Monday what his answer is.
    
    
    Peace
    Michael
    
1331.9thanksCSCMA::SCHILLERFri Aug 10 1990 13:017
    Mike,
    
    Thanks a lot...name and date are correct. I understand though...if
    you do it for one you've got to do it for everyone..so if it is
    not possible that is okay too.
    
    Kristin
1331.10WILLEE::FRETTSSanta Fe sunshine...:-)Sat Aug 11 1990 11:0514
    
     
    RE: .0
    
    Thanks Tim for sharing your very personal and touching experience
    with us.
    
    RE: Karin
    
    I know of one, and possibly another, person who may be able to
    assist with this.  Contact me off-line for further information.
    I'm on WILLEE::FRETTTS.
    
    Carole
1331.11KARIN = KRISTIN?WIENER::SCHUBERT_KWatching my inner Fire ...Mon Aug 13 1990 09:548
    re: .-1 Carole
    
    Was it Kristin you were adressing in your last reply?
    
    I guess it can't be me as I kept quiet ... or were you referencing
    another note? 
    
    Karin
1331.12WILLEE::FRETTSSanta Fe sunshine...:-)Mon Aug 13 1990 12:426
    
    
    You are right Karin, I did mean Kristin.  Sorry about that!  I have
    been going through major brain-drain lately! ;-)
    
    Carole
1331.13HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Mon Aug 13 1990 13:476
    You're not alone in that brain-drain Carole :-}  Many of us are on
    automatic right now.
    
    One step at a time.
    
    Mary
1331.14it's too hot to think ...WIENER::SCHUBERT_KWatching my inner Fire ...Mon Aug 13 1990 14:228
    Carole,
    
    if the weather is the same over the pond (sweat, sweat :-6) it's
    no wonder we all have a hard time concentrating :-)
    
    the heat is on ...
    
    Karin
1331.15HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Mon Aug 13 1990 14:578
    Its not the Greenhouse Effect though :-).
    
    And we are about to fight a war to maintain the very system that is
    causing it too. (sigh)
    
    Sometimes I wonder why we humans are so stupid.
    
    mary
1331.16Regarding stupiditySCARGO::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Mon Aug 13 1990 16:466
    
    Re.15
    
    Who is *we*?  
    
    Cindy
1331.17HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Mon Aug 13 1990 19:011
    We is humanity.  I guess that means you too Cindy. :-)
1331.18Well...not necessarily.CGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Mon Aug 13 1990 19:2110
    
    I think that we all do stupid things on occasion, and certainly some of
    my actions are no exception, however I don't believe we are stupid in
    general as a state of being.  There is a difference.
    
    However each person reserves the right to call their own self stupid if 
    they so choose.  It's when we go beyond this line that it doesn't do
    much good for personal and world relations in general.              
    
    Cindy
1331.19HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Mon Aug 13 1990 19:304
    Considering humanity to be stupid may not do much good for world
    or personal relations ... but IMHO humanity is still just as stupid.
    
    Mary
1331.20please don't include meCRUISE::CFEUERSTEINWhy is there air?Tue Aug 14 1990 01:188
    Perhaps we need a definition of terms here. I do agree with Cindy
    that each individual has the right to declare him or herself stupid.
    While I might agree with the statement that humanity as a whole
    might not have have the best choices, admittly in hindsight, in
    the past, I still believe we all (is this not humanity) have the
    not only the best choice, but the right choice when the time arrives.
    This beratting (sp?) ourselves when, in hindsight, we think we 
    shoulda done something else, is malarky. 
1331.21me neitherPSG::G_REILLYit's easier to go with the flowTue Aug 14 1990 07:507
    
    re: .20
    
    I concur wholeheartedly.
    
    alison
    
1331.22it's only an opinion (imo)HYDRA::LARUgoin' to gracelandTue Aug 14 1990 14:0812
It seems to me like the "is your glass half-empty or half-full"
problem.    We humans are just that:  human.   It's the way we
are, and we've been evolving for eons...   Perhaps we could
"further along" and more spiritually adept.   We could also
all still be grovelling in the mud, or in any number of other
scenarios one could imagine.   

and just cause someone says or implies that you are stupid
doesn't make it so....  "no one can make you feel inferior
without your consent."

/bruce
1331.23HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Tue Aug 14 1990 14:236
    I include you all... assuming you are all human.  
    
    But, of course, you don't have to like it and you don't have to agree.
    :-)
    
    Mary
1331.24My opinionCGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Tue Aug 14 1990 15:4522
    Re.22                           
    
    Bruce,
    
    >implies that you are stupid doesn't make it so.
    
    There is a ripple effect in all we do.  What you do touches me, and
    what I do touches you.
    
    The person who calls others stupid could also say that they have great
    love and hope for the human race instead.  The first is powerful in a
    destructive way, and it *does* affect other people at some level
    (whether you wish to acknowledge this or not).  The second is powerful 
    in a positive way.
    
    Children are the most vulnerable to such words.  It takes a large
    amount of counter energy to absorb and turn around the negative effects
    of criticism, hence children grow more rapidly and in the light when
    they live in homes where the environment and the attitudes of the
    primary caregivers are positive.
    
    Cindy
1331.25Let's clean up the mess.SWAM2::BRADLEY_RITue Aug 14 1990 21:1115
    Since many of who note here know Mary Stanley, and accept that her
    intentions are noble, despite her useage of the term "stupid", I will
    attempt to understand and reflect her intention. IMHO she is referring
    to the collective that produces such effects as the Greenhouse effects,
    improvident use of energy, profiteering (Gasoline distributors,
    producers, et al), the Congress, the Executive Branch of the U.S.
    government which has permitted us to become last among the developed
    nations in infant mortality, etc., etc. Although I suspect a large
    number of noters here are not proponents of any of the latter, the
    collective "we" are responsible for the mess we're in--even when you
    are not individually responsible for the acts causing the mess. So, let
    those of us who claim not to be "stupid", get on with the business of
    cleaning up the messes.
    
    Richard
1331.26CSC32::J_CHRISTIECrusader RabbitTue Aug 14 1990 22:367
    re .25
    
    I agree with your overall assessment.  At the same time, I would
    like some assurance that what Cindy is saying is recognized and
    understood, as well.
    
    Richard
1331.27soapboxCRUISE::CFEUERSTEINWhy is there air?Wed Aug 15 1990 01:2515
    I agree with what Cindy has said. Words are indeed very powerful.
    We, as humanity (if you will), may have done things that, in final
    (and later) analysis, was incorrect, even damaging. Albeit, the
    greenhouse effect, politics, hitler, etc... Yet, you or I or
    anyone, for that matter, would not be the same person as we are
    today. Would not be on the same path as we are on today. I don't
    really know if I believe in predestiny or free will or a combination
    of the two. I don't really know if it matters (I like to think it
    does). However, what I do know, is that I am doing exactly what
    I am supposed to be doing, exactly where I am supposed to be and
    doing it precisely at the right time. I suspect we all (humanity)
    are also, but I will not impose my beliefs on anyone. In the same
    right, I would like to think that others do the same and not impose
    their beliefs on me. I love you all and you are all God. How can I
    call God stupid?
1331.28Wake the deadHKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 15:3958
Note 1331.27           
CRUISE::CFEUERSTEIN 

Words *are* powerful.  They can hypnotize us and put us to sleep.  They
can make us feel all warm and fluffy and safe and secure within our
own smug ego.  They can blind us to the injustice and evil that grows 
around us and allow us to justify and rationalize our tolerance of it.

It is true that everything leads up to this day.  That the sum total
of our experiences forms what we are.  It is also true that our
past and present consists of a constant struggle against injustice and 
unbalance.....  ignoring the constitution and depriving Japanese Americans 
of their rights during WWII, the Greenhouse Effect, the corruption that 
pervades our political and justice systems.  History is a constant stream
of it.

>    However, what I do know, is that I am doing exactly what
>    I am supposed to be doing, exactly where I am supposed to be and
>    doing it precisely at the right time. I suspect we all (humanity)
>    are also, but I will not impose my beliefs on anyone. In the same
>    right, I would like to think that others do the same and not impose
>    their beliefs on me. I love you all and you are all God. How can I
>    call God stupid?

How do you know what you are "supposed" to be doing?  Why do you suspect
that humanity is doing what it is "supposed" to do also?  

Its nice to think that others "would not try to impose their beliefs" on
you but reality paints a very different picture.  It paints a picture of
a country that is in a constant state of siege from one group or another
trying to force it's beliefs upon the rest.  That is what the abortion
laws and the drug laws and NEA restrictions are all about.   

How do you "not try to impose your beliefs on anyone"?  You entered this
note in response to a note you disagreed with, didn't you?  Why did you
do so if not to attempt to impose your beliefs upon another?  Why not
admit the reality of what you are doing?

You say you love us all, but do you really?  Talk is cheap and this world
is full of flowery rhetoric.... words with no meaning.  Exactly what does 
love mean to you that you use the word so freely.  Do you love me enough 
to support me, pay my rent, feed me?   Or do you qualify your "love" to
words.

You can call God stupid because God is stupid.  What do you think the purpose
of life is if not to give God the opportunity and ability to change, to 
improve, to learn and to grow?

If we had a perfect God, we would have a perfect world... and we don't.
God isn't perfect... but you are doing exactly what you are supposed
to be doing, exactly where you am supposed to be and doing it precisely 
at the right time.... and you suspect all (humanity) is also

You are very exact and precise ... its a wonder you exist in such an
imperfect world; its a wonder an imperfect God managed to create such
perfect creatures as humans.

Mary
1331.29Love the dead, and they shall awake.CGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Wed Aug 15 1990 16:118
    
    It is unfortunate that you hold such a low opinion of the human race,
    Mary.  
    
    I fail to see how calling others stupid can do any more than create
    more negativity in the world than there already is.
    
    Cindy
1331.30Tell it to the undertaker.HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 16:5537
    Much of the world's negativity comes from those who try to pretend
    that negativity doesn't exist.  They tell you not to speak of it,
    not to acknowledge it, to pretend it isn't there.  They only want
    you to say nice things, to sympathize, to support... all the time,
    whether it's true or not, whether it's warranted or not.  
    
    They become consumed with self, with ego.  They want
    the world and everyone in it to say the things they want them to say
    and do the things they want them to do.  On a personal level they use
    guilt and manipulation to force others to conform to their standards.
    On a religious level, they use threats of eternal damnation.  On a
    political level, they use violence and coercion.  But its all the same
    principle really.  They are trying to impose their beliefs upon others,
    all the while they deny they would do such a thing.
    
    They say if we all only say pretty, pleasant things then life will be
    pretty and pleasant.  They say if we all follow certain rules, all
    of life's problems will disappear.  So they say all the right things
    and they dress the correct way and they don't make waves and they
    create an illusion to live in where they are happy and safe and possess
    abundance.  
    
    But outside of their own sphere, children die of hunger and violence
    and injustice reigns.  Every once in awhile they are made aware that
    their world is not the world everyone lives in, so to make them feel
    better about themselves they commit some well publicized acts of public
    service, pat themselves on the back, and sink back into the oblivion of
    Pleasantville.
    
    But of course... pretending the infection isn't there, covering it up,
    ignoring it, merely gives the infection time and opportunity to grow until
    it becomes so strong it overwhelms.
    
    Some of us need more than love Cindy.  Some humans need a kick in the
    ass too.
    
    Mary
1331.31The negativity is not neccessarily where you see it.CGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Wed Aug 15 1990 17:2711
    Mary,
    
    And those who have been kicked around throughout their whole life 
    have been healed greatly by those who have shown expressed to them 
    kindness, gentleness and caring.  
    
    Out of such behavior as a model, one learns to turn to one's neighbor 
    and demonstrate the same (love).  This is the message that Jesus
    taught by example.
    
    Cindy
1331.32Especially if you blind yourself to it.HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 17:4318
    
    Some who have been kicked around all their lives have been healed by
    the kindness of others.  Some who have been kicked around all their
    lives heal themselves.  Some who have been kicked around all their
    lives spend the rest of their lives feeling sorry for themselves
    and indulging themselves.
    
    Everyone doesn't learn the same lesson in the same manner.  
    
    There is much hypocracy in the world today.  There are many who speak
    of love but don't practice love.  There are many who claim that they
    know the message of Jesus but in fact they use Him to gain money or
    power or acceptance or a social life.
    
    There are many who try to impose their beliefs upon others while they
    deny that they do so.   
    
    Mary
1331.33Go in peace...or whateverCGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Wed Aug 15 1990 17:567
    
    Then continue kicking the world as you see fit, Mary.
    
    Hopefully the kindness and gentleness shown by others will be enough to
    neutralize the effects of the kicks you put forth.
    
    Cindy
1331.34Gone are the broken eyes we saw through in dreams.HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 17:592
    Hopefully it won't...  the world doesn't have much more time or many 
    more chances.
1331.35A couple of questions...USAT05::KASPERBeing dreamed by the BIG DreamWed Aug 15 1990 18:1639
Hi Mar!

  From .28:

    > It is true that everything leads up to this day.  That the sum total
    > of our experiences forms what we are.  

    I don't know about "sum total".  Isn't a part of who we are 
    what we want to be - or our desired future?  And, isn't who we are
    impacted to a degree by how we percieve the outside world?  The things 
    you say about humainty are accurate.  There's a lot of bad stuff going on
    and certainly our history is full of atrocities.  I think we (by "we"
    I mean each one of us individually) need to recognize these things and 
    not turn our backs.  But at the same time, I feel that to let the
    negativity of the world "invade" our inner selves to the point that 
    we see nothing but negativity not only does a disservice to humanity
    as a whole - but also to us personally.  Isn't it is possible (and
    Richard echo's a lot of my feelings around this) to recognize injustice,
    speak out against injustice and do something to weed it out without 
    letting it's poison contaminate us?  I ask these questions because 
    your words seem to be coming from someone (my perception - correct me 
    if I am wrong) who has given up and sees no hope for turning humanity
    around.  It's a big job, to be sure, but an impossible one if any *one*
    of us gives up.  "No one is free until we're all free - no one's at 
    peace until we're all at peace" (some quote I read somewhere).

    So love - it couldn't hurt.

    > Do you love me enough to support me, pay my rent, feed me?   

    Is this kind of giving your idea of love?  I don't really think so.
    Speaking for myself, I *can* love without feeling I have to feed and
    cloth all of our nation's homeless.  I think a better question is:

         Would you accept my love if I didn't support you, pay your rent
         and feed you?

    Thank you,
    Terry
1331.36Seeing more clearlyCGVAX2::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Wed Aug 15 1990 18:297
    
    I sense your fear, Mary.  Fear, like self-pity, is the generator of
    many illusions as well.
                                   
    "Perfect Love casteth out Fear."
    
    Cindy
1331.37HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 19:093
    re .36
    Does it caste out stupidity as well?  I certainly hope so.  Now if we
    can only find someone who knows how to love perfectly.
1331.38He's not physically here now, but he's a good role model.SCARGO::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Wed Aug 15 1990 19:236
    Re.37
    
    I don't believe that Jesus ever referred to the human race as being
    stupid.
    
    Cindy
1331.39HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 19:402
    I don't care how Jesus referred to the human race Cindy.  I'm not
    a christian.
1331.40HKFINN::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Wed Aug 15 1990 19:4082
Note 1331.35           
USAT05::KASPER 

    >And, isn't who we are impacted to a degree by how we perceive the outside 
    >world?  

Just the opposite I would think.  How we perceive the outside world is impacted
by who and what we are.

    >But at the same time, I feel that to let the
    >negativity of the world "invade" our inner selves to the point that 
    >we see nothing but negativity not only does a disservice to humanity
    >as a whole - but also to us personally.  

Does expressing a single negative thought mean that one's inner self is invaded
to the point where one sees nothing but negativity, doing a disservice to
humanity and to the individual personally?  Who are you to determine the
condition of another's "inner self"?   How many negative thoughts are we
allowed this week?  Shall we have a quota?

Seems like a rather big bite to swallow Terry.  Does negativity threaten that 
much?  What do you want... a perfect, plastic world?   Why does recognizing
and acknowledging the negative do a "disservice to humanity"?

    >Isn't it is possible (and
    >Richard echo's a lot of my feelings around this) to recognize injustice,
    >speak out against injustice and do something to weed it out without 
    >letting it's poison contaminate us?  

You equate negativity with injustice.
You speak as if negativity was unnatural.  You call it "poison" and speak
of being "contaminated".  Are you afraid you will catch it like a 
disease? :-)  Where does one hide from negativity?  In a bottle or in
a pill?  In the arms of others?  Can one run away from it?  Can one ever
run far enough or fast enough?

What makes you think that anything positive could exist without 
the negative?  Do you think you can force yourself to be a perfectly positive
person Terry?  Do you think humanity can be forced into being a perfectly
positive species?  Do you think society can be forced into a perfectly 
positive mold?  Or government?

It is the quest for perfection that creates most of our problems, the denial
of reality, the lack of acceptance of the true nature of existence.

    >I ask these questions because 
    >your words seem to be coming from someone (my perception - correct me 
    >if I am wrong) who has given up and sees no hope for turning humanity
    >around.  

You are wrong.

    >It's a big job, to be sure, but an impossible one if any *one*
    >of us gives up.  "No one is free until we're all free - no one's at 
    >peace until we're all at peace" (some quote I read somewhere).

Wrong again I'm afraid.  The only consensus you will ever get from humanity
is in the inevitable death that so many of us also deny.
There is no perfect state.  Existence means  constant turbulence,
a constant fight to maintain equilibrium, to balance the opposed forces that
together form this world.

    >So love - it couldn't hurt.

Maybe we could pass another law or figure out a way to test people's
urine to ensure that they 'love' the required amount. :-)  We can declare
A War On Those Who Don't Love.

>    Is this kind of giving your idea of love?  I don't really think so.
>    Speaking for myself, I *can* love without feeling I have to feed and
>    cloth all of our nation's homeless.  I think a better question is:
>    Would you accept my love if I didn't support you, pay your rent
>    and feed you?

Well think again my friend.  My idea of love is heavily intertwined with
responsibility, commitment, respect and reality.  
Love without responsibility, without commitment is, in my opinion, just 
another word thrown around for ego sake because it sounds good.   

Now tell me your idea of what love is, of what love means to you.  

Mary
1331.41one vote for the light....INISH::HORGANWed Aug 15 1990 19:5768
    A few days back I was led to try and capture some of the powerful
    things that occurred in our lives during and as a result of the illness
    our son experienced. The urge to do this came as I read through this
    notes conference and saw references to pieces of the experiences we had
    - healing, after-life communication, etc., and it seemed that it might
    be interesting to share our experience with others.
    
    Since then this note seems to have gone into a discussion about man's
    inability to deal with the effects he is having on his world, with
    lengthy discussion about the term "stupidity".
    
    So now I'm wondering how we got off on this tangent, and whether it has
    any relevance to the base note. Perhaps it does, in a parabalic sort of
    way.
    
    One of the most powerful life lessons I have experienced was around the
    reaction of my son and wife at the time Ben was first diagnosed with
    his first malignant brain tumor. I was blown away, and experienced all
    the "human" emotions of anger, fear, etc. My wife Maureen has some of
    the same reactions at first but quickly came to see that these are
    negative forces which would not lead towards getting Ben better, or
    helping him enjoy his life. 
    
    Maureen accepted that this terrible thing was happening with her child,
    and focused on how we (i.e. all of the people in Ben's world) could
    focus their energy to help Ben. For many this took the form of prayer,
    for others it was kind words or visits, for others it was a phone call
    or card. Maureen (and eventually I) opened up our lives and the crisis
    we were having to the world, and asked for help.
    
    Ben's reaction was incredible. Even at the age of 5-6 he wrestled with
    whether or not he wanted to fight, and for a few days had decided to
    let go. Then one day he told us that he wanted to live, and he would do
    whatever he had to do to make that happen. We described chemo and
    radiation and other bad things that might (and did) go on, and he
    thought about it for a while and clearly stated that if that is what
    had to be done, he'd do it.
    
    This conviction was put to the test many times over the next six years,
    as he went through many chemo treatments, months of radiation, various
    infections, ten major surgeries, and lots of medicines. And each time
    he'd get down he would remember that he had told us and himself that he
    would do whatever he had to do to get better, and he would take a deep
    breath and accept what was happening. Incredible inner strength.
    
    So what's that got to do with the rest of us? The world is indeed in
    trouble. We can give into the darkness, or we can go with the light. If
    we go with the light and decide to fight, then we also accept that at
    times the fight will be very hard, that we will feel awful. And we need
    to remember that we are not alone, but that we are surrounded by those
    who love us and will support us when we ask for it.
    
    When I start feeling sorry for myself I remember the look on Ben's face
    as he earnestly told us that he wanted to live and would do whatever he
    had to to do so. I can feel some of the wonderful inner strength and
    courage he had in the face of an awful disease, and I remember that he
    did what he said he would, laughing and enjoying most of his life,
    surrounded by great and loving family and friends. That invariably
    stops whatever self-pity I may have had, and I get back to living.
    
    So we've got problems. Let's decide to deal with them. Let's work with
    people we trust and care for. Let's generate positive energy and enjoy
    the beauty that absolutely surrounds us in the world and in the people
    in it. Let's live this life to the absolute fullest, knowing that that
    is how God expects us to live.
    
    Tim
    
1331.42USAT05::KASPERBeing dreamed by the BIG DreamWed Aug 15 1990 20:2726
Hello again Mary...

   RE: .40

      Sure a long reply...

    > Now tell me your idea of what love is, of what love means to you.  

      Gosh, I don't know.  It seems to be changing all the time but I think
      I'm learning - besides I don't think this is a question easily
      answered in words.  Writers, lovers, philosophers and warriors have 
      been trying to do that for thousands of years :-)...
   
      We sure don't agree on a whole lot of things here.  I'm comfortable 
      where I am and you where you are.  That's important.  Some of the 
      points of disgreement, unless we want to get into a debate (and 
      I don't), make it hard to discuss much more.  Since I'm not much of 
      a last word person I'll just say thanks for sharing and leave it at 
      that.

Take Care,
Terry  

PS:  > another word thrown around for ego sake because it sounds good.   
                                      ^^^^^^^^
       A new Japanese drink?  ;-))
1331.43A small comment.MISERY::WARD_FRGoing HOME--as an AdventurerWed Aug 15 1990 20:3510
    re: .41 (Tim)
    
        I don't wish to argue with your personal feelings.  However,
    I disagree with the last paragraph.  I do not feel compelled or
    impelled or otherwise motivated to live up to anyone's expectations,
    "God" included.  Only the expectations that I have are the ones
    that matter to me (which could include expectations of others.)
    
    Frederick
    
1331.44more precisely...INISH::HORGANThu Aug 16 1990 01:1712
    Frederick,
    
    I agree with your comments. I was not precise in my wording. I believe
    we need to live up to our own positive expectations of ourselves. I
    refer to this as being a part of 'God', or some piece of us that
    connects us to what is God. And it is very much us and within our
    ability to influence and direct.
    
    Argue all you want with my personal feelings. It's how we learn!
    
    Tim
    
1331.46DNEAST::PUSHARD_MIKEThu Aug 16 1990 11:3217
    
    
    I think both sides have expressed views that I would agree with. One, a
    real concern about the bad things happening in the world,and,not seeing
    how to do anything about it,and,perhaps like being in a raft in the
    rapids of a river out of our control. Another recognizing that there
    are many problems,but,wanting to focus on the positive things we may be
    able to do,to make it better. If faced with this situation,I think my
    choice would be to find the good things happening,and,join in the fight
    to make it better,and,at the same time being aware of what man can be.
    We may be on the losing side,but,if we throw in the towel,the fight is
    ended. We're not licked yet,I say we keep fighting.
    
    
    Peace
    Michael
    
1331.47ATSE::FLAHERTYPeace: The RealityThu Aug 16 1990 13:596
    Tim, your words are inspiring.  Your son lives through the gift of love
    he gave you.  To me, his light is a shining example of what 'love' is.
    
    Thank you for sharing him with us,
    
    Ro
1331.48It's light where I am...BEDAZL::ZICKEFOOSELENNICEThu Aug 16 1990 14:3111
    Tim,
    
    I really appreciate what you have to contribute to this file.
    I echo your sentiments, I personally would rather focus on
    the light than dwell on darkness and ugliness over which I
    have no control  When I focus on the light I am happier and
    more focused in my life, and better able to deal with the 
    dark and ugly things that inevitably occasionally pop up.
    
    z
    
1331.49The dance of dark and light...AOXOA::STANLEYMy dog he turned to me and he said... Thu Aug 16 1990 15:259
Well I don't know if I'll be able to word this so it makes sense to anyone but
me but I'll give it a shot.  I believe that in this plane of polar opposites,
one should not dwell on either the light or dark, yin or yang, etc.  These
opposites are different sides of the same thing.  Neither is good or bad, just
opposite.  Dwelling on one over the other leads to imbalance and pushes the
opposites farther apart.  Look to see how the opposites dance with each other
and that they are both necessary.  This is all just my opinion.

		Dave
1331.50DICKNS::STANLEYWhat a long strange trip its been...Thu Aug 16 1990 15:343
    Thanks Dave.  You explain things so much better than me.
    
    Mary
1331.51How deep is our ...MISERY::WARD_FRGoing HOME--as an AdventurerThu Aug 16 1990 15:379
    re: .49 (Dave)
    
         Agreed.  What the opposites provide us with is depth.  Without
    the depth there is no richness, just a two-dimensional experience.
    The opposites exist for the purpose of adding a deep richness to
    our lives.
    
    Frederick
    
1331.52AppreciatedSCARGO::PAINTERAnd on Earth, peace...Thu Aug 16 1990 15:456
    
    Pointer to note 558.0 - it might apply to the situation here somewhat.
    
    Thank you, Tim, once again.
    
    Cindy
1331.53Any Word?CSCMA::SCHILLERThu Aug 16 1990 20:325
    Michael,
    
    Any word from JIM yet? Or did it not work.....?
    
    Kristin
1331.54birth date please.DNEAST::PUSHARD_MIKEFri Aug 17 1990 11:0310
    
    
    Kristin,
    
        I have communicated with JIM,and,he needs your fathers birthdate.
    Also where he was born. Thanks.
    
    Peace
    Michael
    
1331.55lightNSDC::SCHILLINGTue Aug 21 1990 08:167
    re: .41
    
    Thank you, Tim, what you wrote is absolutely beautiful and touched
    me deeply.  Another vote for the light from me.  Let's live!
    
    Paul