Thank you , Samuel for the invitation to this group! Love and prayers, peace and light,   Vee

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   It is great having this group to educate myself and teach others about death and living. I appreciate your efforts and hope to learn how to live as well as dying. I know for myself it is an honor to be present when someone is getting ready to leave this world.

                                                 ~ Namaste, Jo 

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Hello! Thank you for inviting me Samuel. I am always ready & willing to learn.

Susan

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I would guess I have a rather unique insight here as almost all the people I have truly loved have died.

What have I learned? Life is too short...even if one should live to be 103. Lots more, but that's for later.

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Hello new friends...

My name is Shannon and I am new to the group.

I am very interested in this group and all that it entails....

Blessed Be to new friends and old..

Shannon (Shay)

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Hi I am new to this group, and am interested in finding out more about it also.

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highly spiritual topic! the most under researched yet most vital action we all will take one day. and very dear to me as i have studied this for years in the tibetan book of the dead the tibetan practices for easing the passage from one plANE TO THE NEXT AND THE SPIRITUAL PATH  I PRACTICE IS VERY INVOLVED WITH THIS

 so thankyou. i hope we all learn from each other

 and by the way mmy mother had a nde near deathe xperience when  she was being operated on  for esophagael cancer

she had alwasy been spiritual, not religious.Her nds in seeing and feeling the light of god

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Hello Samuel: Thank you for the invitation, and giving me a chance to share, and chance sometimes, if you don't  mind just, to vent.. Because sometimes, yes I just need to.Thanks again, Many Blessings, Martha.

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October 20, 2003, my son was killed instantly in an automobile accident.  He was 29.  I learned much from him but perhaps the most helpful are the words of Gibran.  Since Kevin's anniversry is coming up I thought I would share these.

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters
of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you,
and yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love, but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday."

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hello everyone... thank you so much for the invitation sam...... i think i am going to like it here very much... it looks like an extremely interesting place and an exceptionally interesting mix of people...

christine...

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Hello Every one!

Thanks Samuel for the invite. I will read the topics and post comments as I can. I have been having alot of internet and computer troubles so I might be a bit slow at commenting but I'll try my best. This is a very interesting topic, as I try to be spiritual myself and am very glad and willing to learn.

Thanks so much,

Jodi

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Thank you for inviting me-I look forward to learning new insites! peace,Terrie

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THANKS Samuel for inviting me to your group. I look forward to great interaction.

E

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Thank you Samuel, for the invitation.

I know all too well the sting of death, whereas most of those I've loved in life have passed over. My son who suffered from bipolar disorder, committed sucide at age 25. Having had him at age 16, I literally grew up w/him, and he was my very best friend. It's been almost 5 years now, but it still feels like yesterday, and I continue to struggle while I try to make sense of it all...

Prior to my sons death, my beloved grandparents were raped and murdered in their rural home. My brother was the prime suspect, although it was never proven.. My mother, whom my brother lived with at that time, lived next door to them, and had died 20 days prior, cause, unknown...

My brother recently committed suicide in a Veterans rehab hospital in Texas... My son's father committed suicide... My sisters husband committed suicide... and the list goes on..

Perhaps I will learn something valuable here, and maybe even have some insight to give in return.

Looking forward to reading and sharing.

Love & Light,

Laura

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I really looking forward to participating in this group.  I just recently lost my father... and the last week I spent with him was both the most difficult, and most amazing of my life. 

Hospice was amazing, and with their help and guidance, I began to understand it is a privilege and honor to witness someone as they prepare to leave this world... and hard as it may be to say goodbye. 

I honestly feel my father is still with me, and a couple of things have happened since his passing that make me even more confident of this.  I look forward to sharing with you all.

Have a wonderful day.  Make it count!

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Samuel,
Thank you for the invitation.  Yes, I have had some experience dealing with death and surviving family members.  There are many aspects to consider.

Judy

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My perception on what the dying teach us, is simply how to live.

To live every day like you were dying captures every bit of appreciation one is able to absorb.

The literal meaning of passion is: to suffer.

Compassion then becomes the ability to share the sufferings of others. When one close to us is dying, the lesson of compassion and loss can become wisdom when the pain fades. Insight into spiritual "maturity" that leaves room for the soul to express itself in life.

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Hi Sam and everyone here. Thank you Sam for the invite. It's an interesting group with much potential for helping people in all stages of grief or mourning.

I haven't lost my mother from this world, but I've lost the strong, healthy force and energy of her to Parkinsons, dementia and early Alzheimer's. Recently she became incontinent to the point that she does not want to go out in public places. For her, death is a long drawn out increasing indignity, but it has taught me much about her spirit that does continue to rage angainst the dying light and my admiration for her battle. She continues to be my hero.

Vicki

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Hi everyone.. I am Susie and live in the UK. Death has always fascinated me. I have worked with older people and sick and dying people. It is a priviledge to be at someones death. I am glad to find this group and i hope to learn and exchange experiences with you all.

Namaste.

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Hi! Everyone, I am Dori, I live in the US(Michigan). Thank you to Samuel for the invite to this group.

I will write more later.

Dori

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Tonight, I had been singing along to the music on my computer, happy, peaceful, thinking about dinner when I heard a noise downstairs.  I jumped up in a rush when I realized it was the washer having cycled through on any empty load about to spin rinse.  I hit the button just in time and laughed at my forgetfulness.   

I was turning away when it hit me.  Like a knife had stuck my chest - I remembered my mother.  When I was young and so was she, she would forget to fill the washer and we would race downstairs to try to shut the washer off in time.  She’d clunk her head in her forgetfulness and we would chuckle about it.  In an instant I missed her and the grief grabbed a hold of me.  My heart bled, my lungs fell inward and tears rushed to my eyes.

It had been in a house states away and a time decades ago.  I had long forgotten that trait of my mother's.  She’s been gone now six years and she had been so sick for years before she died.   I have long been able talk about her with no pain, with calm acceptance.  This memory caught me off guard.  It didn’t last long before it passed, but it grabbed all of my attention while it was here.

When my mother first passed I remember an acquaintance offering me her condolences.  She had lost her mother a while back.  I asked her if it was easier for her now.  Her face, her voice, told me more then her words.  She looked sad but smiled at me.   She said that she never stopped missing her mom - that the hole was always there.  It got much easier as the years went by but that she would have these moments… they would be set off by something small…

So I had my moment.  And then I received this invitation.  I figured that was a sign, so here I am.  Thanks for the invite. 

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Hi, Thanks for the invitation, Sam. I look forward to being part of this group.

Carol

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Dear Samuel

Thanks for your kind invitation to this group

Hello everyone, I am Tania From Beirut Lebanon, and i am glad to be part of this interesting group & wonderful people.

infinite blessings, love and light to all

Namaste

Tania 

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Sam and all; thanks for sharing your intimate personal stories; heartaches, and close-ups with death.  I, too, have lost many friends to the inevitable "journey homeward..."  I worked 2-years at a Hospice for the Dying, during a period when my then Partner was struggling with his demons of addiction, and I trying to "kick mine."  Working at the AIDS Hospice, when friends of mine had already passed of this virus or others related to addiction~helped me "get it together."  Life has indeed become more precious to me each day, as I have come through what was deemed "inoperable Brain Surgery" and face another Surgery soon.  LIFE is to be LIVED Daily, and to be Enjoyed to it's Fullest.  I find I Enjoy Life Most, When I am Helping Others.  Namaste All~~ and Blessings on All Here.  I Look Forward to Learning From Everyone Here.  Peace and Light~ Tassa Rose

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Hi...I am new here.....

lost my mom in 1997....she was my only family...

it took me a long time to get over it.....

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Hello everybody, my name is Blanca from Mexico, happy to be here and looking forward to learn

Thanks a lot Samuel for the invite. I like the name of the group, it is indeed a very interesting subject, yet we sometimes forget there's so much to learn about dying people

Blessings, Blanca

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thankd for the invite, sam. i am not sure what to expect from this group,but i will give ya a fair shake.  

New member:Zelda DiCaprio   

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I am  Patrizia from Costa Rica, Thanks Samuel to invite me

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JUST JOINED MYSELF,

TY FOR THE INVITE~

I LOST MY MOM 5 MTHS AGO. MISS HER MUCH

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Thank you Samuel for inviting me to your group. I am a Non-Demoninational Minister, I have yet to counsel anyone professionally on this topic but have had many conversations with loved ones and friends who are losing or have lost a loved one.

My first experience was in preparing my very dear friend Mickey for her journey. It was a beautiful time for both of us, one I will cherish as a bitter-sweet memory forever.

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Thank you for inviting me to this group.  I gave careful and prayerful thought before I came this evening.

I've had so many loved ones die and been present for quite a few of their transitions; I have clinically died but was sent back. I have tried very  earnestly at my own hand and on my own terms.  Since then, I cannot tell you how I have grown spiritually and how much deeper my thoughts  on the matter have grown.

My only child tells her friends that her Mother is dead.  I do not exist in her world.  I have come to terms with all of this.

I have multiple chronic conditions.  A surgeon and I will be deciding this week if we can now go forward to address two types of aggressive cancer.  I am unafraid because this has happened before and I did not have cancer.  I will know for certain before anyone else knows, so I may be dying in terms of my corpus but never my spirit.

This will be a place for me to listen and to come as a learner, not a teller.  But I know there is more after our time here for I have glimpsed it and awoke weeping softly in the operating room and they saw by my tears that I was back.

Thank you for permitting this opportunity to say   why I did not immediately accept your invitation.  I am ready to do so now.

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I just thought I'd better introduce myself. I'm new here and thanks to BethK. for inviting me. I do hope to learn from everyone here and I am sure I will provide many good messages here as well.

I hope you all have a great day.

Lynn

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Hello all,

I just wanted to thank Samuel for inviting me to this group.

It seems like a very interesting topic..I do believe we can learn

from those who are dying and those who have passed..

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hi everyone my name is sharon.

thanks for inviting me sam. this is a wonderful group.

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Thank you for the invite Sam... it is interesting that my last grandmother died a few days ago and I received this invite a few days ago... hmmm... creepy for some but a blessing for me.  She was close to my heart and someone else I love dearly was faced with his own mortality and was surprisingly upset with her death for he knows he may be the next to go.  I know I will enjoy this group and hopefully will find comfort and lessons in what I read here.  I will try to find your book.  Thank you!

Kemaeli

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Hi every one and thanx for the invetation and sorry that I am only now introducing myself was a bit busy lately with exams.

I am Marna, I live in sunny South Africa, I am a nurse, am maried and is expecting my first baby, very excited and paranoid at the same time, that is me in a nutshell

Looking forward to learn from all of you

Have a great day!!! 

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Hi, I live in Texas and I work with the Elderly - There is so much to learn as we each enter different chapters in our lives. I have truely been blessed with the relationships I have made a long this journey.  Looking forward to being part of this group.

Millissa

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Thanks for the invitation Sam, and warm greetings to all.

Like many who have already checked in I have learned from and lost many loved ones.  I look forward to reading your insights and will share mine where appropriate.

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Hello Everyone!

Thankyou for inviting me.  I look forward to learning from everyone.  I am very humbled from reading the posts. I send all my love out to you all.

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I am a full time caregiver for my 82 year old mother who is bedridden, paralyzed and had dementia. I hope to be able to give and receive here. 

Teresa 

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Hi Theresa..

I also care for an elderly person in my family..she is 90 and found out 2 yrs ago that she has cancer.it was on her kidney..Being so old, I dont think its wise to operate..

She is doing ok, but has a hard time opening up jars, carrying' pots of water to the stove..She falls alot, so I got her a walker.

Shes always ice cold, so I got this great blanket in kmart.. also I bought her a donut...

When your old and just sit around, you tend to get sores.

So far, I think i got it all covered..butcha never know do ya.?

She has lost alot of weight and has little strenght, so I am her strenght..

I open up things for her, dress her , give her a bath, and makes sure she gets fed..

Its not easy, but we have to help the elderly..

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Hi, I'm Scott from Canada,20 minutes from Niagara Falls. Glad to find this group. I have been in the white light, and it is much easier to know what death is, when you can remember your last life.

                Scott

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Hi, my name is Jean. I look forward to "listening" to everyone and hopefully, putting in my two cents worth. I do believe Death can teach the living so much. But, I also believe Death should come as comfortably as possible for the person, therefore, I do believe in Hospice and try to assist those needing this specialty when they are in need of understanding and assistance.

looking forward to 'chatting" with you all.

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Hi All, thank you for accepting me on the board as a member.   It has been my experience in the last year or two that several friends and acquaintance have either died from some form of cancer, or are dying from it, or living with it.  I myself had cancer and recovered, thankfully.  I have admired these people and how they faced their fate.

My spirit seeks to understand why this has come my way, now, and what to believe about it - I believe in the Lord tho not in a specific doctrine.  And I thought that joining this column might help sort my mind out and that I might find fellow journeyers here.

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Sam thanks for having this group.

I have my moments of dread when it comes to death..but I try not to dwell.

I always feel when someone leaves us, it is only physically. They live through our memories and thoughts.

Glad to be here.

Jacki

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IAM VERY PROUD TO JOIN THIS GROUP.MY BEST WISHES TO ALL THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED THIS GROUP.THANS TO SAM.                     

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Hi, I'm posting on care2 after a long time.                           I've been busy re-inventing myself professionally and have now taken on a new care2 name and identity.                    But I assure you, I'm still the same person, though a very much re-juvenated one.

I focus more on medical astrology now, as I feel I've found my niche.

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    Hello my name is Donald.  I live in Michigan, west  of  Detroit. My mother has Alzheimer's and has recently entered the Hospice  program.  She has trouble swallowing, but somehow she is keeping  her dignity through  this process.

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HI MY NAME IS MARY

I have lived death many times but the hardest one is of my grandbaby she was 5 weeks old and was murder and he got away with it and that killes me,dont know how to deal!!!!

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