I am sitting here this morning trying to take in the news that you are no longer with us. It is not as if you were sick, you weren’t. Your not being with us in this realm anymore reminds me of how precious life is. How many times have I really thought about how blessed I am to wake up? I am grateful, however, somehow hearing the news that you have transitioned to the next realm of being, was a wake up call for me. This morning, I truly am grateful for another day to be of service to the world.
After I got through the initial shock of it all, I could hear a few voices floating through my head. One was my Bubby asking me, “So Sara Bella what are you grateful for?” that is so easy. I am grateful I had the chance to meet you and get to know you. It brings me back in time to when I was pastoring at TPUFC and you would bring groups of students up to our church. I remember all the conversations we had about life, spirituality, social psychology, women and gender studies, and vegetarianism. I remember the opportunity we had to catch up in Los Angeles when you moved to UCSC. What an awesome time we had together. I remember you telling me all about your travels to Africa. I am grateful for all the memories we created and the times our spirits were able to connect.
Then I could hear the voices of the Tibetan monks who once taught me the importance of remembering to celebrate what is and to celebrate your life and your work. However, it is also important for me to remember to celebrate the life I have today and the opportunities for me to be of service even in the midst of my grieving.
What else have I learned? Your leaving so unexpectedly reminds me of the importance of taking the time to connect and stay connected with those who are on this realm while they are here. It also reminded me of the importance of pouring libations to assist in the remembrance of those who have moved to the next realm. So today, I pour libations in honor of you, my mothers, fathers, and all those who came into my life for a season before moving on to the next phase of their journey.
I am reminded of the importance of living life to its fullest. You had a dream and vision for your life and never allowed anything in life to keep you from moving forward towards that dream. Today, I am reminded to keep my eye on my dream for my life and to keep moving forward. Like you, I may not achieve it in this realm; however, I will live each day with a clear focus on moving forward.
Things in my life, which are meant to die, will. As they do, new things will rise within me and keep me moving forward.
There are so many people I know who have been inspired by your writing. I have always found that informative and inspirational as well. However, what I will always remember the most about you is your smile, your spirit, and your capacity to love. At the end of the day, that is what matters most. Thank you for being you and the chance our spirits had to connect! Until I see you again.