Death: HK, 9/11, Hugh's Uncle & God I'm Grateful 2B Alive & Well....

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.
-Albert Schweitzer

This quote hit home today, b/c the wake of HK (Hurricane Katrina) is forcing us to really band together and do whatever we can to help eachother out. I did donate $10, and I wish I could do more, but I cannot. I can only pray, pray, pray-secure in the knowledge that the power of prayer is immesurable.

Hopefully, the victims and SURVIVORS of HK will come across MANY people who rekindle their own lights during the wake of this horrible tragedy. I hope so.

Tomorrow is Sept. 11th, the four year anniversary, and it's still heartbreaking to this day. I was 17 when it happend and it was absolutely horrible. It sent me spiraling into a deep depression and series of questions. It seems almost like it was yesterday, and then again, it seems like it was 20 years ago. The point is, that too was a disasterous and tragic day and changed the world as we know it. I think of Sept. 11th and all its victims at least weekely, not just on or around Sept. 11th. I hope and pray that those who survived have moved on as best as possible, and those who lost their lives, are now sitting in a more peaceful, less scary place. God Bless America and all its citizens!

All of this talk about Sept. 11th and HK has got me thinking about death. So I wrote a poem about it. I am in NO hurry to die, and I really don't think I'll be doing so 'till I'm really old and gray (like 89 or 90 years old), but the fact is, we ALL will die someday. Some of us will go easier than others. Me, I'm not afraid of death, I'm not embracing it, but I'm not afriad of it. Let me correct myself here; I'm not afraid of what's on the other side, I am a bit afraid of HOW I die. But anyway, that's another post...anyway, here's my poem:


I'LL DIE HAPPY

Death-it’s a crazy thing,
A lot like life,
just in a different wing.
A new passage,
filled with saving grace.
A sad but humbling,
welcome place.
So don’t cry for me,
my dear beloved family.
I’ve lived a full life,
I’ve laughed and cried.
Seen beauty beyond recognition,
always tried to follow my intuition.
You enriched that life,
more than you’ll ever know.
I’ll watch over you,
in your hearts,
I’ll never go.
I’ve had good times,
and eaten great food,
always tried to keep
a positive attitude.
I’ve been loved more than
anyone deservers,
but now it’s time,
for me to serve-
a different kind of Father-
I’m safe now,
peaceful,
I’ll no longer wander.
So don’t cry for me,
dear family-
please know-
I’ll die happy.

© 2005 Sarah E. Doan

The other thing that happened last week was Hugh's Uncle Stever died. Steve had had liver cancer for sometime and had already undergone numerous liver transplants. The last few months he just suffered and suffered, so it was kind of a relief when last Saturday, Sept. 3rd, Steve decided to exit this world. I am sad for Hugh's family, but at least Steve is not suffering anymore. I can tell you that although I've been blessed beyond reason and have never had anything as horrible as cancer, I do know what it's like to fight-and it gets old. You can only fight for so long, and then, that's it. God Bless Steve, may he rest in peace, and God Bless all of Hugh's family during this difficult time.

Hugh and I talked quite a bit this last week or so, and it's nice to have that. He's still a good man, and I hate to see anyone I care about in pain.

So, even in the mass of all this death, destruction and rememberance, I am still quite happy. This week has really been life affirming for me, thinking about HK, 9/11, and of course, Hugh's family and his Uncle. It has made me even more grateful for all that I have; reaffirmed my conviction to NEVER take anything (or anyone) I have for gratned. It's made me not care so much about material things, cuz hey, it doesn't matter in the long run. And I think this week has made me a better, more loving, compassionate, thankful person. There's a silver lining in everything, all you have to do is look for it! Thank you God for getting me, and everyone else, through this testing week and for letting ME come out on top. For teaching me, and loving me and forgiving me when I did complain. YOU ARE THE MASTER, and YOU KNOW THE PLAN. All of us down here may question You, but own personal faith remains steadfast. I love you Lord!

Anyway, that's really all I have to say right now, I need to go to the bank. I'll write again asap, until then, GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS HUMANITY, and GOD BLESS YOU!

Many Blessings,
-SL

P.S. Tomorrow is Grandparents Day, so HAPPY GRANDPARENT'S DAY TO ALL THOSE GREAT GRANDPARENTS OUT THERE!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY WONDERUL N' AMAZING GRANDPARENTS!

Grandma Elizabeth, Henry & Grandma Joni-I don't know where'd I be with you all. Thanks for everything you do for me, and for always listening and loving! I love you, appreicate you, and respect you and all that you are, more than you know! You inspire me, you motivate me and most of all, you teach me. Thank you for being shining examples of just how great life can be, and that life doesn't stop just b/c you reach a certain "age." May you all have a Grandparents day that's even half as special as you are! I'm glad, proud, blessed and honored to be YOUR grandaughter-I love you more than you know!

Lots of Love,

Your Grandaughter,

-Sarah :)