100. Heaven
I recite the Lord’s Prayer every night at the end of my conversations with God. This practice dates back to my youth when my prayers were more akin to a ramble about the life and times of Sheryll Sneade. I’d been taught that God was all knowing, so on the one hand I assumed He already knew about my activities and on the other hand I thought my life was way too boring and insignificant to draw His attention.
To stay on the safe side of things I did the guy a solid and filled Him in on the good and not so good parts of my daily doings. During my young adult years I continued snitching on myself — the practice kept me between a set of guardrails, still, more than my fair share of sentences began with, “I’ll try to do better,” and ended with, “No, really, I mean it this time.” The ‘forgive us our trespasses' was more than adequate for my shenanigans but still, the repetitiveness of my saying it must have been tedious.
It was around that time that I upped things by including a sort of current events portion to my nightly devotion; a prayerful mention for those suffering greatly from earthquakes, plane crashes, and terrorist attacks. Occasionally, I’d pop in a prayer for a celeb who became featured on TMZ because of some tawdry event. Who am I to judge, right? Believe you me, I’m quite sure that if I met Brad Pitt and managed to get a mickey into his glass, I would have ignored the ‘lead us not into temptation’ suggestion and would have ‘delivered us some evil’ all over the place.
I’ve always had a Brad for Mr. Pitt.
Hello, Tim.
Anyway, my prayerful rambles became ruminations around the time my kids were in grade school, and I fully admit there were many times when I fell asleep before I said, “Amen.” In technical terms, I know the time I spent with God was prayerful thought, but I considered them chit-chats, a time for sharing my life and filtering it through what I knew He wanted from me and for me. I admitted my shortcomings, thanked Him for my continued blessings, and promised to guide Hannah and Jessica by His teachings; with a little bit of me sprinkled in. I imagined His smirk at that one.
As the years moved on, I pared back on my nightly talks with God. Not on the consistency of them but on the expansiveness of them. I honed in on the things that mattered most to me. That was when my chit-chats became bonafide prayers. In a surprising way, they became brief and to the point; they focused on the things that I’d been blessed with; my family and friends. I drilled down to my humble request.
“Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing my loved ones;
I pray that you continue to keep them healthy and safe.
Amen.”
The brevity should in no way diminish the sincerity of that prayer. It was and it is profoundly heartfelt. In the scheme of things, those words connected me to God in the purest way. I was never one to ask Him for help with earthly possessions; I figured I could attain them for myself, but when Divine Intervention was needed during a personal crisis, I was all in and not above begging and bartering.
For many years prior, I prayed fervently for world peace and that mankind would aspire to His generosity of spirit toward all of God’s children. Those prayerful words fell to the wayside years ago. Had I changed my belief systems over time and become less concerned with others? Nope. Just the opposite in fact. I worked to become more responsible for my own commitment to God’s teachings. I led my life from the position that charitable giving is a godly thing. Tim and I believe charity begins at 183 but it does not end there it reaches far beyond. It is something we instilled in our children and it fills us with pride when our girls participate in their own choices of ‘Love in Action’.
I think it’s time for a sidestep. When we began teaching our girls to pray we tried to impress upon them that praying is not reciting a laundry list of things they wanted. It was time to be grateful for their blessings and to think about things that might be unjust in their little world and to find ways to help fix them. They adopted our prayer for world peace, then added things like; please help me to be kinder to kids on the playground, and to share better with my sister, and they finished up by asking God to take care of Mommy and Daddy. Perfectly acceptable prayers.
When Jessica was five(ish) she needed to have her tonsils and adenoids removed. As I’m sure you know, dietary changes need to be made so that the healing process is successful. Basically, it’s your standard liquid diet that gets modified to a soft diet in a matter of days then stays that way for a week or more.
Every Friday, the OBs at 183 had pizza delivery and a guaranteed guest for dinner. Tim made it his mission to spend that night having ‘family feast fun’. He would call me from Hudson when he was leaving work, I’d call in our order from T-Bird, the kids and I would start watching the Friday Night Lineup on Channel Five, and choose a time that each of us thought Daddy would be home and whether he or the pizza would be the first to arrive.
In solidarity to Jessica, the OBs went two Friday nights without our pizza fix. After the second week of deprivation and after the tucking in process, Tim and I were putzing around upstairs when we heard the rustling of bed linens coming from Jessica’s room. We snuck into the hallway and saw our little girl on her knees, her elbows on her mattress and her hands in prayerful clasp. Then we heard, “Dear God, I know I should pray for world peace, but I could really use a pizza. Thank you, Jessica O’Brien.” Come the following Friday, our girl got her very own pizza pie, one which she enjoyed over the course of a few days. Amen!
An admission.
During the period of time last fall when I was waiting to find out what was happening with me and whether it was serious, I didn’t know how to talk to God. I didn’t know what to ask for, after all the only thing that ever mattered was the health and safety of my loved ones. And then it dawned on me — a glaring omission. Did God not know I included myself in my prayerful grouping? Did my omission of a personal prayer all these years mean something? Was it too late to start begging?
Ever since the death sentence, my prayers have become clunky and awkward. The time I spend with God is back to chit-chatty and is sometimes delivered in bratty form. Mostly, my talks with Him focus on time. I needed and begged for enough time to work on a few things, but mostly I wanted and needed time to prepare myself and those whom I love with what was happening; and I needed time to prepare Hadley for my loss. God blessed me with time, more than any of us expected. Now that I am in the ‘declining phase’ of my disease and time feels measured, I know I need to prepare myself for what happens after death — but I don’t know how to.
Why?
Because sometimes I am fearful that there isn’t a Heaven,
and if there is, will I make the grade and get in?
A few weeks back, I spent some time on the internet researching Heaven. I cannot begin to tell you how pathetic that experience was to a Christian who believed the teachings of her faith during all of her 64 years to suddenly have questions about all of it. With a pressing need, I set off on a quest to know who believed in Heaven and an afterlife? I needed to know if there was any proof that such a place existed? Even higher on my list of wonderment was this; would I go there?
Go where?
Paradise, of course.
For those who believe, Heaven is Paradise, the ultimate place for the just. It is a religious cosmological place where gods, angels, souls, saints, or venerated ancestors are said to originate, be enthroned, or reside. Heaven is often described as a “highest place”, a Paradise, accessible by earthly beings according to various standards of divinity, goodness, piety, faith, or other virtues or right beliefs. In Christianity, Heaven is the realm of afterlife where good actions in the previous life are rewarded for eternity.
As far as the WorldWideWeb is concerned,
Heaven exists and I have a shot at getting in.
I’ll swing back at the end of this blog for further analysis.
The Golden Rule
This rule is a summary of the Christian’s duty to his
neighbor and states a fundamental ethical principle.
And it is the cornerstone of my life practices.
A guardrail.
The Ten Commandments
I’m not sure about the rest of you, but right off the bat, I thought some of these were really easy. The others, mostly those involving my yakking jaw, would cause me some difficulty. All in all, I did right by the majority, and stayed tight within the guardrails on the biggies. I certainly never killed anyone, or stole anything, and I never coveted thy neighbor’s house or their spouse; I’ve always been very happy with my starter home at 183 and I know I was blessed with Mr. Wonderful, so those two birds were killed with one stone. For the record, I wouldn’t kill a bird let alone two. My overall assessment of how I followed God’s teachings left me feeling pretty good, but I was still searching for assurance.
Heaven
We’re back to the beginning but a backstory is needed before we move on. The Irish One aka Jabbering Jenny (JJ) and I got into this text thingy about David Bowie.
Me: Did you ever see Bowie in concert?
JJ: No. You?
Me: No, the Stones, Bowie, and Queen were my 3 disappointments. Why is Bowie your man?
JJ: Because my jaw dropped when I first saw him on Top of the Pops when I was about 12 and he was magical. And he had something to say every decade til he died and he wasted not a moment of his life even when he was wasted. And he was beautiful and talented and when people laughed at him he did his thing cos he was that driven and passionate, nothing ever stopped him. And he loved books. And I still love him.
Me: Were you crushed by his death?
JJ: Yes. I thought of him every day for 4 years. It was the same year Leonard Cohen, George Michael, and Prince died. It was awful and it was followed by Alan Rickman and Carrie Fisher. All people who were the idols of my life. 2016 was not good.
Me: If you could meet one celebrity in Heaven who’s the one? Asking for a friend who’s writing a blog.
JJ: Bowie, Freddy, Leonard, I don’t know. Too hard to pick. Maybe I would like to meet a friend I know in Heaven who writes a blog.
Me: Ok, but I get to bring a plus one to lunch. So who is beside me when we walk in? What celebrity am I bringing to meet you?
JJ: Bowie.
Was there any doubt?
That caused me to do a lot of thinking.
Surprise. Surprise.
In Blog 99, A Peek Around A Corner, I wrote: I am working on my 100th blog. Who would have thought that would happen? I’m hoping you will help me with it. If you would email and tell me two things: what celebrity (singer, actor, athlete, or public figure) you would want to meet in Heaven, and who you knew personally that you would want to spend time with, that would be wonderful. If you object to my using your name, just say so. Tell me as much or as little as you would like.
So here we go!
~~ Thich Naht Hanh: to thank him for teaching me to practice peace and perspective, and to sit at his feet and learn more. Mom—to hug, not a single word is needed. ~ Andria Flores
~~ Sheryll, this blog was so touching, I cannot express how much impact and appreciation you have given me for so many little things in life. I will always be eternally grateful to you. I have never personally known a celebrity but if I had to only pick one I would say Elvis. I recently saw his movie and it was really good. But my own personal celebrity in my life was my dad, and I can't wait to someday see him again. Not sure how things work up there but if you get the chance to run into him please give him a hug for me. You will always be in my heart, and again thank you for all you have given to so many. ~ Love, Patti Magner
~~ Hi Sheryll, First, I want to thank you for having the courage and grace to share your blog with all of us. Your words are beautiful. You are leaving a beautiful story for your loved ones to reflect on once you are gone. Your gift of the written word will give them comfort always. I am Patti Magner’s neighbor and friend. I’m lucky to know some of the characters in your story. You are blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and loving individuals. Patti and I walk together most mornings when she isn’t at the Cape. Months ago she told me about your blog and encouraged me to follow it. At first I was hesitant because I felt in a way that reading your blog was somehow intruding on such a difficult and vulnerable time in your life. Patti persisted and I’m so grateful I listened to her advice, as usual. On our walks we often talk about your journey. Thank you for joining us on our morning walks. You have taught us so much. I have no doubt your spirit will continue to join us as you’ve had a huge impact on both of us. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Now to answer your questions… 1) I struggled to think of a celebrity I’d want to meet. I think I’d like to meet Mother Teresa. She sacrificed so much to make the world a better place. We need a lot more Mother Teresa’s and fewer narcissistic celebrities to learn from. 2) Without question, I’d do anything to spend time with my hero, my dad. He was my compass in life and still remains my compass 12 years later. He loved being on the water on his boat. Whenever I’m near the sea I feel his presence. When a Cardinal comes to visit I pause. It sounds silly, but I think that bird is my Dad’s way of reminding me to call my Mom. I see physical slivers of my Dad in each of my boys which warms my heart. We reference his opinions and stories often. As I write this I’m reminded that while I’d do anything to spend more time with him, he’s with me always. My boys called my dad, Paco. We say that Paco is now watching over us from the best seat in the house. I have no doubt the impact you have made on your loved ones, especially Hadley, you will be with them forever. With love. ~ Amy Lengel
~~ Besides Eric, Elvis and George Michael, the celebrity I can't wait to see in heaven will be YOU!! ~ Donna Eaton
~~ Sheryll, I love these challenges you have given us. The musical artist I would love to see is Jim Croce. He was such a talented artist who was taken from us too soon. My favorite song by him is Photographs and Memories. It is a song he wrote when his wife told him he was going to be a dad. It reminds me of those you are leaving behind - such a legacy for both of you!! It is my new earworm. The person I would love to see again is my Dad (he was actually my step-dad but he was so much more to my sisters and I). We were lucky enough to have him in our lives for 31 wonderful years! We lost him to cancer on Thanksgiving morning in 2009. We gained a sister and two brothers (and numerous nieces and nephews). At his funeral, the Pastor compared us to the Brady Bunch which we were although we were the Benoit Bunch!! So many happy memories of birthdays, holiday celebrations and vacations. He was a very special man who taught us a lot about life by his shining example!! He left a lasting legacy. I don't have enough words to thank God for bringing him into our lives!!! I love you Dad - you will never be forgotten!!! Feel free to use this in your blog if you want. Love you. ~ Sue Rohr
~~ I’ve never really thought about meeting a famous person in Heaven… but if I am going to meet someone I want it to be you. You have changed me in ways I can’t articulate but I feel profoundly. I would love to meet face to face so I could thank you and give you a really really big HUG! The other person I would love to meet is and will always be..my Mother. Peace. ~ Kathy Dacri
~~ Hi Sheryll, Blog 99 was hard to read. I’m so glad you got another visit and hug with Don and Denise. You will never be forgotten. Your writing is a gift that will go on forever. It’s hard to pick just one celebrity I’d like to meet in heaven. A few at least come to mind right away. Eleanor Roosevelt , RBG and John Singer Sargent the artist are at the top of my list for those who have moved on up before me. Personally, my Dad. He’s been gone for 23 years and was the love of my life. I miss him daily and wish I could talk to him again. He passed away on the one day I didn’t see him while he was long recovering. He had been so upbeat the day before and we had planned he would come stay with me for a while until he was back to better health. I never got a chance to say goodbye. I would have loved for him to know how great his 3 granddaughters turned out and to meet his two great grandchildren…. To know our little Nina, his great granddaughter took after him with his musical abilities (she with the violin, and he with brass instruments) and so so much more I want to talk about with him. Sweet dreams my dear friend. Blog 100 will be as lovely as they all have been. Sharing and caring. MUAH! Love you. ~ Cheryl DelSignore
~~ Dear Sheryll, Good afternoon. Another 100 degree day in the desert but, at 6pm, seems like a thunderstorm might hit. Ahhh. I’ve got a weird one for you. As far as a famous person I would like to meet in heaven, there are countless — from Euripedes to 19th century philosophers and writers, from Jesus to George Harrison to Robin Williams. Even the ones who had more of an influence on me don’t stick out. As far as people I’ve known that I’d like to chat with, there are several, with my brother Mike at the top of the list…except for one oddball thing I cherish: my twin. There was ample physical and birthing evidence to indicate I was once a twin. I think of my twin regularly. We are one, I guess, but I’d still like to meet in person. ~ Kevin Mullaney
~~ Jackie Robinson/and a buddy who recently passed. Red Sox gonna win World Series this year…they won last night! ~ Philip McTigue
~~ Good Morning Sheryll, In your last blog you requested responses to a couple of questions. I’ve been thinking about some topics for days and then saw your last blog with a request so here’s a mishmash of thoughts I’ve got going on. A few weeks ago you wrote about minutiae and it’s been something I can’t stop thinking about. While I completely understood and could relate to your feelings on topics that just seem so unimportantly trivial, I really had to dig deep for a bit. I’m not a very patient person (that’s why I’m not a doctor, HA) it’s something I know that drives my husband (and my kids for that matter) crazy. You have handled the cards you were dealt since November with strength, grace, and such bravery that I’m truly in awe at your positivity and ability to bring peace and comfort to those around you, to us who are your followers and to readers for years to come. As a teacher I so often hear people say “what a difference I am making” but you my friend are leaving an amazing and lasting impact in this world and I feel blessed that I found your writing and for our connection. In considering the things that I find to be minutiae, I am really trying to find some appreciation in it. The mundane task of folding laundry, I stop and smell the fresh, clean towels and appreciate that I’m strong, and healthy enough to tackle the never ending mountain, get it put away and maybe enjoy listening to some Motown while doing it. The same goes for some of the other daily tasks that I might either vocally complain about or at least dread in my own head, now I’m looking at these tasks and realizing that blessings are just that and can be found wherever I choose to look for them. Until I started following your blog that’s not the way I’d frame those daily tasks or a lot of other things and I find I’m more at peace when I look through a different lens. Now to answer your questions. As for a famous person I’d want to talk to, I’m completely stumped. My first thought was Princess Diana although I’m not even sure why. Another thought was Mary Jo Kopechne because I’d love to ask her what she remembers about her “accident” weird I know. Another thought and the most meaningful would be you. I’m sure you don’t consider yourself famous, but you’re a published author and I sure consider that famous. When the time comes that you crossover to whatever that afterlife is, the thought of sitting with you and having a conversation is something that I think I’d feel grateful and privileged to have. The next question is just as hard for me to answer. I’d love to see and talk to my parents again. They both died so young, my dad suddenly from a heart attack, my mom after a torturous illness. My brother who also passed suddenly, alone while living out of state and far too young is someone I’d love to talk to (although he’d probably just tease me and joke around). A few of my closest friends passed away far too soon; Mary Mac of breast cancer and a few short years later her husband Bobby. I’d love an opportunity to tell them what amazing adults their children have become and how very loved they are. My closest, best friend Donna who was tragically killed in a domestic violence incident hours after I left her, tops my list though. Donna and I were born 10 days apart and remained best friends for our entire lives. That is a loss that still aches in my very core and I miss her terribly. She was my person, she was by my side to get me over all the other losses. She’s the person I just don’t know how I get through things without anymore. She’s also the person that I believe is constantly sending me signs to let me know she’s near. It’s funny the first time I read your latest blog I thought answering those questions would be an easy task. After trying to answer and re-reading my response I realized “Damn, lady this was a tough question, you should have been a teacher” LOL!! I’m not one who prays a lot, or follows an actual religion anymore (but raised catholic) however, more than daily I ask the universe, God, and any of my angels who are listening to continue to watch over you and bring peace and comfort to your heart. And I ask Donna to watch out for you because I know she will. Sending warm thoughts and friendship to you always. ~ Angela Moore
~~ Hi Sheryll, Well it’s after 12:30 and I can’t sleep! I started thinking about who I would like to meet up with in heaven and have a little chat! I decided on Eric Carle! I would love to hear him tell me about his childhood, married life and children! Mostly, I would love to hear his thoughts on the books he wrote and/or illustrated! I have a decent collection of his books! When I was teaching we made our own version of painted paper. We would then cut out pictures to illustrate those stories we wrote! They felt very creative! The person I would like to sit down with would be my daughter, Maggie! It’s been 24 years and although I feel she is with me all the time I would love an actual conversation with her! And a bunch of hugs and kisses thrown in! I would ask if she danced in heaven! Who does she hang around with! How’s my mom doing!! And of course… will I be getting into heaven!! Lol. I’m sure I’ll be reading about your choices! I do look forward to reading all of your blogs!! Thank you for them! I wish you peace and l love!! ~ Kathleen O’Neill
~~ I would love to see my beautiful mother and two brothers. Sheryll you are a beautiful soul. ~ Diane Harizi
~~ When I first read your post about who we would like to meet in heaven I thought what a nice idea. I have been thinking about that since and the famous person was difficult to pick, the other one about who we did know was easier to a point as there are 3 very special ladies in my life that have shaped me; my Irish grandmother, my mother and my sister. My Irish grandmother along with my mother were strict but loving and most of all gave me my faith, which without that I would not have survived the losses in my life. My sister who has only been gone 2 years was one of my best friends. Whenever things were difficult or I was faced with a difficult part of life I could always call her and say “I need my sister” and she was always there. As I was looking over this, I realized that they died 20 years apart, my grandmother died in 1980, my mother in 2000 and my sister in 2020. As for the famous person this was more difficult but it came to me this morning. This person is one I would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee/tea and some figgies or danish with, it is you. One regret is that we never got to connect and visit. I love sitting down and having a cup of coffee and talking with friends. We will just have this meeting at a different time and place. ~ Karen Gouin
~~ Hi Sheryll. I'm not typically a procrastinator so I'm puzzled by my delayed email to your request from blog #99. Your request #1 a celebrity I'd like to meet in heaven. This one wasn't tough for me. I've never had "stars in my eyes" over any celebrity - never idolized a public figure or actually wanted to meet them. Ok, maybe Mother Theresa or Pope John Paul II. No, I'm not Catholic. Just a good ol' Protestant who thought these two people were totally rad. Over decades, though, I have wanted to meet authors who sparked my imagination and thoughts. Always an avid reader, I was reading adult books as young as age 7. This continued until my mother intervened and stopped the Alfred Hitchcock mysteries when I started having nightmares. She steered me to better library choices like Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost, for example. Those two books that my mother recommended completely swept me up into their characters' worlds. They were written by author Gene Stratton Porter. She was an amazing story teller and boy would I have loved to pick her brain! I was mad for all things botanical, woods, forests, and butterflies after reading those books. In college, I became a first-edition hunter of Gene Stratton Porter books - not an easy task pre-internet days - and accomplished my task in the early 1990's. So, not to drag this out longer, I'd like to meet that author to tell her how much I loved the stories she told, how they fed my imagination and took me places I'd never been. Your request #2: someone I have known personally that I'd like to spend time with. That is an absolute no-brainer. MY PARENTS! I can't adequately convey in writing how much I loved them. Just to see them again, hug them, to be able to tell them again how much they meant to me...priceless. I also want to meet you in heaven, Sheryll. You're a darn good story teller too, dear lady. ~ Deborah Thompson in San Antonio, Texas, cousin of the famous (infamous??) Nancy Pendleton
~~ My dad, first and foremost. I’m not sure I could stop hugging him. Famous person? Tough one, Elvis would be cool. Marilyn Monroe maybe? Queen Elizabeth (when she gets there). I’d have to pick Princess Diana. Muah!! ~ Kathy Budgell
~~ Hey...if you run into Kevin, tell him Jerry Lewis still stinks. if you see my mom tell her to keep up the good work. I don't think you'll bump into my dad. He's still in the waiting room called Limbo. ~ Jan Harvey
~~ Famous person(s): Gene Rodenberry, Sheryll O'Brien. Loved one(s): My dad, mother, sister. Muah! ~ Linda Christina
~~ I chose you Sheryll O’Brien. Because since I started reading your blogs I have become very attached to you. I “know you” but I honestly don’t remember meeting you if we did. Did we ever meet, maybe you and Tim came to 12 Lanark at some point to see Kevin? I’ve always known about you. And currently I find myself prematurely mourning the loss of a new friend. You lured me in with your blog and I have been thinking about you and your family every day since. You have opened up a part of me that is flowing with thought and creativity. Sadly we won’t be able to meet in this life, so why not Heaven? My image of heaven is a lot of white robes so we will need to distinguish ourselves somehow. And where to meet? Obvious answer is the Gate, but I think it will be crowded there. Let’s meet at my cloud on 4 Lavender Lane. It will be shabby chic and the door will be lavender, not obnoxious purple, just a light lavender/bluish. Lots of wild flowers and birds, bees, dragonflies and wisteria will inhabit the property. My hair will be the beautiful red of my youth and my gown will definitely be altered to be more form fitting and fashionable. My sandals will be fashionable as well, and my toes will be painted the same color as my door. My teeth will be so gleaming white you won’t be able to really look at me without squinting. I will have all the danish your heart desires, from Cullpeppers of course. All the flavors. We can sit in the back garden near the waterfall. I am sorry but no cheap coffee will be served. I will have a fair trade in the percolator roasted by the finest angels in Heaven. But how will I know it’s you? You must be sarcastic when you address me! Let’s have a code word shall we? What should it be? I will ask you all the things about heaven because I will be new. You will be a seasoned pro and know everyone (not necessarily like everyone, but know them you will!) On the day you visit I will replace the water in the waterfall pool with ocean water from Wells Beach just for you! We will have the most heavenly bikinis, because of course we will have heavenly bodies as well. Whatever that means to either of us! You will let me know where to get the best massage and where the best writing spot is. You will tell me the shortcut to the finest chocolatier. We will talk and laugh for hours. We will talk about the blog and our family’s and all things old, and new. Naps are essential in Heaven, of course, so we can nap under the willow tree and after that write a little and share our stories. We will part ways about 4 p.m. and we will set a date the following month to meet at your place. Until we meet on Lavender Lane, all my love Sheryll O’Brien! XOXO ~ Colleen Mullaney
~~ Blogger’s note: I try to never choose favorites, but this is the suburb of Heaven where I want to live. Imagine spending time in those lovely gardens with beautiful flowers, flowing fountains, and fabulous companions. I enjoyed this so much. ~ Sheryll
~~ Hopefully I will be in heaven one day and will see my Mom, and tell her everything I wish I had before she died. If I have any time after that, I’d like to meet Princess Diana. ~ Linda Bushee
~~ My Grandmother Emma Evangeline Bushee. I’d like her to know that her grandson Jim is writing a book about her. She had more sons than anyone in WW2 and Jim is doing the research on the book now. And I’d like to meet the Big Guy, Christ. After all, isn’t he the reason we are all trying to get there?!? ~ John Bushee
~~ There are so many people who I’d love to see again, especially both of my parents. That said, I’d pick the strongest person (so many reasons) I’ve ever met…MY MOM! The celebrity would be David Bowie. I would love to see him play again. We saw him play several times, but the best was a small venue in Boston. I lucked out getting second row seats and no one was sitting in the front row. So close that we could see Bowie’s toenails were painted black! ~ Joyce McTigue
~~ My mother. I miss her. Glenn Frey, Eagles member. ~ Helena McCarthy
~~ Hello Sheryll, I just read #99. Hope I’m not too late. I would want to meet Mother Theresa. And my Father. He passed young. I could have used his adult wisdom. Prayers, Love and Peace to You. ~ Diane Rochette
~~ I would spend time with my mother. She was always there for the family through thick and thin. I would love to see her smiling face! I don’t need to meet anyone famous so I’d like to see my father who I haven’t seen since I was six. ~ Shirley Bodreau
~~ I would want to spend time with Meme, with her harmonica and tea cup, stomping her feet and dancing! And then I’d go find Elvis. ~ Marjorie McCarthy
~~ I would like to see Ethan Buck, my brother-in-law. And Elvis, Elvis, Elvis! ~ Nicole Buck
~~ The famous person I would pick is Betty White. I think she was a lovely person. I think she’s funny and would love to hear all of her stories. I would want to see Papa because I was only one when he passed away. I have heard a lot of stories about how nice he was and I would really like to meet him. ~ Jessica O’Brien
~~ Famous person: Princess Diana. Her death was the first big news story I can remember as a child. The wall to wall news coverage was heavy stuff, but I couldn't not watch it. I also remember being really saddened by it. I was only 9, but she was one of my idols. I admired her strength, grace, and beauty. I have a new admiration for her now that I am a mother. Her kindness, selflessness and bravery is something we should all aspire to. I think it would be so cool to spend time with her. Someone I knew: Grampy Roland. I was only 6 when he passed away and there are so many things I wish he'd been around for. I'd use my visit to get to know him more and tell him all about Hadley. I'm sure he'd love her as much as my grandmother does. I'd love to fill him in on all of it. ~ Hannah O’Brien
~~ Hi Sheryll, Here are my choices. It was a difficult challenge to choose one. It made me realize how blessed I have been in my life to have so many options given the time in history and family that I was born into. I would like to see my father again and talk to him. I would like to thank him for being such a great role model of strength and wisdom. He knew how to be present in the lives of the people that mattered to him every day. I am still trying to get it right and could use a refresher. The famous person I would like to meet in the great beyond would be Bobby Kennedy. It would be wonderful to have a dose of the idealism and hope for the future of humanity that he tried to make the world see. I love you. ~ Tim
This exercise wasn’t only fun and games.
I really enjoyed the letter writing challenge from a few weeks ago. I came to ‘know’ a bit about you and through that simple exercise I realized how interesting you are and how unafraid you are to share yourselves. I was the recipient of your greatest gifts, stories of your lives, and I was humbled by them. And here we are again: you shared your personal thoughts and set me in awe by your choices and expressions. Muah!
Now for the second reason for this exercise.
Just as I hoped, you answered my questions about Heaven. All I had to do to ease my fears was ask you guys who you wanted to spend time with in Heaven. None of you questioned whether there was such a place. Each of you got right to task and convinced me that your loved ones were milling about Paradise with notable people of history and entertainment. I guess it is as simple as this: We know what we know and we believe what we believe.
We believe in Heaven.
We don’t have to explain or justify our beliefs, nor do we have to apologize for questioning what is next. For those of us readying to leave this life for an afterlife, I think it is perfectly fine to spend time facing uncertainties and insecurities. I tried research, and prayerful thought, but when all was said and done, it was you who set me straight.
So many of you have expressed your belief that I have offered help and hope with my blog — you have offered so much more to me. And I thank you.
In conclusion … Whenever Jessica hears about the passing of someone, she whispers, “He knows the secret,” or, “She knows the secret.” I asked her why she says that. “Because those who pass know the answer to the greatest question ever asked; is there a Heaven?”