I had an unusual encounter on an airplane. A little chld was sitting behind me about 3 years old and when I looked at him and there was just such an odd “knowing” connection it was in his eyes as well as in mine. We communicated our recognition and did not say a word. I do not know who I connected with other than this little child’s soul.

Has anyone in this group read “In Lieu of Flowers” by Nancy Cobb? She tells of how she dealt with her father’s death and how others she interviewed coped with the experience of loved ones dying. I, too, have found reading the conversation between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell intriguing.

Is there ever dead totally gone? Something is left, there is trace. The physical may have gone but everybody has shared DNA with someone, some have even combined their DNA and passed it into a new life. That is tangible even if we cannot actually see it. Love, once received is with us and supports us for ever and so the dead continue to be with us. I agree with those who say we are part of some great organism, the breath and depth of which we cannot comprehend but I feel, my after death beliefs fit in with that. We all come to terms with our own interpretation of the meaning of life and death. We have to find philosophies and beliefs that work for us and respect what others decide on. The fact that I personally cannot take in certain beliefs of another religion or belief system should not make me feel threatened. They exclude and disrespect those who think differently, I find that aspect of organised religions difficult. As a previous post says…I too, imperfect spirit that I am, will be returning a lot LOL!

From someone who can barely cope with the idea of changing jobs, viewing death as change is not a coping mechanism.

NANCY B. 4/9/08, 12:30 P.M. Eileen, a big “DITTO” to your ideas above. OMIT the part about the earrings and 60 Minutes. What concerns me more than anything right now is world peace and our Presidential Race. I know having lived almost 72 years that women hold the key to most that is good in the world and I am particularly hopeful that more women will get behind Mrs. Clinton and pull her through this political campaign. She has said that “faith” has pulled her through all of life’s tough times and I relate to that so much. Having been in direct touch with God’s Living Spirit (I am a weak Methodist), I have put my trust in Him and know that I will pass over to His abode when I die, where ever that is. But it is this world that scares me. Don’t want an inexperienced con artist with an unpatriotic wife leading my country here on this earth. WOWOWO is the start of something BIG! I am not wealthy, but I have put my money where my mouth is and if all of you would do the same, our life here in the USA will show the world and particularly the “good ol’ boys” that females are the leaders anyway and always have been. Look at how Eve cajoled Adam in the Garden of Eden and had him eating out of her hand. And “Paradise” wasn’t “Lost” but allowed real life. Who would want to be a puppet for all their lives anyway. The mystical fable should really be our roadmap for today’s very complicated world. Thank you for this space to be heard.