October 16 2023

In connection with our theme, “I Am Gone but Very Near,” I’ve recently learned that in the Aramaic language, the word death means “existing elsewhere.” For some people, the death of a loved one means they’re gone from their physical body, but still very near in terms of their energy or essence. Countless people have pulled me aside to share a story about how they felt their loved one’s presence in a room or smelled the fragrance of their loved one’s favorite flower for no apparent reason. When I ask these people if they experienced comfort in these situations, their responses are always, “Yes.” I encourage them to take the comfort. Our loved ones are gone but very near.