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I'm having a hard time right now. A close friend of mine is dying of brain cancer. He did not respond well to radiation, so his family has decided to not move forward with chemotherapy. Right now, he is in the hospital, asleep more than awake, but he is not in any pain. I'm waiting for the phone call from his daughter telling me that he has passed. They are anticipating it happening in a matter of days.

Since my friend is in Canada, I have no way to go see him, or be there to help comfort his wife and family. He was a mentor, and has been like a second father to me. He's older than my real father, actually.

I know that this really doesn't have to do with Mormonism directly, but the subject of life after death does.

Times like this always make me wonder what really does await us on the other side of the veil.

I should also note that my friend is Catholic. He is very familiar with the LDS Church, though...has many friends who are LDS.

Anyhow...maybe there is something to my being overly sensitive in some of my posts at the moment. I'm really not myself.

Liz,

With what you know, keep in mind that while you and his loved ones will miss him for a time, remember that he is embarking on a very exciting adventure.

The great work that is going on in the spirit world, which involves all who have ever lived, is incredibly busy and exciting. Be excited for him, and don't forget to get his temple work done after he passes.

Gaz

I'm sorry to hear about this, Liz.

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

- Khalil Gibran, "On Death".

Gaz wrote:Liz,

With what you know, keep in mind that while you and his loved ones will miss him for a time, remember that he is embarking on a very exciting adventure.

The great work that is going on in the spirit world, which involves all who have ever lived, is incredibly busy and exciting. Be excited for him, and don't forget to get his temple work done after he passes.

Thanks for the kind words, Gaz. He actually loved the hymn, "If you could hie to Kolob". Since finances and my work schedule would preclude me from attending the funeral, I will probably send a recording of it for the family to play at the service if they wish to. He had asked if it was possible for me to sing it at his funeral years ago.

As far as the temple work goes, I wouldn't do it unless his wife and daughter were OK with it. I have a great amount of respect for them, and would never do anything to jeopardize that, or their friendship. They are very devout Catholic. I have to believe that Heavenly Father will accept him with open arms and provide the way necessary for his return no matter what.

Ray wrote:I'm sorry to hear about this, Liz.

Thank you, Ray. *HUGS* You're a sweetie!

I send my well wishes to him, his family, and you. Sigh. I'm very sorry to hear of your collective suffering.

My best to you and your friend's family at this sad time. I never know what to say because nothing really helps. Just know that someone here is thinking about you and wishing you the best.

Just saw this. Hope things work out, Liz.

Liz, I've now typed out 3 posts and deleted them all.

Just sending hugs. Hope you'll be okay.

Mary

I wish you and your friend well. It is never easy to lose a friend. Friends are hard to come by and old friends are very much a part of one's life. Never easy to say good-bye. But in memory the friendship lasts a lifetime.