Candygal's Story

[_candygal]

Thank you Dr. W. for filling me in on our Chap here. This makes his response to me even more special. Seems like no matter what level of faith we are all on here..there is a great capacity for love, compassion and empathy. Thank you Chap...for understanding my hope..and speaking to my soul.

[_cwald]

Thanks for the story.

And this thread, particularly this response, is a perfect example why NOM support can exist on this board.

Candygal,

If you have followed Chap on the board much, you may have been a bit surprised that he wrote about core Christian beliefs in a hereafter in such an empathetic and understanding way.

Many of us here, as atheists, agnostics or secularists (myself included), don't often show or express much deference to those particular core beliefs.

Chap, however, is a mature individual and a real gentleman, who was able to skillfully express real concern and empathy for your situation without reference to his own worldview regarding a hereafter.

In the same vein, I will tell you that I was touched by your OP as well.

Best wishes.

[_Maksutov]

Thanks for the story.

And this thread, particularly this response, is a perfect example why NOM support can exist on this board.

I have no doubt that Shades and all of the rest of us would welcome the NOM refugees. I don't know that community but only because of limited time.

[_Amore]

Candygal,
You went through a lot - losing your mom and your husband. Death seems to really make you get real about your beliefs. When you were presented with new truth, I admire that despite maybe a temptation to cling to old beliefs, you had integrity to realize maybe you were previously mistaken. Many people can't do that. Many people cling to what brought them some degree of comfort or reassurance, even when it's wrong and is damning (holding them back) from learning better ways of thinking, feeling & living.

I also admire that you still have faith - that you'll be with your husband again, implying faith in some type of consciousness after death. Have you read any NDEs (Near death experiences)? If so, what do you think and intuitively feel about them?

[_candygal]

Candygal,
You went through a lot - losing your mom and your husband. Death seems to really make you get real about your beliefs. When you were presented with new truth, I admire that despite maybe a temptation to cling to old beliefs, you had integrity to realize maybe you were previously mistaken. Many people can't do that. Many people cling to what brought them some degree of comfort or reassurance, even when it's wrong and is damning (holding them back) from learning better ways of thinking, feeling & living.

I also admire that you still have faith - that you'll be with your husband again, implying faith in some type of consciousness after death. Have you read any NDEs (Near death experiences)? If so, what do you think and intuitively feel about them?

Thank you for your kind words. It was a rough time and my husband was strong enough to be a pallbearer at mom's funeral..then off to radiation. I took his example of love and courage and shaped a faith that I could deal with. Holding on to some good things..basic universal things..and let my love for Joseph Smith and the core of LDS teachings die its slow death. I thrived on NDE's...read everything I could get my hands on..books ..internet stories..and whatever could make him alive again..a hope. As any strength in walking away from the church..there was no way that I could mentally get through it without the separation. I could not be two people..before the resignation I had tried that and it caused almost a physical illness where I had to pretend..and then face a truth everyday. Thanks again for your comments!!

[_Jersey Girl]

I don't know what I could possibly add to the responses that you've received from those who have read and considered your heart rending story.

I hope with all my heart..that God..my God..not Mormon one..will let me hold this man in my arms again. It is the part that I keep with me..the only part.

You kept the best part, candygal. You kept the best.
:-)

[_candygal]

I don't know what I could possibly add to the responses that you've received from those who have read and considered your heart rending story.

I hope with all my heart..that God..my God..not Mormon one..will let me hold this man in my arms again. It is the part that I keep with me..the only part.

You kept the best part, candygal. You kept the best. Thank you...I think so too.
:-)