Lynne was about 16 and I was a little more than twice her age. She was my cousin. She was young, happy, delightful and full of life. Her whole life was waiting for her, with open arms. It was a warm summer day.  We were swimming in the pool and she pounced on my back, threw her arms around my neck and giggled in my ear. Over the years, between then and now, I’ve always remembered that moment and Lynne has never aged.  In my mind, she’s still sixteen to this day. Although I’ve thought of her often,  I haven’t seen her since. That’s been about 40 years.

Today is the day after Christmas, and naturally I’ve been thinking of all of my family, including Lynne, her six sisters and brother, her mom and dad and everyone from my past. In fact, I was thinking of them all yesterday, wondering when I’d see them all again. The thought of that day in the pool came to me and brought a big grin to my face.

My phone rang today and there was a text from my sister, Carolyn, telling me that little Lynne had “died.”  She’d had another terrible migraine on Christmas eve and went to bed early. Her husband checked on her a few hours later, and she was gone.  I was stunned when I read the text  and so I read it again and then again and then again. Little Lynne had suffered terribly over the years from severe migraine headaches. She’d been on heavy doses of pain meds.  I’d never known that. I’d always pictured her as being young and healthy and vital and happy and free.

Her older sister, Leslie, said that Lynne had mentioned in the past that it would be ok with her if she’d just go to sleep and not wake up again. She said, however, that she wouldn’t take her own life, and I’m pretty sure she didn’t. She may have accidentally overdosed in an attempt to stop the crushing pain. We’ll never know for sure and it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that she’s free now. She’s little Lynne again, free of pain and free of every care.  She’s with her dad, who “died” a few years ago. And she’s with Betty, my mom, who “died”  seventeen years ago. And, of course, she’s with Darlyne. I’m sure they’re all having a huge celebration right now and I’m also certain that they are all with us at this very moment. We are surrounded by their love!

I’m not sad that Lynne “died,” because in reality, she didn’t. I’m sorry I never saw her again from that summer day until now and I’m sad mostly that she suffered as she did. I’m sad for her brother and sisters and her mom and all of her cousins and friends who love her so very much. I’m sad for the pain of our loss.

If  you haven’t read my blog before, you may be wondering why I use quotes around the words “death” and “dying.”  It’s because there’s no such thing.  “Death” and “Dying” are illusions. They don’t exist.  We are ALL Spiritual Beings of Light having a human experience. We are ALL  eternal and immortal. We leave our bodies – our “earth suits,” — but WHO we are lives FOREVER! Never doubt that!  I created this blog in order to advertise Darlyne’s and my book, ”Triumph ~ Traveling Towards Death: Preparing For A New Life,” which we wrote during the last year of Darlyne’s most recent incarnation.  If you’d like to know more about our thoughts on this subject please get a copy of our book. You’ll be glad you did.

We love you, dear Lynne, and we’ll see you again soon. Of that, I have no doubt. Until then, enjoy your freedom and go into the Light surrounded by our love.

With Love and Light . . . . .