On this past Valentine’s Day morning, as our family headed to the airport, it was especially warm and sunny outside. Light seemed to be guiding us along (you can see how it beamed so beautifully behind me as we waited for the plane to take off). And I was hopeful that I would soon see my ailing father in Hong Kong.
We arrived sixteen hours later – at night – when all light was absent.
We went straight to our hotel and I immediately went to the concierge desk to get translation help calling the hospital. I was hoping to visit my father that night. But the conversation was not at all what I had expected. The nurse on the other end of the phone told me that at 3am, Hong Kong time, my father had passed away. This was around the time we were taking off from Newark Airport to see him. I wonder, was he heading towards the light as we were moving away from it? Or were we basking in the glory of it at the same moment…on opposite ends of the earth.
We planned this trip more than six months ago, knowing my father was ill, but that I had time to get to Hong Kong and see him at least one more time. So I ask myself why is it that I arrived literally within hours of being able to see him, and yet it wasn’t in time?
I know that he left peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by relatives and loved ones and this blessing is what matters to me most. I’m also very grateful that several days before his passing, I was able to share loving words with him over the phone. Also, my mother told me that on the day that my father passed away, three nurses on three separate occasions read out loud a letter I had sent to him. Although I wasn’t able to be with him in person I would like to believe that he could still feel my spirit through my words.
The days following were a blur…the crowded and intense Hong Kong energy mirrored what I was feeling inside.
Yet, I kept noticing peaceful signs of encouragement…around the streets…
…and all the way up the mountain top.
This sign was a whisper to me as well…and I know I should be still and listen.
Faith tells me that whenever there is darkness on the path, there is also light…
…and signs of hope.
It is also true that our paths are not always clear – sharp and painful obstacles are inevitable.
However, it’s good to keep going…one step at a time. And all the while spreading light as we go along. This is what my father taught me, and this is what I know to be true.
Before I end this post I would like to thank those of you who’ve left me such wonderfully kind and supportive messages on my last post and through your emails. Please know that your good energy is well received.
Also, you can visit Create Mixed Media, where I have shared some further thoughts on light and love…in art and in life.
26 Comments, Comment or Ping
I am so sorry that you missed seeing your father, but what wonderful memories and wisdom he gave to you. This was a lovely post.
February 26th, 2013
Oh, Becky, I’m so sorry for your loss. It seems to me the beautiful, spirit your Dad embodied is carried out through you, exemplified through all the lovely messages you are able to see and understand through this difficult time. May healing and peace cradle your heart.
Best,
Jeanette
February 26th, 2013
Becky Dear I am very sorry for your loss. This post is beautifully written and I believe you are wise beyond your years. May you keep your memories close and may healing hugs surround you. Blessings…
February 26th, 2013
Becky,
So sorry for the loss of your father. I know he was so proud of the gentle lovely presence you are in this world. I love that you have received so many little messages from the universe to remind you to slow down and connect with your own inner wisdom. Please know that your loving spirit touches so many and I know that loving energy and prayers for peace are coming your way. May you and all your family be surrounded by love and light as you remember and celebrate the life of your loving father.
Dottie
February 26th, 2013
dear sweet Becky, I’m so sorry for your loss. May the knowledge that he is with our Heavenly Father bring you peace.
February 26th, 2013
Hi Becky,
So sorry to hear about your dad. I’m sure he must have known you were on your way. Take care,
Carmen
February 27th, 2013
I am in LOVE with the light theory — him shining so brightly as you sat with Brook. I’m so sorry on your father’s passing but it comforts me that you could find some peace in Hong Kong as well. xoxoxoxox Glad you are back safely!
February 27th, 2013
“life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.”
this quote gave me great comfort when my own father passed away. may it do the same for you.
blessings…..
February 27th, 2013
Good morning Becky. This poem gave me comfort when I needed it:
An Angel kissed my tears away today when I was sad. I wasn’t feeling quite myself, my day had been so bad. I felt a warmth brush by me, that quickly dried my tears. A gentle kind a loving touch that seem to hold me near. Immediately, I felt so much better and my day seemed brighter too. I guess that is the way you feel when an Angel comforts you.
Author Unknown
feel his warmth and be at peace my friend.
February 27th, 2013
HUGS and thinking of you, Becky!
February 27th, 2013
Dear Becky, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I know your dear father knew you were with him-how could he not have felt your powerful spirit? You must have had so many emotions during your trip. I wish you healing and peace.
PS- you and your beautiful daughter look like SISTERS!
February 27th, 2013
So sorry for your loss Becky. I loved your thoughts on light & love here. My mother’s passing was sudden and she was living in a different state, but it’s always been interesting to me that I can STILL 16 years later remember the last phone conversation I had with her, and the things we talked about. Love the photo of you and Brook.
Love & peace to you…
February 27th, 2013
Sorry for the loss of your father. Sending hugs your way.
February 27th, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences, dear Becky. I’m sending love and wishes for comfort and peace from my coast to yours.
Hugs,
Melody
February 27th, 2013
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father sounded like a wonderful, kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
February 27th, 2013
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s sad that you couldn’t be there in time to see your father and talk to him, but I am sure he heard you and felt your love. I am also glad you found peace while you were there. And in a strange way this life operates, this post helped me a bit in my current time of struggle, so obviously the good energy you have spreads all the way across the world. I wish you peace, love and positive thoughts.
February 28th, 2013
I am so sorry to read of your loss.
I do believe your dearest Father was aware of your energy through the letters that were read aloud to him and knew he was surrounded by love.
Reading this post it strikes me as being a gift from you as your heartfelt words and your thoughtful use of photography sends a deep message to all of us no matter what our personal story may well be.
Wishes to you Becky
Lynne
P.S. Such a beautiful photograph of yourself and your dear daughter.
February 28th, 2013
A truly beautiful post Becky. I am so very sorry for your loss, and I do believe you are noticing these signs with a little guidance from your father. 😉 Much love to you and your family.
February 28th, 2013
How sad that you were late in the end … I´m so sorry. Your wonderful photos show me that you´re on the right path to turn your loss into an important experience though.
February 28th, 2013
I lost my father suddenly-it is never easy to understand. I do believe the light in that photo was his~ I am so sad n’ sorry, but I know you will continue to see signs. I did after my Dad passed~
I too believe, you were there with him-when you words touched his heart!
Words matter, they reach our souls and can instill magic~
Keep looking and know he did feel your presence in that letter, as you felt his in the light! (((hugs)))
March 1st, 2013
I’m sorry you didn’t make it in time, And you were so close…it’s so hard to understand why. You have an amazing way of finding the positive, Becky, I’m encouraged by your post. Thank you for the words and the photos.
March 4th, 2013
Dear Becky,
I would like to think the light you experienced was your dear, sweet father being ushered to heaven by angels and that they made sure to pass by you so that you could see and feel that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hope
March 6th, 2013
You do indeed spread light through your art and your words. I’m sorry for your loss.
March 6th, 2013
Thank you all very much for the beautiful thoughts.
March 6th, 2013
My deepest sympathy regarding the loss of your father. You have shared your mixed emotions and grieving in such a lovely way. Thank you Becky. Angel blessings.
March 6th, 2013
What a beautiful post Becky. I’m so sorry to hear the news about your father’s passing, but it sounds as though your have learned the lessons he has taught you. Thank you for passing some of them along to us.
xo
jeanne
March 8th, 2013
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