Always Another Challenge
Lionduck
Veteran
In life, there is always another challenge. Some are large and some are small. Some are apparent and others not so.
I have faced many challenges and had many victories. I have also been taken to the mat on a number of occasions. But I have always gotten back up and reengaged in the fight.
Now, one more challenge lumbers up: the imminent death of my older brother. He was diagnosed with throat cancer over four years ago and given six month to live then. Yes, it is a great victory that he has survived over four years. He is a warrior! But that victory is tempered by the unalterable fact that the clock has run out.
I could easily find somewhere to suffer and cry. I could deny the reality. I could do many things. But I choose to cover him with what some might call "Dharma Bullets" - my Buddhist prayers cascading his way for his his peace and his victory, even and especially in death.
The loss and grief are real. There will be the tears, but they will not dominate. My determination to make this a moment of victory and not a moment of defeat is solid.
This is his karma, and mine. Life will go on as it always does. Ultimately, I will celebrate his life and pray that he has a fortunate and fruitful reemergence in his next emanation.
Never be overcome by the vicissitudes of life for they are the stepping stones for your advancement.
Peace to all.
Comments
Peace to your brother and all who love him.
With you all the way, any way, @Lionduck . Been there, know the score.
Stay with it.
yes
We feel it should be this way ...
It ain't.
I hope many like me, will send prayers and goodwill
Metta
@Lionduck he sounds like a true warrior, I'm sorry and thanks for sharing. It must be hard,
Metta to him, you and your family.
@lionduck - peace to you and your family too in this challenging time.
Your post is very powerful and resonates as a testament to your practice and the potential in us all to meet the constant challenging circumstance we share - I'm grateful to you for sharing the insight.
Thank you. Blessings to your brother, you and family.
Update:
I had the opportunity to be with my brother yesterday (Friday). I was able to quietly chant while holding his hand. It was clear he was fading yet his skin was full of natural (healthy) color, warm and supple. In fact his skin tone looked better than mine. His wife (yes, my sister-in-law) told us that he had looked pretty bad but than began to look as I described. My wife noted that the timing appeared to coincide with the timing of my prayers for him. [Of course, I was not alone. Many folks, family and others, were sending those "dharma Bullets" his way.] My wife and I were grateful to be able to share some moments with him.
I was notified that Mike passed at 7:27 PM Pacific Time today (8/22/2015).
His wife was with him. She said that he reached out and took her hand, two tears in his eyes, and passed. When she called me, she reported he appeared to be just resting peacefully.
I can truly report that the moment of his passing was a moment of victory. Mike is a true warrior and will always be in my heart.
I will close for now.
Thank you and peace to all.
{{{{{Hugs}}}}} @Lionduck. Much love and Compassion to you.
Thanks for sharing. Great victory
You're awesome, @Lionduck!
"There is no such thing as an ending; just a place where you leave the story."
A candle burned bright
Lighting the darkness
Warming hearts
Then, flickering briefly
Went out
Yet the light remains
Nice poem....
It's like staring at a candle-flame in the dark... really intently... then closing your eyes.... and you still see the image, albeit in reverse, and you just keep 'observing' this image, until it slowly, comfortably fades, and everything is dark... but put your hand out, and the warmth your hand feels tells you the candle is still there....
I can relate. The recent passing of my mother has been the biggest challenge I've faced in life, not to mention my practice. Every day is a chance to make it into a victory or defeat; and some days I win, others I lose. It's been really hard for me, though. It's taken a lot of the wind from my proverbial sails, and I think that's where admirable friendship comes in. At times like this, the motivation we get from our friends and family members can turn a potential defeat into an unlikely victory. I hope you have a lot of support, @Lionduck, and that you win more battles than you lose.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Source: Mary Elizabeth Frye
My condolences to you and your family.
But a few ideas of comfort going your way.
Thank you all.
