This man had lived up here in the mountains and never ventured into the lands and towns that surrounded him. He hadn’t always lived here, he did live with others and had been married and had children. Everyone was very friendly and they all got on well together. Being alone was not something that he wanted to happen. He was a child that came from a large family and there were always people around.
So what was it that happened so that the man became alone and isolated from everyone?
Where he lived now there are woods, trees and it is full of animals. Animals were something he had as a child, a cat, a small dog and two rabbits. These animals that lived in the woods were much bigger and some were very rare. There were a few small birds, rodents, but no cats or dogs.
Everyday on his walk the animals came close to him even walking side by side with him. At first he was a little scared after all they were wild and he feared they would attack or even kill him. As time went by he became more and more courageous and eventually he sat down and all the animals did too. They sat or lay beside him. His soft nature and caring side shone through and the animals sensed this. They loved him and he loved them. There was plenty of fruit and vegetables to eat. He picked the fruit and gave some to the animals. He grew his own vegetables, this was something he learnt when he was a boy. It was peaceful and tranquil here. Streams ran through the woods and the sun shone through the branches on the trees. Although he was the only human here, it didn’t seem to make him feel lonely, or long to be with people again.
Each morning when he got up, he washed, dressed and then went for a walk. He fed the animals and tended to his vegetables. Then when he had finished this he came back and would wash his hands and face again and ate a little. The water he drank was fresh water. It soothed his thirst and as he drank it he became more energised after his walk. He lay down and rested for a while, even dozing off for a few minutes each time. The afternoons he picked flowers and placed them in his house. Some would be used to make oils that he used on his skin, particularly his hands and feet,. Then he would kneel down and close his eyes. He gave thanks for his life and the life of his family. He asked that they be cared for and looked over everyday ,as he could not be there to do it anymore. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered how much love he had for them and all the people he knew. Being here was the best thing for all of them and nothing would change his mind. His isolation and loneliness was something he had chosen. He could not dare to forgive himself for what he did and therefore remained a prisoner in his own mind and thoughts. The actions he took weighed heavily on him and he could not get past them.
In the village that he lived in with his family a war broke out and many people were hurt and injured and some died. His wife and children were taken away and were never seen again. The man tried to stop this happening but he was not strong enough, he was struck across the face and pushed to the ground. As he lay there a man took a sword and pierced him through his heart as he lay dying he saw his wife and children being driven away, the man slowly died and was no more.
After he died he saw something coming towards him. A light a bright light and a woman that he recognised to be his mother. She called to him to come to her, she did this many times but her son refused. When she asked him why he told her that he was not worthy of her love or the love of the others. I failed my family and for this they were taken away. It is my fault and I can’t bare it. I should have fought harder but I was to weak. I don’t deserve forgiveness and will not forgive myself either. Just then a man appeared and took him by the hand he led him to a mountain with trees, birds and animals. It was beautiful. The man was told that it was okay not to go with his mother and that he could stay here until he was ready. There were no other people here only animals, but you are safe. Nobody can harm you. You are very loved. I will call on you from time to time to see how you are and we can talk if you so wish. Life here is good, but it can be better when your ready you can come with me and see and be with your mother forever. This is a choice you have to make. I can help you overcome your fears, doubts and your struggles with forgiveness. I can not intervene without your permission. Call on me any time day or night and I will be with you. The man decided he would stay here in the mountains. He did call on his guardian and as promised was instantly there.
The man found out that his son and daughter were taken in by a family that lived in a small town not far from the town they were born in. Both are safe and well. The man’s wife lived in a camp with other women. She worked hard and cared for others. Eventually she was free to go and made her way to see her son and daughter. A lady in the camp was able to get word to her about where they were. The mother saw her children and it was very emotional for all of them. The children wanted to go with their mother, but she said no. That they had a home, work and a family who could provide for them. It wasn’t what she wanted and struggled with it, but eventually she came to terms with it . She said her goodbyes to them and left. A few days passed and she visited the place where she lived and her husband was killed. The grave was overgrown and sad looking, except for a few wild flowers that made it look a bit better. She spoke to him and told him that it was not his fault about what happened and he should not blame himself. Her love for him was as strong as the day they met and fell in love. The man listened and was overjoyed to hear all his family were well and alive. His heart started to heal and slowly he started to forgive himself.
He is still here in the mountains and chooses to remain here, but that could change. Knowing that his wife is still alive, for him means he is healing. When the day comes that she passes away he has said that this is when he could be ready to be with her and his mother.
Not all deaths are straight forward and how we feel on the other side is different for each person. The one thing that is the same is “Love” everyone is loved and nobody is judged or left alone for the rest of their eternity.
The afterlife is a journey and one that will last forever.
