The Laughing Wolf: What Do You Do When Someone Dies?

June 09, 2004

What Do You Do When Someone Dies?

I have just been asked one of the most profound questions, and I am not sure if it was for real or not. I thought not, but checked some of the referrer logs and found that the person found this site through the search terms “died (prays).” I have responded, but in case it was a bogus addy but a real request, this is what I think you do when someone dies:

1. Pray for them, simply ask God or whatever you choose to call that which is watching over us to take care of them, and to look after those left behind. Ask that what is best and right take place, and that whatever comfort can be provided to those left behind be given.

2. Remember them. Think of all the good things, the fun things, the funny things that they said and did. Look not at the end, but at the life they lived. Honor it and them. Cherish it and them. Celebrate their life.

3. Find something to do for them. Did they have a project to complete, something they did nice for someone on a regular basis? Something they wanted to do? If so, and if it will not consume your life, then do it and do it for them and for you. Think of them as you do it, and they will be there with you.

4. Live. The best thing you can do for them, to honor them, is to live your life well and to the fullest extent possible. Have as large a positive impact on those you meet and those around you as you can. This does not mean be a saint and give up your life to a cause, it means what it says, for we dishonor the dead if we use them as an excuse to quit living our own.

There are no easy answers, but this is a start and a guide. Be there for their parents, friends, and family. Help them take care of themselves, and make sure you take care of yourself too. May the light shine on you all, and may it welcome home your cousin.

Posted by wolf1 at June 9, 2004 12:06 AM | TrackBack

Comments

Footprints in the sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord,
“ You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“ The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,
my child, is when I carried you.”

--Author Mary Stevenson--

Posted by: mal at June 9, 2004 06:24 PM

Footprints in the sand

--Author Mary Stevenson--

Posted by: mal at June 9, 2004 06:26 PM

Comments are Closed.