I readily admit that I believe in angels, spirit guides, and the life beyond this one.  I know without a doubt that my grandfather watches over me when I struggle.   I have daily examples of God’s presence and work in my life.

I’m not alone in believing these things.  That being so, why do we refer to the “dearly departed”?  Are they really?  I certainly don’t think so and I think Debra Murphy agrees.  Debra is the principal of Vista Marketing and the creator of Masterful Marketing.

Debra’s father recently passed away, leaving behind his wife of many years and family.  Debra wrote in her blog that before he passed away her father lost his wedding ring somewhere in the backyard.  He was devastated by the symbolism of the loss.  The family scoured the yard to help him find the ring.   Every time Debra was in the yard she was always on the lookout for a glint in the sunlight.  No matter where they looked, even having a friend use his metal detector, the ring was no where to be found.

I’m sure you already know where this story is headed.  Her father, after his passing, had found his ring and put it where the family would find it.  I commend her blog entry to you.  It is wonderfully written, and very moving.  Make sure to have a tissue handy.

Spiritualists and religious pray to saints for intercession.  Many people talk to deceased relatives.  The majority of the planet make offerings of one form or another to God.  How wonderful when we receive an answer!

I hail from one of those rare families where really no one, save my grandmother’s younger brother and father’s half-brother, served in any armed forces. Certainly, no one saw any combat. Does that make my family unpatriotic? Some would certainly say so. I tend to think that such service runs in families. It becomes custom in some families for sons and daughters to join the Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Army. In some families it is an act of rebellion, or trying to find one’s way in this world. Whatever the impetus, I’ve always admired and honored those families that have served our country.

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