The Light Beyond

Sam and Joe's story

Our reader Sam shares her story:

"On October 2nd 2007, my father sat me down on the couch in the living room along with my brother and sisters and he said that today, our family called from America. Your cousin Joseph had a motorcycle accident. I stood there still in shock and slowly tears started going down my cheeks. I asked my dad calmly trying not to scream not to show my pain in front of my family, is he okay? He replied, he died on the scene. When he told me that phrase, I started screaming, and hitting myself as hard as I could, I was screaming his name, hitting myself, calling my dad a liar... My sister was trying to recomfort me, I hit her, then my dad came next to me and held me tight so I could stop hitting myself. The next day I woke up, tried to go to school, I did... but eventually couldn't take the pain and started crying. So they sent me back home... Since we lived in Canada and they lived in California... my mom went to his funeral, I begged her to let me come with her, she told me she didn't want me to see this, yet I've been to many funerals. They came to Canada every year and we shared the best moments of our lives together. Joe had a sister, Rita, she and I we're really close and still are. But Joseph and I, we're even closer. We got out of the house at midnight, went to the park till 3 am, came back home and stayed up all night just talking. The whole family knew we were inseparable...

I love him so much and I'm not going to write I loved him so much, cause I still do love him and I always will. Joseph doesn't ride a motorcycle, he borrowed one from his friend... He died on Mount-Badly October 1st. We were always together, he talked to me about everything. He was like my best friend. Today, I regret a couple of things, like that time when we went to Quebec, I let him walk over the waterfall alone, I wanted to go with him but didn't have the courage so he went alone. I regret it. Sometimes, something would bother me, and he'd ask me what was wrong and I'd say nothing. He told me he didn't believe me. But I never cried in front of him or anyone because I don't want to look weak. Until one night, we had a conversation and he told me, what I'm doing isn't right, that he's a guy and cries so when I feel the urge to cry I shouldn't keep it in. I didn't listen to him that night. Today, I try my best to be like him, every time I get into an argument with someone I truly love, I have to apologize because I live in the fear of knowing that in 1 second, your whole life could change, and I didn't want to take that chance again. I say I Love You, to everyone I love every time I have the occasion, so if ever I leave this world, they'd all know I love them and care about them. Joe changed my life, even thought it isn't getting much easier... I'm staying strong for my family and him. I don't want to worry my family and I don't want them to mourn over me for long. I bought a ring engraved with his name on it. He died at age 18. Life is so short, and he made me realize it. So I'm passing on the message to all of you because I learned it the hard way.

May you Rest in peace, Joseph Fady Garabet.

We love you!"

Wonderful new music for our inspirational movie to help comfort the bereaved

The Light Beyond's inspirational movie, based on the sympathy poem Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep, has a fabulous new soundtrack. The movie aims to comfort mourners with the thought that the person they grieve for has become one with nature. Watch the movie now... and please help us spread the word by telling friends or family who are in need of comfort.

We would like to thank the very talented Brady Barnett, whose wonderful music we have used in this movie. The track is called After The Rain and it's the title track of the CD Brady recorded to help cope with the outpouring of emotions he experienced after the sad death of his son Jonah. Click here to order After The Rain from Brady Barnett

The chalice of repose...

I came across The Chalice Of Repose the other day, a site which may well be of interest for those caring for a loved one who is nearing the end of his or her life. One mission of The Chalice Of Repose (it has many different missions and ways to help) is to "Lovingly care for the physical and spiritual needs of the dying with prescriptive music, and to educate the general public about contemplative musicianship, music-thanatology, monastic medicine, and the possibilities of a blessed, peaceful or conscious death." To this end it provides (amongst other things) absolutely gorgeous, celestial music CDs and many thought-provoking and interesting books. Check out their store to see the kinds of gifts and resources available.

Desperate Housewives brings famous funeral poem Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep to a larger audience

Did you know that the famous funeral poem Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep was recently recited by character Mrs. McCluskey in the American television drama Desperate Housewives, episode "Welcome to Kanagawa", first airing on the ABC network January 6, 2008? The modified version is used just before another drama character, Lynette, scatters the ashes of Ida Greenberg on the baseball field where Ida had executed a triple play as a women's professional ballplayer. That version follows:

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints of snow. I am the sunlight in ripened grain I am the gentle autumn’s rain Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die

Click here to read about our new version of this poem with its own inspirational movie!

Shattered: Life After A Child's Death

My name is Mysti Guymon, and I am hoping that the readers of this blog will be able to help me. I am mother to Jaden Laster (nearly four) and Mathew "Reiley" forever young. I lost Reiley to SIDS April 10, 2000. Since that time, I've found myself quite fortunate to meet supporting, encouraging and empowering individuals through the course of my grief journey. I now find myself looking to help individuals in any way possible.

I am currently working on an anthology for parents who've lost children, with the working title, Shattered: Life After A Child's Death. After facing the shattering loss of my son, Reiley, April 10, 2000, I began the long and slow process of coping. What began as many days going by without sleep, seeking many means to divert my attention and finally reaching a breaking point and being forced into dealing with my loss, an idea was created for a book to help parents through their own losses.

Shattered: Life After A Child's Death holds the same premise as a well known anthology, Chicken Soup for the Soul. The stories are meant to show many aspects of emotion, provide inspiration and prove that while life is difficult, it is possible to live once again.

Content considered for the anthology are personal stories, stories of close friends and family, profound quotes, and images (artistic in nature) reflecting various aspects of loss, coping and living.

Multiple submissions will be considered.

All content accepted will receive compensation based on length and placement. Individuals are welcome to opt for an autographed copy of the book with a personal message in lieu of payment for one accepted article.

Queries, questions and submissions can be made to mysti.linne@gmail.com

Blessings in Light,
Mysti