The Great Beyond and Other Questions

I was having a conversation with some friends today that turned slightly to death. Some of us had lost a parent or have an elderly parent who is not well. It didn’t go deep, it was a short part of a happier gathering, but it got me thinking.

I have lost a couple of dear friends in the recent past. People who went too young and unexpectedly or who had an illness, but I wish had more time. It made me start thinking about what I wish would happen when you die and some hopes and questions. Not that I will ever be able to prove how right or wrong I might be, but some based on what I have read from people who have near death experiences.

The idea of going toward the light seems to have a lot of fans. That sounds so much better than going into darkness, so I’ll subscribe to the light version.

Then there is the idea of seeing a loved one who passed before you. I like this idea too, but am wondering if you have a say in who it is? Perhaps a ranked list? I might also like a list of those I would prefer not to greet me upon arrival.

It would be ideal to see a loved one, but any old baggage is forgotten and you only have good memories. It would stink to be confronted by someone and right off have them bring up an old grievance. I tend to forget past misdeeds while I’m on earth, so I certainly don’t want to relive them someplace else.

My big question is about being able to see how my earthly loved ones are still doing. Not in a ghost kind of way, but more like a comforting way. Do I need to discuss a signal system, like Carol Burnet tugging on her earlobe. I know a lot of people think a rainbow might be a sign from someone, but I want something that can’t be explained meteorologically, or would be a really strange coincidence if it happened more than once. It also would have to be something that stood the test of time.

For example sample, I would not like the sign to be, “Every time you got .53¢ in change know I am with you.” Change is definitely going to be going away sometime. I think we could lose pennies in the next decade, at least we should. It shouldn’t be, “if you hear a stranger say ‘fart in a bucket’ then I am with you.” That is a saying only my family, and my friend Carol, says, today. It easily could become a common form of slang any day now so it would lose its impact as a sign. So I am unsure what might be a signal and will have to think on that.

I wonder if famous people on earth get to be regular people in the beyond. It would stink if Elvis would still have to hide out to get any peace. Although I wouldn’t mind putting a couple of famous people on my ranked list of who greets me. I have a few questions for Princess Diana and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If there is one universal language I would also like to talk to Joan of arc.

Mostly I am wondering about sense of humor in the beyond. I am not sure how I would do if I have to be serious for the rest of millennia. Some of my favorite funny people have passed on and I would like to hear from them how they view the whole next step situation.

There is a lot to wonder about, but I’m not really worried so much as curious. Unfortunately there are not that many beings to interview about this subject. Speaking of beings I really hope that my favorite dogs will greet me when I get there. I also hope that they got to know each other before I get there, and even though they did not live at the same time, they are friends now. I don’t think there is any need to sleep when I get there, but I would like some snuggling with a sleeping puppy.

I have so many questions, but not a lot of fear. Of course I hope to be around longer, but based on the loss of friends I know there is no guarantee. I just hope to see you again, just not soon.