Death as a Healing Journey

by Mark Pitstick, MA, DC

Dad didn’t have an easy life at times. In his later years, he developed lung, bladder, skin, and blood cancer. He also had open-heart surgery twice.

Despite all this, he never complained and was very happy and positive. Later, dad turned his suffering into an asset while volunteering at hospitals. He could comfort patients better than anyone because he had been through so much, but was still going strong.

At age 80, dad was diagnosed with severe leukemia and given two to four months to live with a prognosis of shortness of breath, bleeding, and extreme fatigue. But he said,

“Don’t feel bad about this. Everyone has to die sometime. The Lord and I have an agreement. I’m going to move on when it gets too bad.”

He always handled every challenge in life magnificently and decided the only way to win this one was to check out ASAP. Dad had a prior near-death experience after his second open-heart surgery and was given an opportunity to enter the Light. He declined because he wanted to finish some service projects and spend more time with my mom and the family.

So…we figured that he already had the ticket to the next realm in his hand. He only had to hand it to the conductor. He crossed over just eight days after his diagnosis, an awesome display of how much control we have in life and death.

During his last waking hour before his passing, it was obvious that his soul was slipping away and he was feeling the bliss of living in full awareness of Spirit. The hospice nurse said that he wasn’t on any medication that would cause euphoria or delirium.

Here’s how Dad described how it felt: “I feel the best I ever have in my entire life. Everything is very smooth, like I’m covered with plastic. Everything feels soft. It’s soft all around me and I feel soft—like a new towel that hasn’t been washed yet.”

Other excerpts from among his last words:

“If something in life doesn’t work out how or when you think it should, don’t worry about it. Everything happens in God’s time and in God’s way.”

“Don’t be afraid of dying or anything in life. The Lord will never put more on you than you can carry.”

“I’ve had such a great life, so many wonderful experiences, a loving family and so many great friends. I’m so blessed.”

We talked, laughed, and cried until he felt tired and wanted to take a nap. “You guys are talking me to death,” he said.

Vintage Bill Pitstick humor.

We all gave him a big hug and kiss. He told us to watch for a hawk on the drive home. Dad loved hawks and always spotted them wherever he went. He said, “I love you all,” gave us a big wink, and closed his eyes for the last time. What an exit!

On the drive home, a huge hawk flew so close in front of us that we almost hit it.

Here are four important lessons I learned from my dad:

  • Love with all your heart and don’t hold back.
  • Let your inner light shine brightly and serve others with every fiber of your being.
  • Enjoy every precious moment of every day, even the little things and the rainy days.
  • Always remember that there’s nothing to be afraid of since you are always walking with God/Universe/Spirit.

That’s right, my friends, you’re not alone while attending this earth school. You have incredible inner potentials, helpmates, and friends. You have a spiritual support team that is always there to love, comfort, assist, and guide you. And always and without limit, operating through all these levels is the Divine Light. For all this, there is hope—no matter what is going on in your life. Even dying.

As Kenneth Caraway said, “There is no box made by God nor us but that the sides cannot be flattened out and the top blown off to make a dance floor on which to celebrate life.”

Since dad’s passing, several members of our family have experienced inexplicable events: fragrances, doors opening and shutting, objects being moved. Mom was pinched on the behind when no one else was in the house. On several occasions while “talking” to him, she felt the bed mattress push down as if someone were sitting beside her.

These signs comfort and energize us. They remind us that life continues on seamlessly, no matter what outward changes occur.

God is throwing a marvelous party, but most people are afraid to show up, let alone dance. With resolute knowledge that you are a spiritual being, your life can increasingly become a soulful dance, an impressive demonstration of how amazing a human incarnation can be.

Remember that this earth-experience is a totally safe and magnificent adventure amidst eternity. And be open to healing at all levels—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  An awakened being realizes that even death is a healing, a new beginning, a wiping clean of the slate.

As always, let me know if I can assist your earth-experience so that you can serve others more powerfully and enjoy this wonderful journey.

 

Mark Pitstick, MA, DC is an author, holistic chiropractic physician, clinical psychologist, frequent media guest, and workshop leader who helps you know and show your magnificence in body, mind, and spirit—no matter what is going on around you. Visit his websites at www.soulproof.com and www.radiantwellness.com for free radio shows, e-mail newsletters, and articles. Contact him at mark@soulproof.com to schedule Soul Proof Experience workshops for your church/group and ask him your toughest questions.

 

This entry was posted in Enlightenment. Bookmark the permalink.