I've had many an occasion over the past few years where I've had to prepare a memorial for people. I've always done my best, both in designing and choosing just the right poem. However this time I faces a brick wall that I thought I would never find a way over. Last Christmas a Vietnam Vet by the name of John gathered some of his friends and entertained the children at our annual Christmas Party. He was living on the streets and I'd asked if you people might be able to help some. I proudly admit that many Family Members came to his aid, and those who were unable to suggested that he take his case to the Vet's Association. We here at Angelfairy Internet helped him in his endeavor, only to be told his case was "beyond our jurisdiction," whatever that means. Anyway, late this summer John got a slight case of the flu, and since we've already had our first freeze, exposure turned that flu into full blown pneumonia, the result being that he died 4 days ago. John's love of humanity seemed endless and this was the only piece I could find that bespoke of his true feelings. It is quite long, but the whole thing is so profound in it's truth that I'm sure you'll be glad to read to the end. A 91 year old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God she asked him something that had bothered her for a very long time. "If man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman so God began to explain: "When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks that people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are. When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have. When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best you can, it's the one thing you are sure to have forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look or act, instead base it on the content of what is in their hearts." When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that someone will love you back. But don't turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person will bring you will make up for all your past hurts. Times a thousand-fold. When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often one of life's most difficult experiences, but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do. When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities. When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control." Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has. At the root of kindness is love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson. The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once again began to explain: "When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused. When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance, or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisey!" LOVE Author Unknown To Me

I have been contacted by the Author who has asked me to 
list him here this way.
 ~ Roy Nwaisser, Author
  Copyrighted 2000
  
  Thank you, Roy, for giving me permission to share your wisdom-filled words,
   they are beautiful and inspiring.  
   If anyone would like to contact Roy, 
   you can email him at roy@netraction.com



Angelfairies Note:
John would tell us to live for today, with God's 
help tomorrow will take care of itself. 
John loved humanity and lit the world with his smile.
He will be sorely missed.
 
Thanks, Angelfairy, for sending this 
beautiful story for all to  enjoy! Dede....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song "IF I CAN MAKE IT UNTIL TOMORROW" by Jerry Morris Page put together byJimmy