Category Archives: Death
James (Jim) Lionel Harris 1939-2012 (My Amazing Father-in-Law)
My Father-In-Law passed away on the 9th of June and we are all grieving the loss of his physical presence. He was an amazing man! He was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 1972 and it may be possible that he was the longest surviving person of this condition. He was 73. He was an incredibly strong man and no matter how much he suffered with his condition, he never complained. It didn’t stop him from living the best possible life he could, whether that was operating the radio at the local Volunteer Marine Rescue on the Gold Coast, Australia, furthering his vast knowledge about coins and stamps, taking the grandkids for rides on his motorised wheelchair, tending to his veggie garden and fruit trees or watching the football. Even though he did all this and much more, he always had time to sit and have a cup of tea and a chat to anyone who wanted to. His perception of everything happening around him was incredible, even though he never let on with what he knew. He had a funny sense of humour and a quick wit. There were many wonderful stories about the funny things he used to get up to with friends and family, that were shared by all at his funeral. We will all miss him tremendously.
I’ve observed some interesting things that happen when someone passes. Firstly we remember the all good things about them. All differences of opinions, arguments, disagreements get swept aside as we focus on all the positive things that the person who has passed achieved with their life. Tremendous love and support is given from friends and family to help those that are grieving. The prevalence of love, kindness, caring and support at Jim’s funeral was incredible! It was a real celebration of his life, rather than a commiseration.
When someone close to us dies, it is only natural to grieve. It is part of our emotional makeup that misses them in physical form. But it also a reminder for us to live the best possible life here on earth and to make the most of every experience we have. I also think it is important for us to know that they are always guiding us with love and support from the spiritual realm. It gives us a sense of comfort and reassurance if we know this. The day after Jim passed, there was the most beautiful rainbow.
We knew it was a sign from Jim that he was ok. It gave us all a great sense of comfort to know that he was happy and free from the pain and discomfort he had suffered leading up to his passing.
So I think it is good to remember, that those that we love are not gone from this life forever. Only in the physical sense. I firmly believe a person’s soul, the very essence of who they are, still lives on, helping to guide others with love and support.
Thank you Jim! We Love You! xx
Posted in: Best Life, Death, Fear of Dying, Life, Love, Observations, Positive thinking, thoughts ⋅ Tagged: A person's soul, Afterlife, Best Possible Life, Death, Dying, Guidance, Help, Love, Support, Understanding

