O Son of Spirit!

Lily

“With the joyful tidings of light I hail thee: rejoice!

To the court of holiness I summon thee;

 abide therein that thou mayest live in peace ever-more.”

~ Baha’u’llah

On May 3^rd, 2014, my sister, Andree passed on to the next realm. I had the distinct honour of sharing a few words with family and friends who had gathered at her memorial. I humbly share them here with you.

Andree may have arrived in this valley as a Canadian, but when God called on her to be with Him, she departed as a Bitterroot gal.

View of St. Mary's Peak

Andy loved her valley; from the magnificent St. Mary’s Peak located in the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, across to the eastern display of the sun-soaked Sapphire Mountain Range.

She loved the outdoors. When the snow melted to expose the plants in her yard, she dutifully removed the old stocks to make room for the new shoots. The fresh air and big blue Montana sky brought her great joy.

I recall my younger sister as vibrant and rambunctious. In French, we call this joie de vivre – joy of life.  Andy' s heart was filled with hospitality and kindness. She knew what she wanted and went for it. That’s how she met up with her sweetheart, Ben. His calm manner was what she wanted and needed in a companion.

Andy was my sister and friend in this material world and will be in the next kingdom.

O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being.

O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. 

O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord.

~ Abdu'l-Baha