Wellness Resources

* Programs
* Well-Being Gifts
* New Audio CDs
* Positive Music
* Healing Posters
* Encouraging Words
* Inspiring Stories
> Little Things
> Al's Angels
> Mike's Memorial
* Free Music Video

Mike’s Memorial Service

By Marty Waldman

November 8, 2008

Not so long ago, while taking a walk along a beach, I encountered a profound scene. There at the surf’s edge was a bouquet of many roses, standing together in the sand like they were in a vase.

I paused for a bit & thought about what I was seeing….something about this scene was very symbolic, and the following is what I thought about it:

--The beauty and symbolism of Love of this group of roses was independent of their seemingly fragile location so close to the surf of that great ocean……as I thought that at any moment these delicate roses could be swept out to sea.

--These roses also made me think of how our lives here on earth are similar to this scene….the delicacy of our bodies, the infinity of the love we can express, and the uncertainty we tend to ponder about our existence here. I also thought about how the infinity of the rose’s symbolic love rivals the infinity of the ocean.

Mike and Edie remind me of two beautiful roses together in the sand. Their relationship was, and still is an outstanding model of love, companionship & cooperation which has endured countless tides at their surf’s edge. When I first heard about Mike having difficulty maintaining his place in this life, I felt a sadness which progressed as it became more and more obvious that he might soon be leaving us for the great infinite. I knew that I was going to miss him greatly….

As Edie still stands among us here on the shoreline, I am cognizant of how difficult it must have been for Mike to let go of his blessed life here when the surf reached up to meet him, calling him home.

Although my interaction with Mike was more occasional than most of yours, our times together were very special when he regularly related his thoughtful perspective of the world and life. Although not outwardly religious in the traditional sense, I understood his sincere humble seeking for a truth which made sense to him. It is my guess that his transition out of this existence was a fascinating experience for him, and he would love to tell us all about it.

When he made the commitment to leave, in that moment our lives began to change and adapt as best as they could to the new reality without him here.
His presence lives on, and has also brought us together today.

A few days ago, early in the morning I was getting in my car to go to work. Across the street my neighbor was graciously warming up her husband’s car so he would have a comfortable drive to work. As the beautiful morning sun lit her and their house up brightly, I waved and said hello. To my surprise, she barely made a gesture back and even seemed to ignore me….this was very puzzling!
I then waved again and said hello, this time she barely managed a wave, and it wasn’t even in my direction! Then, the reality of the situation struck….although that bright low sun illuminated her so clearly from my viewpoint, that same sun was blinding her, and she couldn’t even see me!

This experience made me think of Mike. Although we can’t see him any longer in his earthly existence due to the strong light behind him, I feel he is waving back and saying hello…….