Dear Editor,
What appeared to be an instant termination of living was in fact the beginning of a new phase shared by many who had gone on a long time before; which many have been passing through a long time now; and a passage through which more must follow a long time from now.
It was a process which even medical doctors do not understand – struggling as they do to prolong life, when in fact they should be caring about how the mortal dies. Else there would be no instant shock, rather the comprehension of the transition – “into the valley of the shadow of death…”
The internist sees only the mark on the area focus, and cannot fathom the ‘shadow’ that darkens the soul. The therapist could stretch out the tensions of the body, without apprehending the spiritual peace that is so needed.
Neither understands that between sessions are the intervals of images of gone familiar faces in other places, in which one appears to be welcome, and in which dying is an activity that underscores the fact of living – in memories, memorials, in stories at wakes, in tributes long and short, oral and written for the record which lives on.
Given her circumstances Faith’s departure was not instant; rather a withdrawal from the societal depression imposed upon living; from the toxic world of politics; the embitterment imposed on women; the turmoil of an education system that did not recognise her worth; from the company of disenchanted youth and parents whom she counselled to have a better life.
In all those who now live in hope Faith will continue to live.
“He maketh us to lie down in green pastures.”
Yours faithfully,
Earl John
