The Great Beyond

Last year I lost one of my best friends. I am still processing that loss. Ryan was one of those friends who encouraged you to be better every day. It's why I keep pushing myself to be healthier. He speaks in my ear, telling me to keep going when I want to give up.

Ryan also had a passion for photography. He poured himself into everything he did, including photography and I was always wowed by his endless talents. He truly could be a master at almost anything. I won't pretend to have that same drive or capacity, but I have found my own in a way that honors him and myself at the same time.

These past weeks the theme of death has surrounded me. A good friend led me through a death meditation and it opened my eyes to the universe in a way I wasn't expecting. It reminded me of why I am still here and why my contemplations of death in the recent past seem so distant now. I don't take that lightly. It's still a fresh wound I work through daily, but I have found new purpose and remember others I once had blossoming once more.

During the death meditation there was a brief period where I heard someone breathing beside me; with me. I felt a presence from The Great Beyond, encouraging me to keep going, to keep loving and be the best I can be.

Thank you my friend, I hear you, I love you and I miss you every day.