Comments on: The Death of a Son

By: Chris Cunnie

Chris Cunnie — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:52:36 +0000

Thank you for sharing your story!! I lost my 20 year old son, Patrick on Nov. 1st, 2010! I was lost and shattered, I asked God for guidance and in the following months, I found myself going to The Expanding Light Guest Retreat. The people of Ananda were incredible! I learned to be open to the grief and expect the unexpected. We are never alone in our process! God Bless!

By: Nikki Grace

Nikki Grace — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:45:08 +0000

My dear Sister. Thank you for your story. I, too, lost my son. He was my rock; my warrior angel; my shelter in this life; my business partner; my best friend. I was never lonely while he walked the earth. I, too, found that many, many who came to honor him at his funeral, who were unknown to me. He was much beloved and admired.

I was overwhelmed and out of my head with grief. He died on Thanksgiving day, and a friend that day flew from San Diego to be with me. The next day after meeting with the priest from the Catholic school and parish where my son had been an alter boy, my friend took me to Barnes and Noble and we purchased Paramhansa Yogananda’s book, Man’s Eternal Quest, I read it nightly and clung to the book and then to others.

I won’t say that it was a cure all, because I suffered hallucinations, near emotional paralysis and lost hours of nothingness. I became very ill to the point where it was life threatening.

Still I recognized the truth in Yogananda’s books. I had had a profound transcendent experience in 1992 and, therefore, I recognized that Yogananda understood and connected this experience into the rest of my life. If I had not had that experience, I surely would have died of the grief. I have become a disciple and have visited Ananda many times. Yogananda is a balm to my soul. A bereaved mother can never really be healed, but Yogananda comforts me. God gave me the gift that day of Yogananda to help my heart when he took my beloved child away.

By: Sahaja

Sahaja — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:24:41 +0000

Dear Hridaya,
Thank you for this beautiful article. I wanted you to know how deeply inspiring I found it to be. Your grace and courage are the result of living a life dedicated to God and Guru. Love, Sahaja

By: soma singh roy

soma singh roy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:15:21 +0000

Dear Hridaya,
This is Soma from Delhi, India. I happen to read your article in Clarity online. I work, I am very busy, and have recently undergone abdominal surgery.
I am single parent and struggled to bring up my 10 year old son. On July 12th, 2005, I lost him to the dengue fever which could not be detected in time. Life came to an end. Although I continued to work from the 5th day of my loss, life was not same. In October 2005 I came in touch with Ananda Sangha, Gurgaon. It was a turning point my life. Dhyana, who initiated me, gave a huge support. Since then Guru has changed my life. Today I feel protected, and understand the purpose of life.
After reading your article, I am again reassured. Today I feel the same way that you have mentioned. But sometime when I see life around then I feel the pain. But with Guru’s grace I can come out of it within a very short time. Your message seemed to be tailor made for me. Its nice you have shared your experience so elaborately. Regards to you, Soma

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:55:43 +0000

That was beautifully written, Hridaya, because it is so true and truly you. Many blessings!

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:00:07 +0000

Dear Hridaya. Thank you for sharing such an important event with us. Your interpretation was inspiring. I often ask myself why an individual’s karma deems they must leave this consciousness so early in their journey. But then I realise it is my lack of insight that assumes their journey is “early”. From all accounts (yours and the comments of those who also knew Johnny), his was a candle that burned brightly from day one. He seemed to have illuminated the lives of so many in such a short span of time. I am writing this from Australia, and I can tell you that through your words, he has also illuminated my life. After I read your article, I sat down for quite some time and prayed and thought and meditated and felt. Then I went and hugged my children. You and your family have suffered a grievous loss, but you have touched our lives with your sincerity. Words often provide little consolation, so we are sending you and your family hugs through the cosmic beloved.

By: Dhyana

Dhyana — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:20:07 +0000

Dear Hridaya, What beautiful advice for anyone who has lost someone near and dear. To be able to attune to the departed one through nature or however God comes is such a comfort. We forget the simple realities you mention here–the strength that comes, the signs that come to let you know your loved one is in God’s arms etc. I think many will be helped and uplifted by your words. Thank you and God bless you, Dhyana

By: janakidevi Steinmetz

janakidevi Steinmetz — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:50:09 +0000

That was beautifully written, Hridaya, because it is so true and truly you. Many blessings!

By: Geoffrey Stoller

Geoffrey Stoller — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:25:39 +0000

I last saw Johnny, then named Janaka when he was about eight years old. It was outside of Master’s Market. I asked him, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” He said: “I just want to play in the grass.” He really was just in the moment. A wonderful child.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Stoller

By: Bailey Stenson

Bailey Stenson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:56:01 +0000

Dear Hridya,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of you son Johnny. I might have met him when we lived at Ananda years ago. I do remember you and your lovely spirit.

We lost our first born son, Toby, nine years ago at age 20yrs, suddenly and tragically. Your words about the opportunity of these experiences to further grow in love and Spirit are the correct focus. Thjs focus gives us hope and leads us out of the labrynth of pain and despair.

Please continue give your self permission to continue to take care of yourself as you heal. You are witness to miracles and opportunities for your own transformation and that of others who surround you!

If I can offer support to you in any way, please let us me know!

Bailey & Dennis Stenson
Fort Collins, Colorado

By: Peter Skillman

Peter Skillman — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:43:28 +0000

Hridaya: Thank you for this deeply moving and inspirational article — How the your profound personal loss led to an ever greater awareness of Spirit — Your generously shared journey through grief then transcendence benefits and uplifts us all.

By: rose neal

rose neal — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:56:24 +0000

Thank you for sharing this painful experience and showing us how it can help one to grow deeper and stronger in spiritual faith. I am forwarding it to a friend experiencing grief. I deeply appreciate your insight and openness into your grieving. Your wisdom is a reflection of your love for Johnny and God.

By: julie roberts

julie roberts — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:54:59 +0000

Thank you Hridaya and God Bless you, and Johnny too.

By: Hanuman

Hanuman — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:29:35 +0000

What a beautiful rendition of life experience. Thank you Hridaya!

By: Terry Kristen Strom

Terry Kristen Strom — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:32:26 +0000

A beautiful expression of your soul’s journey, Hridaya. Your generous sharing is invaluable. I had the privilege of being Johnny’s landlord “mother” for a year filled of joy owing to his presence. His laugh, smile, a cap pushed backward on his head, a sleepy look as he headed out the door of the house to see who was making the noise at the pump house, and not least of all his deep friendships with those around him. For his immediate family I pray that you gain sustenance forever more from Johnny’s capacity to love and appreciate. They are his greatest gifts to us.

By: Susan Craig

Susan Craig — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:16:02 +0000

Hridaya, this is beautiful and real and inspiring. Just like you. Thank you so much for writing this!!!

By: Lisa Powers

Lisa Powers — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:30:45 +0000

What a beautiful sharing and what an inspiration to all of us! The loss of a child, regardless of age, must be one of the greatest sorrows life can bring to our experience. Hridaya, reassures us that the presence of God is even more tangible during the experiences of life that we are most afraid of. Therefore, be not afraid, and know that God is always with you. Thank you, Hridaya!

By: Asha Praver

Asha Praver — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:49:37 +0000

Dear Hridaya:

I am deeply touched by your generosity in writing this article. Grief, as you say, is a universal journey. Your courage and honesty are rays of light illuminating this path for all who follow. You willingness to accept and move forward into Spirit is a blessing also for Johnny, giving him the freedom also to move on. A final gift from a loving Mother.

love,
asha

By: jaimie calderon

jaimie calderon — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:35:19 +0000

What you shared touched me deeply. I am so sorry for your loss and very inspired by how you have been dealing with it. I know what you shared to be absolutely true.

By: Bhagavati

Bhagavati — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:29:45 +0000

Dear Hridaya, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wisdom and peace through this deeply inspiring article. Sending you much love, Bhagavati

By: jeanne Detlor

jeanne Detlor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:18:55 +0000

I have been deeply touched by your story and your gift to us all in telling this story. I have two sons and know that circumstances could prevail, out of the blue, to bring about unknown joy or unknown tragedy. Your honesty and deep spirtitual practice are inspiring. May your son’s love and energy continue to inspire you and all those you connect with.