Standing on the Shore

Charles had dreams about standing on the edge of a beautiful water. In his dreams he did not want to leave the water because it was so wonderful, healing, and caused him great joy.

He had a few similar dreams about the water, dreams he felt were connected. He had one dream where we, his family, were with him in the water. But in the most recent dream, he tried to convince us to go back to search for the waters with him, but he was unable to persuade us to go. He said he was not sure why, but we were not eager to leave home, and go to the place he had dreamed about.

He said of the waters, "There was something wonderful about the water. It cooled us, healed us, and gave us joy. The water was clear and pure. It glistened in the sun. We played and splashed. We explored and waded. It was wonderful and perhaps the happiest and most free I have felt in a great long while." 

He had this dream about going to search for the water, exactly one month before he died.

After his dream he kept trying to figure out what it meant. He wanted to know what the waters represented, and why we would not go with him to such a glorious place -- he wanted to know if God was trying to tell him something.

He even shared the dream with some of my family, and we discussed it in great detail together. I did not know then as we gathered on the couch at my brother's house, listening to Charles describe his dream, that his dream would soon become very important to me. He sat describing in detail his visions and dreams, with an icepack on his leg. As he spoke the words of his dream, he was enduring a burning blood clot in his upper thigh -- the very clot that would travel to his lung, and end his life, just 2 weeks later.

It was just a dream, right?

I don't think so.

Charles was being prepared for what was to come. I don't think he knew he was going to die, but I do know he was ready to meet his Savior, and his thoughts were turning towards seeing Him again. Sure, Charles was imperfect like all of us are, but I know he would have readily run up to Jesus, and given Him a big hug, without hesitation. Where others might be a little unsure about that Heavenly reunion, Charles would have rejoiced at seeing his brother, his Savior, his friend. Jesus saved him after all. He was a lost boy of 17, and Jesus came for him. He rescued him. Charles knew Jesus. Once he learned of Him, he loved Him, trusted Him, and served Him. Charles' greatest desire was to see Jesus while in mortality, so I just know he was ready to reunite with his Savior again.

Charles was being prepared for his step into the next world. Of course I have no idea what it is really like there, but I am guessing there is a beautiful water that is wonderful, healing, and that Charles is full of joy. Whether the water is symbolic, or not -- it doesn't matter. What matters is that Charles is happy, and free from pain and sorrow that truly plagued him at the end of his days on earth. Though it hurts to be parted from him, I am happy that he is happy. I really am.

I was hoping we would die together, hand-in-hand, when we were really old... but I guess Charles will just have to help guide us back to where he is. We, his family, may not want to leave this earth "home" now to be with him in the "waters," but one day... one day we will join him, and then we will all know supreme joy and happiness. My heart bursts at the thought!

This thought of his dream came to mind, because Sammi recently received a blessing. She was told in her blessing that, "Your Father and your Heavenly Father stand on the shore watching over you -- remember that when times get rough." When those words were spoken, his dream flashed in my mind and I could vividly imagine Charles standing on the edge of the beautiful waters that he had dreamed about. I could see him there waiting for us, watching over us... always mindful of us, and our lives. Just like our Heavenly Father.

I have not seen my Heavenly Father while in this mortal sphere, but I have seen His miracles, and I have had an undeniable witness that He is there, He lives, He loves me, and He knows me. I have not seen God face-to-Face in this life, but I have seen Charles. Charles was my whole life, my everything -- but now he is no longer visible to me like he once was. He was once daily in my physical presence, until we were parted by the veil of death. Because of that death and separation of the physical body, Charles lives in another sphere right now -- but does that mean he has ceased to exist, just because I cannot see him?

NO! 

I know Charles still lives on. I cannot see him, but I know it. I know he lives as much as I know that I live! And I know God lives too. Believing is seeing. I get that now more than ever. I have always known God is in His Heaven, but now I sure do think about that reality more often. I may be separated by the veil of birth from my Father in Heaven, but I once walked in His presence, I have seen Him before -- just like I have seen Charles. There is a physical separation, for now. But not forever. I will see them all again!

That veil of birth and death is strong, but it can be made thin. The Spirit can touch your soul, and allow you to see with your heart that which you cannot see with your veiled eyes. Close your doubting eyes, and feel that your Heavenly Father is there, and He loves you.

I know that Charles, my Heavenly Father, my Savior, and even my ancestors are standing on the shore, waiting, and watching -- for that most beautiful day when we will all be reunited again.

I can only imagine what that will be like! But I know it will all be worth it. I just have to endure.

I will keep my eyes -- and my heart -- pointed towards the Heavenly Shore as I maneuver my ship through the storms of life.

They are waiting for me there.

And then... forever. 


I love this picture for many reasons, but especially since he is wearing his special shirt, the only one I have saved in my closet. (The rest are packed away.) For more on the special shirt go: HERE.