About 40 years ago I met Ted the older brother of Sarah, a high school friend. Sarah and I kept in touch over the years. About three years ago Sarah asked me to “pray” for Ted as he had lung cancer.

Along with my prayers I emailed him some words of encouragement. He was moved by my letter and we began to correspond on a regular basis. We only met briefly on one occasion as we lived in different parts of South Africa. It was a wonderful meeting. Although we reminisced a little about high school I spent most of the time listening to him reliving his life stories. He also talked to everyone we met around us.

In March this year he passed away. I think of him often and wonder why he came back into my life for such a short time.

I could not go to sleep one hot night in August. I read, I drank tea, I meditated. All to no avail. At 2.00 AM I saw a gentle light on the bedroom ceiling. At first I thought it was the moon shining into my room. When I got up to shut the blind I was shocked to see that there was no moon or stars. It was pitch dark outside!

I got back into bed. Although my bedside light was on I was shocked to see that the light was still on the ceiling.

I stared at the light as I got back into bed. Feeling awkward I asked, “Who are you? What are you? What is your purpose?” The skeptic in me was pleased no one else was in the house. I felt ridiculous!

I thought, “This is crazy but hey what have I got to loose. “

I suddenly knew it was Ted. His energy or spirit told me to get a pencil and paper and write down what I was about to receive. Using the pen and paper I kept next to my bed I wrote and I wrote. The words came at me fast.

Then just as quickly it stopped. Incredible peace and wonder filled me with joy. I knew the message was finished. I fell asleep as soon as I put the paper and pen down.

When I woke in the morning I read what I had written and was moved to tears. I was so touched by what had happened that I typed it up immediately.

Ted’s wisdom has not only helped me heal but has impacted my life in every way. I hope Ted’s message of love and hope touches you too.

This is it:

Dear Darling Barbs, write this down, “You have to keep reminding yourself that you have no control over your future, you can plan and gather resources for that, but the only thing you are 100% sure of is NOW---. You know this, I am reminding you, because you need to be reminded.

Take each day with an attitude of receiving a gift—each new day brings a newness—make sure you embrace it Barbs, embrace it with a joy, a spirit of expectation, look forward to every challenge, to every person you come into contact with, because they will remind you of your reason for living and celebrating life. This is what I was showing you.

Look and observe the beauty of life around you and give thanks, take time to smell and taste and hear. You are not old, you are not aging, you are living life every second, this rejuvenates, give thanks for abundance in your life, you have so much to give thanks for Barbs, for wisdom, for health for energy, for humor and laughter for strength, for resilience, for knowledge, for kindness and compassion, for wealth in your body mind and soul for having enough wealth to pour it out to others.

Remember it is not about oneself in any situation, it is about others and the peace and joy and love and fun, never forget the fun, you bring into their lives—this is what will fill you with a fulfillment that you cannot measure—you choose to be with people because of their receptivity , for always creating space for others to receive—do not feel compelled to give because you have been given—receive the fullness of their giving—absorb it and give thanks—you do not owe—your time comes round to give at the right time—just always have an open heart to give at any given moment. Allow yourself the luxury of boundaries—they will show you the way—your generosity of spirit is overwhelmingly sweet—give thanks for this gift.

Remember seeking to fit into a relationship will just keep you seeking—rather seek to find opportunities to give and give thanks for this. Relationships will find their way to you. Surround yourself with people who receive your gifts Barbs, it is not worth the moment to ponder on the reasons why you and your gifts are not received, and that is a waste of energy.

It is a new season in your life now, with a renewed knowledge and focus –celebrate this—Your little season of winter is passing—give thanks.

By the way you did not meet me for only our experience—it was ultimately to see if you would give unconditionally—you did—you helped heal many things for me, you made my passing on easier—these gifts cannot ever be measured. Remember these are the most valuable of gifts.