Lisa Shannon Castonguay

adapted excerpt from Ram Dass's letter to Rachel's grieving parents

Lisa finished her work on Earth and left the stage in a manner that leaves those of us left behind with a cry of agony in our hearts, as the fragile thread of our faith is dealt with so violently. Is anyone strong enough to stay conscious through such teaching as you are receiving? Probably very few. And even they would only have a whisper of equanimity and peace amidst the screaming trumpets of their rage, grief, horror, and desolation.

I can't assuage your pain with any words, nor should I, for your pain is Lisa's legacy to you. Not that she or I would inflict such pain by choice, but there it is. And it must burn its purifying way to completion. For something in you dies when you bear the unbearable, and it is only in that dark night of the soul that you are prepared to see as God sees, to love as God loves.

Now is the time to let your grief find expression - no false strength. Now is the time to sit quietly and speak to Lisa, thank her for being with you these few years, and encourage her to go on with whatever her work is, knowing that you will grow in compassion and wisdom from this experience. In my heart, I know that you and she will meet again and again, and recognize the many ways in which you have known each other. And when you meet you will know, in a flash, what now it is not given to you to know: why this had to be the way it was.

Our rational minds can never understand what has happened, but our hearts - if we keep them open to God- will find their own intuirive way. Lisa came through you to do her work on earth, which includes her manner of death. Now her soul is free, and the love that you can share with her is invulnerable to the winds of changing time and space. In that deep love, include me.

In love,
Ram Dass

Sher (Mother) February 4, 2007

Thank you.

Thank you for the lovely verse you left for Ricky, here is something someone sent to me when Ricky passed I thought it was touching, my thoughts are with you Lisa sounds like she was such a lovely person I hope she meets up with Ricky as he was lovely too! xx

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Elaine Fisher (passer by) February 4, 2007

wow! Sher thank you so much for those lovely words on our Ian's site ...how lovely of you darling to think of us.

what beautiful poems you have for your darling Lisa, I bet she is so proud of you for the lovely memorial you have done for her and the love you have poured here.

thank you again

lots and lots of love sheila ((((((hugs ))))))

Sheila Mum To Ian And Wife Of Trev (friend of Sher and mum of Ian) February 3, 2007

We sat beside your bedside, and held your hand with love,
We kissed your face with tenderness, and prayed to God above,
In tears we watched you struggling and slowly slip away,
It broke our hearts to lose you, but we knew you could not stay.

Sher (Mother) January 21, 2007

I'm Still Here

Mom, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, Mom, I'm everyplace.

Author Unknown

Sher (Mother) January 15, 2007

Don't weep at my grave,

For I am not there,

I've a date with a butterfly

To dance in the air.

I'll be singing in the sunshine,

Wild and free,

Playing tag with the wind,

While I'm waiting for thee.

Sher (Mother) January 13, 2007

Gone is the life, but never the light; wherever we are, so shall you forever be.

Sher (Mother) January 13, 2007

a letter from heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.



Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you



It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man



God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night



When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain



I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.



There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you



If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.



So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

~Author~

Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Sheila Mum To Ian And Wife Of Trev (passerby) January 12, 2007

the poem the elephant in the room is wonderful...love sheila

Sheila Mum To Ian And Wife Of Trev (passerby) January 2, 2007

thank you

thank you for lighting a candle for my son Ronnie,i love that verse.its so true..

Brenda (passer by) December 31, 2006