posted September 09, 2003 08:52 AM         

I felt her soul had already left and it was simply the shell, running on machinery.

Question is, as a nurse and psychic, do you sense this often? I believe it`s true but there`s many detractors. Is there a specific 'sign' that you notice to indicate the soul has departed. .

posted September 09, 2003 04:54 PM         

WOW! Well... so many feelings and so few words to accurately describe them.

I think that as long as there is life in the human body, there is a connection to the Soul... a silver cord as it were, that binds the one to the other. Though I have often felt, or at least hoped in my heart of hearts, that the Soul is beyond what is happening to the body/brain of the individual, I belive that until physical death, there is that attachment.

Despite the person's inability to communicate on a physical level, please know that the Spirit is there, and may be addressed, either telepathically or in the more common verbal mode of expression: they will hear you, and your thoughts and prayers are felt and much apprciated.

As a nurse, and as a human being, despite my training and beliefs, I can as easily be caught up in the illusion that "the lights are on, but no one's home". It saddens me to admit that, but from time to time, in the daily grind, it is hard to always "walk the talk".

But, regardless of my human shortcomings, I do try often to communicate with the patient's Spirit, and to assure them that there is something much greater beyond, if they will be but willing to make the transition. Despite my belief in the possibility of Physical Immortality, at some point, when the body is too weak to go on, the transition, or graduation, is to be encouraged.

Sometimes people in these states will hang on for days or weeks, awaiting the arrival of a particular family member... or if they feel that some one is unable or unwilling to "let them go". In these cases, I try to encourage the family to speak to the person, and "give them permission" to move on into the Light, as it were.

In terms of a sign... well sometimes it's just a wee hint of a "vacancy" but as I say, from all my studies, I'd have to say that until the actual "transition", the Spirit is usually within reach. They make take a little trip from time to time to explore the waters, but they will know and hear what happens, particularly when there is a loving intent behind the words and prayers.

As I say.. very hard to put into words, but I hope I've captured the essence of my beliefs/experiences in a meaningful way. Hope it helps somewhat.

I am sorry for your physical loss, but rejoice in the reunion of your loved one's Return to God.

Blessed Be...

A

P.S. As an aside, when the Spirit does decide to move on, no amount of machinery or medicine will be able to maintain the silver cord connection, so never fear that a wrong decision can be made about Life Support... as with anything... all things in their time!

posted September 10, 2003 07:51 AM         

Being clouded in thought, I have overlooked the silver cord. That is my missing element when feeling the spirit out of the body. The statement: They make take a little trip from time to time to explore the waters indicates what I was sensing. I believed that mercifully, she had made the transition at that time.

Sadly, it is hard to 'walk the talk' & re-member in the daily grind and when one is grieving.

Thank you for your beautiful insight and condolences. She is blessed to have left her ravaged body to return to pure spirit

juniperb