A Glimpse of Light (Revised)

My introduction…
Recently, I've been reflecting on the divine energy that connects us all. I am not speaking in terms of religion. Instead, I'm referring to the greater good that encompasses and protects the human community, regardless of our diverse backgrounds and identities.

My faith lay dormant for years, buried beneath a cynicism I cultivated to shield myself from the toxic places I wandered and the darkness of those who dwelled there.

I witnessed a miracle in an unlikely place that forever changed my views on faith, divinity, and the power of the Universe.

Today, I am reclaiming the faith I once buried in the shadows of my soul. I turned away from a light that guided me on my path, only to stumble on my own footing. But now, my eyes, ears, and heart are open, receptive to messages sent from an unseen but benevolent force that surrounds me as I live and walk in my truth.

The catalyst...
I want to share a story from my past that continues to resonate in every fiber of my being. This memory is my testimony to divine energy's incredible, undeniable existence. During two transformative hours spent with a group of kindred souls, I came to a realization that altered my perception forever. This story still breathes life into the deepest corners of my being, a testament to the profound connection between humanity and a higher power.

This discovery led to a shift in my perspective, leaving me with no choice but to let go of my cynicism. I found the ability to see my point of view as a falsehood I desperately clung to while depriving myself of the real power that lives in faith and love.

I changed course. I abandoned the road that had led me away from my true purpose, clouding my belief in something greater than myself. Walking the road alone is lonely. My connections were shallow at best. I was ready for a change.

The Story...
Many years ago, when I was a new nurse in the hospital, I took over the care of a man sent to our unit from the Emergency Department. Upon assessment, I could immediately see this man was actively dying. He had mere hours left in this life. All I could offer him was pain relief and the quiet comfort of compassionate care. I wanted him to die with the dignity I was capable of providing him.

His wife and family stood watch at his bedside. They knew the end was imminent. Their grief was palpable and pulsating with every passing minute. But their devotion and everlasting love for this man shone so brightly it was reflected on every surface in the room.

Knowing his family would surround him as he took his last breaths gave me a certain sense of comfort. This man would not die alone. I had witnessed the definitive sadness that coexists with a lonely end for so many patients in those hospital rooms.

If we are fortunate in our final moments, love and honor shine through the grief of those we leave behind, a testament to our impact on their lives. This tells of a life well-lived.

Cancer can be devastating…
The patient was American, and his wife told me she was from Korea. Her accent was thick, her words wavering with pain but easily understandable. I could feel the depth of her love and the ache of impending loss. My heart broke for her, having lost my beloved stepfather to cancer a year earlier.

Cancer steals so much -- from those who battle it and their loved ones who fight beside them.

The grieving wife asked if she could invite members of their church to sit with them in the hospital room. We had offered our chaplain, which she politely declined. I told her to invite whoever would give them support and provide much-needed comfort during this time.

The spiritual guides…
Within the hour, five solemn figures appeared in the hall -- spiritual guides, their presence unmistakable. These men moved purposefully, wearing black robes that flowed behind them with white collars reminiscent of priests’ attire. However, these were not the garments worn during the Christian services of my youth. Cultural influence from faraway lands enveloped their spirituality. I did not speak as I provided chairs so all could take their places. The end grew ever closer. Small talk and introductions would be set aside. The family thanked me quietly with solemn, kind nods.

The room brimmed with a silence, both heavy and sacred. The patient’s medicine was administered, and he lay comfortably in the stillness that only comes at the end. He was not in pain but transitioning to take those last breaths of life.

I gave everyone time to acclimate before taking my leave to chart at the nurses’ station. I moved with quiet purpose, ensuring every person was cared for and acknowledged before gently closing the door behind me. I could not allow myself to be an imposition during this sacred time. I moved into the background, giving their grief the space to dwell undisturbed.

An unexpected revelation…
I left the dying patient’s room for only a few moments. He required my skill and attention. I wanted to check on his progress and provide support for the grieving family.

When I returned, I knocked on the door just loud enough to be heard. No one answered, so I paused and stood outside. Chanting emanated from inside the room. This sound filled me with wonder, its resonance mesmerizing. Even through muffled voices, I felt an unfamiliar but welcoming power radiating from the other side of the door. It reached out to me as if to pull me in, intertwining with my emotions.

At work, I guarded my feelings. My patients needed steady hands and a comforting voice. I could not afford to let my emotions get in the way of my purpose: caring for the sick, nursing them back to health, or providing them with a dignified, painless death if they were beyond the reach of medication. I took pride in my skills and self-control.

This force beckoned me from inside the door, taking over my senses. I could not push it away or ignore it. It felt like a loving participant intent on guiding my patient to the next life.

I slowly and carefully opened the door. An overpowering amount of heat poured out of the room, pulsing as if it was alive. I could feel it swirling around me as it danced outside the doorway, beckoning me farther into the room. I was captivated by its presence. The heat was not disruptive or uncomfortable; I felt as though I was being wrapped in a warm blanket.

The room’s air was thick with heat and an unfamiliar yet mesmerizing energy. I couldn’t move. I stood in place for what felt like an eternity, afraid to take another step. I did not want to risk imposing on this process. I recognized the holiness of their ceremony. This sacred moment could only be born from faith and devotion.

I became a witness to their process…
The chaplains guided the family as they prayed over their dying loved one. They sat in a circle around him, holding each other’s hands. They moved as one being with one purpose and swayed in time with their words. As I entered the room, I saw the divine light enveloping them. The words were foreign to me, but they spoke to my heart. That was all I needed. Their intention was universal—any human could grasp the power and sanctity of this process. An unparalleled sense of peace washed over me, knowing this man was enveloped in light. He was prepared to cross over to his next destination.

This was no ordinary moment—I glimpsed something beyond my ingrained, rational way of thinking. In my heart, I knew the energy filling that room came from a higher power.

That knowledge changed me forever.

Gratitude…
My eyes filled with tears, but I was not sad. I was grateful to play even the smallest role in my patient’s journey and bear witness to the profound presence surrounding him in his final moments.

He was leaving this earthly realm and lovingly guided to his next destination—somewhere safe and full of light—by those who loved him the most.

I felt comforted and relieved for the dying man in the bed. He was safe and protected by the love of his family.

At the same time, these people unknowingly blessed me with the unexpected gift of reconnecting with a missing part of myself. This group of strangers restored my faith in a greater good and a higher purpose. Their divine energy and unabashed spirituality made me remember a long-forgotten path marked by faith.

This was meant to be my salvation, my path to true happiness.

I was inexplicably joined to their process. I understood that a universal force gently guided me to a special group of humans who shared a profoundly human purpose carefully wrapped in real and honest emotions.

This truth was undeniable.

Though sadness lingered in the air, the overwhelming connection between those present took precedence. They were giving their loved one permission to leave them and saying goodbye in the most meaningful way possible. A divine power guided them through the heartbreaking situation, lifting them up in grace and consolation.

I believe he felt the love in their words and gentle touches. His death would be peaceful and calm – his final transition secured in light and love.

I know this to be true…
Dying people can still sense their family until the very end. I had seen it so many times in the hospital. I watched patients hold off death until they felt the presence of someone important. They couldn’t let go without that final encounter. Although unconscious and seemingly unaware, some patients chose to pass when their grieving family member finally left the room to step into the hall or go for a short walk. The dying patient’s final gift was sparing the living persons left behind the memory of their last, strained gasp for life.

The final moments…
Less than an hour later, my patient took his final breath—but I do not believe he was afraid. He passed away surrounded by the people who loved him. His family mourned him, but I also sensed they found the peace they needed during prayer. They were spared the pain of watching him suffer. I ensured his comfort. It was a good death.

I cannot imagine a better way to begin the journey to the realm that awaits us at the end of this earthly existence. The energy I felt in that hospital room was nothing short of a miracle.

The miracle extends beyond that hospital room. It continues to touch my daily life in unexpected ways.

The transformation within me…
My heart and mind opened as I spent time in that small hospital room with people of enduring faith. I am now open to my higher power and see daily proof of divine energy. It flows around and through me like an electrical current. My gratitude grows with the knowledge that I am never truly alone.

I am grounded. I am connected. And I believe in a power much greater than my own.

My Blessings...
I am blessed with truthful and honest conversations as I talk with my children and husband. We truly hear each other and accept one another for who we are. We don’t have to hide any parts of ourselves. Our unique connections grow stronger through every spoken word and genuine loving hug. This is my greatest gift.

I take time to reflect on how quickly time passes. Life is finite, and time is not promised. I feel motivated to make the most of every precious moment spent with my friends and family. We never know when we will see a treasured loved one for the last time. I must live with intention and not take a single day for granted.

I can find a message in almost anything if I don’t stray from my path. These messages are a gift and a reminder. I am on the right track. I sometimes hear a familiar song from long ago with new ears. It is no coincidence that I tune into a particular lyric or melody – I must listen. It is meant for me at that very moment. I will garner knowledge that enlightens, encourages, or comforts me. It is faith in a higher power that makes this possible. My awareness of the world around me is heightened, as is my understanding of myself. This awareness is priceless to me.

In Conclusion…
Divinity in the sunshine, the blooming flowers, and the rain make life possible. We are all connected to this energy and each other. Tapping into a universal force creates a safe space for personal growth and reflection. Let’s share our testimony of the faith and love that enriches our daily lives. As we strengthen our connections with others, we share positivity and create a notion of community. This is a miracle in itself – a life lived in peace. We are all deserving.

Guidance through an open heart and mind allows us to become part of a greater purpose. I share my truth with the hope and intention that others will be encouraged to find and shine their own beacon of light. Miracles exist; anyone can experience the joy that results from believing in this simple but powerful truth.

Final thoughts…
When we allow it, our hearts can change, and our eyes can open. As we listen to those special messages meant just for us while forging down the narrow path of life, we can find peace, protection, and support from a powerful force surrounding us all. It has always been there and always will be, waiting for us to recognize its presence.

Protect your friendships and relationships. Remember that time is not on our side. Build your community through honest human connections. If you see someone else is suffering, lift them up in light and love. Human beings need each other, and there is great solace in learning to let others in.