My friend and mentor, Rev. Beverly Bockover, left her body this week and moved fully into the next iteration of life. Many in her congregation are surprised. I am, too. While she had been dealing with physical discomfort there was really no indication that she would be leaving so soon.
This wisdom by Mark Nepo from The Book of Awakening helps me: “We can never be prepared for everything. No one person can anticipate all of life. God is seldom in our plans, but always in the unexpected.”
So, I feel sad today. I look back and remember the last time we spoke, our last hug, the promise to get together soon. I remember our lunches together, when she counseled and encouraged me as I ministered at my first church. I recall, with tears rolling down my cheeks, her belief in me and her love for me. She is one who saw more in me than I ever noticed or believed about myself.
And in this unexpected moment of loss, I remain open to knowing God more deeply. I let the Divine carry me in my sadness. I decide to trust in the mystery of life. And I honor the path and exquisite life of my friend by holding her spirit close in my heart…knowing she is not that far away after all.
Well done, Bev. Well done.
Love always
Paula
Paula, that message is so beautifully written.
My condolences in your lost. Thank you for sharing your thoughts & feelings at this difficult time. As someone who is always trying to anticipate & be prepared for life’s difficulties, this blog & the Nepo quote was much wisdom for me. Thank you.
Thank you for your words today. We at UCR are still in shock. Although I know she is now without pain, or sorrow or stress and still loves us, I’m going to miss her every day. I’m going to remember what she taught us, and feel better knowing we know have our own personal angel to watch over us.
Love you too Paula. See you next week.
Paula:
Thinking of you with all my heart. Thank you for expressing your sadness openly. I clearly understand how much you will miss the earthly presence of your mentor. Surely all that she shared with you is illuminated now as her light shines within you. Hoping you will give yourself all the time you need in letting yourself feel all of those thoughts and feelings and allow the peace to sink in. May you be comforted by your ability to be so vulnerable, to see how deeply you care and how real and true you are in loving and honoring others, just by showing up in all the ways you do. Your grief grounds me in a good way. May you also feel joy at this time as you remember.
Much Love and Peace to you,
Gloria
Paula, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and mentor. I, too, have lost a friend and mentor and I understand how devastating such a loss can be. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that you will see your friend again one day…
Kim