Death in the American culture is a taboo topic. But, in many other cultures around the world, the culture celebrates the dead. I've come to realize that death is not something to be afraid of. It's something that is revered around the world.
The best way for me to deal with death is by remembering the ones I love, listening to good music, and writing down all my feelings. I've been looking back at my journals from the past couple of years, and looking at all the things I've learned. I've seen how much I've grown. I used to just write about the person, and how they died. I wrote about my memories and the happy times, and how they affected me.
Now, I've started to write about my experiences and how knowing these people have helped me to grow even more. I've learned a lot from Patti. She's the best example I have on this topic. She's taken the hardest experience any person can have, and turned it into a learning experience. She's grown closer to Heavenly Father. And, isn't that what trials are about? We are to grow from our experiences.
Today, I realized this as I was sitting outside my Modern Europe History class, waiting for the previous class to leave. I was listening to a song on my iPod, called What I Need. It's from a CD my grandma gave me for Christmas, the Ten Virgins. Here's the words to the Song:
My lamp was the first that he made
Thoughtfully sculpted in pale, yellow clay.
Strengthened by fire and refined
Shaped and prepared to endure over time.
Through heartache and joy, by day and by night
It reminds me of treasures I’ve read by its light.
It’s more than a gift that he gave long ago
This lamp holds the light that brings peace to my soul.
A flame that is constant through change
Still burning bright as the day it was made.
Its warmth reassures that he listens to me
And he lovingly, so tenderly speaks what I need.
It’s guided me all of my days
And led me through valleys of sorrow I’ve faced.
Bringing me comfort and strength
Giving me courage to trust him in faith
It’s more than a gift that he gave long ago
This lamp holds the light that brings peace to my soul.
A flame that is constant through change
Still burning as bright as the day it was made.
Its warmth reassures that he listens to me
And he lovingly, so tenderly speaks
The words of the shopkeeper live in my heart
Whispering truth that shines bright in the dark
A flame that is constant through change
Still burning as bright as the day it was made.
Its warmth reassures that he listens to me
And he lovingly, so tenderly speaks what I need.
Always tenderly speaks what I need.
