Craig, you answered many of my own questions that I have had for years. I can't tell you how powerful it was to read your reply. I thank you. I would like to share another ADC with you. As I mentioned before, my dad was a country music singer. When I was little, he often had the band over for practice at our house. So often, I would hear my dad and step-mom sing the song ROCKY TOCK. My dad died before I was old enough to go to the taverns to see him sing. I really wanted so much to do that. About a year ago, I was on the way home from college, and my son and I were in the backseat, and we were talking about the little red acoustic guitar that we got him for christmas. I was talking about how much I wished that I would have taken my dad up on the guitar lessons he offered so many times when I was growing up, so that I could teach him.

I couldn't explain the feeling I got in the next moment. I thought to myself, "Are you here, Dad?" Not thirty seconds later, ROCKY TOCK played on the car radio. That is one song that is never played on the radio. I listen to it a lot, and I have never heard it but that single time. For a song that my dad sang so well, and had so much fun with, I just knew that it was him. Like the many times I've felt him there beside me, I knew it this time. I'm so thankful for that. I would like to share this poem I wrote. I know that my mom and dad, and the many loved ones I lost are in a place of exquisite beauty, and that is what makes me happy. I am so grateful that my dad changed my life with just a few words from my six year old boy. Every question I had unanswered at the time about the afterlife just became more clear since then. I know that what lies beyond is so pure and radiant, and that life exists far beyond this life. I've only caught glimpses of what lies beyond in dream visits from my dad, but from what I did see is takes my breath away. I have never seen so many emerald meadows in all of my life. My dad and I used to sit back and watch Bob Ross paint those "happy trees" on tv, and just be in awe of Bob's talents. I can imagine that my dad is surrounded by many happy trees.

What Lies Beyond

I wonder what lies beyond
Our earthly trappings

Some perceive it to be
Nothing more than a masquerade

His many children adrift
There exists an undeniable rift

A Home adorned in peace and tranquility
A place of unimaginable beauty

My enduring faith in Him guides my hand when I write
Morning, noon, & night

So much there must be that is unexplored
No matter what, to Him, we are eternally adored

His unrequited love flows pure and true
His loving hand, reaching out to you

In His footsteps, I shall walk
Let His loving presence guide me as I talk

In a prayer wave, He is found
I wonder what lies beyond the veil

I can be quite certain, of this I am sure
It must be profound

by:
Don Rogers Winslow