Benjamin Franklin's Reflections on Death

January 30, 2010

I received this piece on Benjamin Franklin's reflections on death from one of Norman's batchmates in Peace Corps Nepal 2, Don Messerschmidt which he shared after the death of one of their mentors, Lee Bomberger. It is very heartening, especially if a loved one just departed for the better life.

“A man is not completely born until he is dead.

“Why, then, should we grieve, that a new child is born among the immortals? We are spirits! That temporal bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in making a living, or in acquiring knowledge, or in doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God. When these physical bodies become unfit for these purposes, affording us pain instead of pleasure becoming a burden instead of a blessing, it is equally kind and benevolent that God has provided a way by which we can vacate them.

“Death is that way! Our friend and we were invited abroad on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him.”

―Ben Franklin’s letter to his brother Jon's bereaved widow

Peace and Godbless
Gabby

Port au Princesse (Puerto Princessa, Palawan)

January 28, 2010

I was in Puerto Princessa, Palawan this past Tuesday and Wednesday. Arrived this noon. I facilitated a seminar workshop for socially marketing Palawan State University. It was so peaceful there and I enjoyed the "break" from stressful Metro Manila. Enjoyed the many colored butterflies and flowers and plants. I stayed the University hostel by the bay and the top picture is what I saw from my window. The pictures that follow were taken in the resort of my friend Che Prado, Marina de Bay. His eldest daughter wuit her managerial job in Metro Manila to run the resort. Looking forward to returning there again. Had lots of prayerful and reflective moments.

Godbless
Gabby

Sharing Poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye

January 25, 2010

Sharing this simple but very meaningful poem with all who have lost a very dear one.


Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Godbless President Corazon Aquino on Your 77th Birthday

January 25, 2010

God bless you President Corazon Aquino on your 77th birthday. Please help both our families arrive at God's peace.

Gabby

Bramble Get-Together After Woody's Burial

January 23, 2010

Eternal rest grant unto Woody, Melba and Norman, Lord and let perpetual life shine on them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace happily forever.

Amen

Woody Bramble's Death Anniversary

January 23, 2010

I offer special prayers on the death anniversary of Woody Bramble, Norman's Dad, whom I never got to meet. I was with Norman in DC that very cold morning of Jan.1984. It was Carolyn who called to break the sad news to Norman and we had to prepare for him to get the earliest flite to SLC to join the family. Spent part of my evening Mass in prayers for Woody, Melba, Norman and all the beloved departed family members of the Brambles, Hands and other branches.

Gabby

Persevere in Doing Good Always

January 20, 2010

Never tire of doing good no matter what for in due time God will reward us. He has plans for us to prosper and succeed, and not fail. Praise and thank God with joy forever.

Gabby