Cathy Tolk

The Wisdom Left Behind Cathy Tolk

Four acquaintances who shared my small New England town became my beloved friends before they died. Circumstances brought us together and circumstances separated us-for now. Wisdom is a collection of vignettes about how each meeting and separation impressed my soul with unforgettable wisdom. Marie was a dog trainer who let go of this life after I made her promise to look after my dog until I could arrive on the other side. Those who have passed want us to be happy, Jeff had assured me. I was able to quote him to his widow when she was facing a decision about a new relationship. I had categorized Marian as an irritating Grandmother, till I found out how circumstances had shaped her personality. Helping Diane gave me the opportunity to teach this modest perfection of womanhood to remain centered in the face of the adversities of dying prematurely. There is a time for smiling, a time for crying. A time for living and a time for dying. This is the natural order for all living things. When the sun sets in our sky, it is rising to welcome birth and new beginnings on the other side. My four friends have not ceased to exist-they are simply in a new dimension now. And someday we will all be together again.