Farewell to Pete

My Nephew, Ian was born on a Thursday in January, 1981. How do I know this? Because his dad, Pete was celebrating Ian’s birth at The Nautical Inn with his brothers and a few friends. I was there too, celebrating a win with my volleyball teammates. We played volleyball on Thursdays.

I had known Pete for several years before that, but in hindsight, on that particular Thursday we were not meeting by chance. That same evening, Pete asked me if I was still making art. I graduated from college the year before, and Pete knew that I had majored in Fine Art. He also told me that there was a job opening at BayPrint, Inc. where he worked, doing Layout and Design.

Less than a week later, I was hired. Pete and I worked together as Layout and Design artists at BayPrint, Inc. from 1981 through 1989. Back when “cutting and pasting” meant picking up a pair of scissors, cutting either copy or graphics, running it through a waxer, and physically pasting it to the copy board. Our most important tools were a T-square, a triangle, a blue pencil, a pica stick, a magic wheel (for reducing and enlarging graphics) an Exacto knife and those aforementioned scissors.

Pete was also the person who introduced me to his twin brother. Paul and I began dating in 1984 and were married on September 13, 1986. It will never cease to amaze me how certain events in our lives can influence our destination.

On Friday morning, February 5, 2021, Pete suffered a massive stroke and major brain bleed. Pete was intubated and we were told that he would not be able to survive the trauma to his body.

Many family members gathered that day. Remarkably we were able to gather in the room with Pete. As I stood, leaning on Paul, a thought passed through my mind. “I talk to many animals during their end of life, why not see if I can talk to Pete?”

I closed my eyes and began my breathwork. I stated my intention, to talk to Pete. Immediately I felt that I was floating in a peaceful place with him. I told him that it is ok to go and I reminded him that he will be going into the White Light. He will feel ultimate peace and true, unconditional love. All fear, stress, and trauma will be released and he will reside in the Divine Light, the Light of God.

It was a profound experience. I saw angels with him and the whole room lit up and appeared to glow. St. Francis came in which delighted me, but did not surprise me. Pete loved the outdoors. He and his wife, Carol lived in the woods by the lake and they walked everyday. They felt at home whether they were on the beach or walking through the woods. I felt surrounded and comforted by the energy of the elemental realm and all the forest creatures and birds that live by the water.

A moment later, Master Jesus appeared with Pete’s mom and dad, Marion and Roger. I could feel him before I saw him. Jesus’ love is completely authentic and unlimited. I know that because I cannot hold all his love in my body so I let it flow out to others in the form of tears.

Marion and Roger appeared as younger people. Complete with all the innocence of the young, their spirits were filled with wonder and anticipation of a joyous event. All the human challenges had been swept away. They both looked healthy, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. Their auras glowed as they were surrounded by White Light.

Shortly after I saw Marion and Roger, I saw Luigi, Pete’s family dog who passed some years ago. Luigi was very happy to be assigned as one of Pete’s greeters. His whole back end was wagging as he approached Pete. Luigi’s tongue was hanging out of his mouth as he panted gently and a smile lit up his eyes. He, too, showed me that in heaven there is no pain, no fear or grief, only love, joy, peace and delight.

I did not comprehend how deeply I had gone, and I have no idea how long I was there, but when I came back, it was with a start as Paul shifted his weight. I also did not realize how much I had been leaning on him until I nearly fell over! I was, however, smiling. My heart was lifted and even though the gravity of the situation had not changed, the meditation I had witnessed gave the situation a whole other perspective. Even if only short lived, I had let go of the fear of Pete’s death. I held onto the vision of heaven and as I go through the grieving process, I am holding onto the vision of Pete’s mom and dad and the excitement of Luigi. There are moments when grief is lifted and I feel at peace, knowing that Pete is in my emotional heart and all of us are surrounded by love.

I know that I have loved well when I feel grief for the soul who has returned home. I am so grateful for the time we have here on earth. I am also grateful for the animals. They continue to show me that we get to take the love with us when we go.

Farewell my dear friend and brother (in-law)…Until we meet again…