The tiny petal
of a tiny flower
that grew from a tiny pod . . .
Is the miracle
and the mystery
of all creation and God!
~ Helen Steiner Rice, with thanks to Martina Roach
Grandmother spoke. "For eighty winters I have lived among you and now the World of Spirit is calling me to the other side. As winter brings to a close each cycle of seasons, so death brings to a close the cycle of our lives. I have loved all of you as my children and you must remember, after winter comes spring; also, after death comes birth and a new beginning.