A Gift of Vision by Lisas_Botanicals
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Description
Take all that I have given you
Put it deep inside
Let it shine throughout you
Its light will be your guide.
Jeffrey D. Buckalew, Jr. 12/22/82 - 04/23/00
http://www.buckalew.net/jeffjr/
This is by far the most difficult image that I've ever created. However, as hard as it is and as sensitive a subject, it is something I really need to share.
My son Jeff passed away on April 23, 2000, after a five week struggle for life following an auto accident. On Easter Sunday, the day he died, his father and I stood at his bedside pretty much as pictured. We had Creed, an Easter gift for Jeff, playing on the CD player. Jeff had just been declared brain dead. We knew it was only a matter of time for his physical death.
The song, With Arms Wide Open, played and as I heard the words for the very first time, each one resonated through me. I heard the song on two levels; one about the beginning of life and one about the end of it. As I listened, a vision appeared before me behind Jeff's bed. I saw him fully clothed in jeans, a flowing black shirt and sneakers. Standing on air with his arms outstretched, palms up, his head back and his face glowing with a smile. I could hear his laughter as I watched him turn around and around taking it all in. His smile and his laughter spoke volumes telling me he was filled with all of the answers, with knowledge, with understanding, and that it brought him joy beyond measure. I could hear the words, "It's all about love." repeating over and over in my head.
It was then that I knew that although Jeff's physical life was not over, his spirit had already begun on its journey. As hard as it was and still is to realize his death, a part of me is comforted by this vision and the knowing that he lives on. That we all will live on.
I think in some ways I take a huge personal risk in sharing this vision with all of you. I do not do so to force my beliefs on any one of you. There are some who will not believe that I saw anything other than my grief in those few short moments. That is fine. Your disbelief cannot take anything away from me, this story, or what lives in my heart. However, there are those that need to hear this story and see at least some of what I saw. You are the people I speak to. I give you the gift of a vision of love, life and afterlife.
LisaB
Hospital bed by FastTraxx
Maria Vicky Texture by Me
Gabriel Texture by Syyd
Jeff Texture by joe le gecko
Wings by JeffH
Postwork in Photoshop
Comments (31)
danidh
Lisa, I'm at a loss for words...{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}
CarolineG
I'm happy you shared this. It must be very reassuring to know what you know. And the image speaks of so many feelings all at once, I think this is your best image because off the feelings in it. Hugs to you and I wish you all the love you need S
Destiny
Lisa, I can't even begin to tell you the emotions I feel when viewing this piece...no words could describe it...I also feel as you do...there is a better place after this one. I went to view the pages you have dedicated to your son....and they are wonderful. One particular thing struck a personal note with me...my son, too, ends all telephone conversations with the word "Peace".
Syyd
Lisa, thank you for sharing with us, your beliefs, and your wisdom. I cannot think of anything to say, except that we are with you. This represents your courage and openness to me, to be willing to say there is something out there, and I've seen it. Hugz
LCGuy
As a father myself, I cannot begin to try to feel what you must be feeling right now, but, this image is a certainly good start. I have tears in my eyes, as I type this to you. This is true art, as well as a first class statement of your obvious deep seeded love for your son. Thank you, and all the best.
neftis
THANK YOU!! j'ai des frissons you really touched my heart I even have tears in my eyes!I hug you and again I thank you for sharing that with us. I BELIEVE YOU...And in a way, you make me feel better because I am in a very difficult part of my life right now...But this is toutching me really much. bid hugs and kisses BRAVO for your courrage! NEF
Kenniston
thank u lisa..for sharing...i too had a friend bak in highschool...the situation was similiar...i do think he and ur son live on in all our hearts..if u ever seek comfort, we r here for u..huggs..:)..btw, fantastic image too..:)
Hairybiker
That's so touching, Lisa. You have an amazing ability to share your experisnces in such an emotional way. It's just unfortunate of the circumstances, but it's very brave of you to be able to share these feelings with us all. Thanks! Take heart...
AGOR
I know that will dont help you, but after this words I have weeped like a child...We are with you.
DVB
Very nice Lisa. I have not the slightest doubt that you experienced and saw what you described. Jeff's joy, peace, and feelings of love and increase of knowledge is so far beyond our comprehension. How can we mortals in our finite, mere 3-dimensional world of mortality begin to understand the infinite multi-dimensional world beyond where Jeff now resides? We can't. He is the monarch butterfly or dragonfly or flower while we are still the chrysalis or beetle or seed. As much as he loves his parents and family on earth, the greatness of his world is too exquisite to want to come back. You were certainly permitted to view something very sacred and very real, but, unfortunately also looked upon by those who don't believe such things as imaginary on your part resulting from a nervous disorder caused by grief. Oh yes, you were in grief but you were not hallucinating. While wings symbolizes their power of flight and glory and power, those in infinity do not need wings to move like lightning. It is still an exceptable expression of art. Thank you for sharing your experience and admirable art.
T.Rex
Lisa- though the image is too big for my so called "Power"PC to download, you text says it all. I've read a lot about similar experiences (ie Raymond Moody, etc.) and can assure you that what you saw IS real, no matter what the scoffers may say. If you want more info, contact me at Michael.Fahlman@MPHY.LU.SE
Helen
Thank you.. not only for shareing but giving of yourself in both word and picture.. I would like to share this poem with you as you have with us. 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 diamonds glint on the snow. I am the gentle autumns rain, I am the sunlight on ripened grain. When you waken to the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling 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. Author Unknown
Morris
You have brought tears to my heart. We have experienced death in my family as well and because of our faith we know that our loved ones are in a place without pain or suffering, and are loved without condition or reservation. I hope you don't mind me saying this but I believe you received a beautiful, miraculous gift when you witnessed and saw what you saw. Thank you for sharing this image. The emotion that escapes from it has touched me so very much, words cannot explain.
Eowyn
Many tears here too... I wish you and your family all the best, Lisa. Wonderful image, it really touched me.
Tammy
Thank you Lisa for sharing your story, I fully believe thier is more to this life after we pass with all my heart your story and image will touch many here I can imagine and not only those who comment, it is truly beautiful and while I know it must have been so difficult for you to do, I want to thank you for sharing it.
Elusion
Dearest Lisa - our lives first touched when Jeff was leaving, and when I saw this piece, I cried for a while...and then I realized that this great gift you have for pixels and light, for creating with all of your Self, is Jeff's gift for you. Both your courage and your talent are an example to me, and it is an honor beyond words to call myself your friend. Thank you. For this. For your heart. For everything.
Jen
OH Lisa, this image is so moving and full of emotion, beyond what any words I can write is. I fully understand your words as something similar happened to me when my father passed away. Thank you so much for sharing this. :) Now I am off to view the rest of your pages {{hugs}}
Debbie M.
Lisa, I'm not a person of many words, so I won't even try to describe what I'm feeling right now. My Grandfather passed away close to this time of the year, and my Sister seen a vision.... so YES, there are some that DO have that gift. I believe in what you saw and felt..... and the image you share with us here makes me FEEL it too. When I had posted an emotional piece a while back, one of the comments were something like, "you can see this is art because you can see that the artist left a piece of herself with this".... well NOW I know what that comment means, because I can feel you left a piece of yourself here. I'm very sorry for your loss, and very grateful for your sharing this gift of love with us. God Bless you and yours, and keep you safe {{HUGS}}
Chantal
Lisa, this is so touching and so heartfelt, it made me cry too. You are not alone in having experienced such a vision in the midst of tragedy. I hope that it always remains a comfort to you and that others can have their eyes opened by your generous sharing of your art and your feelings.
Keya
{{{Hugs}}}
gechaves
Lisa: fantastic work. very very kisses and hugs
Myrddann
Wow. To share something so powerful with us makes me feel honored. This is such a wonderful representation and gift for your son. Mere words cannot convey my condolences and heartfelt well wishes go out to you and your husband. I believe what you saw is real - no doubt about it. That last vision of your son, laughing and glowing with wisdom, was his gift back to you. Brightest blessings.....~Myrddann~
Brandi
Lisa... gosh, I don't even know what to say. This made me run to hug my little girl. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine. God bless you, Lisa! I don't know what to say.... ((((((((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))
SkoolDaze
I am moved by you image and very much at a loss for words. May your vision be a comfort to you and your family as you travel thoughout this life. My deepest sympathies. It is a very beautiful and emotional image. Regards.
trevor3000
Beautiful, thank you for sharing :)
Heart'Song
I am so sorry for your loss, Lisa. Thank you for sharing your pain, and also your joyous vision of the reality just beyond our skin.
Lisas_Botanicals
I believe I've contacted most, if not all you, privately but if I missed you, I'd just like you to know that I'm very thankful for your comments and your support. This image was in-the-works for almost a year. I tried not to do it several times as it was pretty painful. Yet, I kept coming back to it. I think this message was meant to be shared even if it did take a bit of courage to share it. I'm very happy that the image and the story were received with the open-ness that I used to create it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Hugs to all of you! :) ~Lisa
Goldfire
Beautiful, beautiful. Lisa, may your god of choice continue to bless and support you and your family. I know Jeff is in His arms now, safe and loved.
Isiolahn
This is an amazing work of love, Lisa. Than you so much for sharing it with us. Your courage and your spirit has been a source of strength and inspiration for me. ((HUG))
Kantele
i ll be short. its very nice :) really. and a bit sad. good work.