Sunday, May 19, 2019
Farewell to Frank!
May 19th, 2019
Hello. Everyone!
Just to take a moment and note the passing of a friend by my
same name of Frank. The Frank who passed – Frank Sanchez –
has suffered greatly from PTSD from his days of military service
in Iraq in 1991. He wasn’t there long as our American mission
of removing Iraqi troops from Kuwait went swiftly,
but the after affects of that swift action was not so swift
for Dear Frank. Like so many others who have served in war,
Frank was in frequent remembrance of that action down through
the years – and had considerable mind trauma from it all. I can
only surmise what he went through – and how it came back to
haunt him throughout his post military life.
Frank was 54 when he hung himself on May 17th. I am not one
who chooses to try and judge anyone for what they have done in life;
and I doubt there is a judge up in the sky or elsewhere who will
be judging Frank for taking his own life; but I am glad for Frank
that with his passing, he will probably be free from all of the demons
that were his companions for many years since 1991. Frank is free
now to take up another life somewhere – and hopefully not repeat
any of the traumatic events he experienced in his last life. That is
what I believe.
I am sorry, though, that Frank had to undergo struggling with
demons because he served in a war where he had to kill other
human beings. War, many claim, is necessary now and then and
so called “collateral pain” such as Frank experienced is justified.
Perhaps it is, but I do wish that those who commit others to war
almost automatically had to suffer themselves because of the suffering
they allow for others. Maybe, just maybe, if those who decide that
a war is necessary would have to put on a helmet and pack a gun
and enter a battlefield and have to serve and not just command others
to serve, they would not be so quick to decide that war is necessary.
That is all over for Frank now, however, and I am pleased I knew him
and shared some fond moments with him. I did not know him for
long, but long enough to become a step “father-in-law” because
Frank was there for my wedding in April of last year – along with
my lovely daughter-in-law, Debbie.
But, Debbie, it’s OK that Frank is gone because at least he is at peace
not having to deal further with lots of memories of war packed in
his head. He does not have to drink anymore to try and suppress
his memories or his demons. He is at peace; and I am at peace too
for knowing he is at peace. For what it’s worth, let me offer some
sentiments about death in a poem I wrote a few years ago.
OH, DEATH!
A Funeral Song
By
Francis William Bessler
Laramie, Wyoming
7/19/2006
Oh, Death, take me by the hand.
Oh, Death, help me to understand.
Oh, Death, I know through your open door
I will be free to be me forever more.
Oh, Life, I see you in the trees.
Oh, Life, each Spring, your trees turn green.
Oh, Life, is there such a thing as death?
For when we die, we find another breath.
Oh, Love, my choice of you decides.
Oh, Love, by you, I will abide.
Oh, Love, with you I am one
with what I choose to be as I continue on.
Oh, Fate, I have you in my control.
Oh, Fate, you cannot depress my soul.
Oh, Fate, I know I cannot be
different than I am when life returns in me.
Oh, Time, I thank you for this chance.
Oh, Time, with you, my soul will dance.
Oh, Time, you are such a friend to me –
and when you’re done, my virtue will succeed.
Oh, God, my heart goes out to You.
Oh, God, my love for You is true.
Oh, God, I see you in everything –
and that’s what makes this soul want to sing.
Oh, Death, take me by the hand.
Oh, Death, help me to understand.
Oh, Death, I know through your open door
I will be free to be me forever more.
Yes, I will be free to be me forever more.
So, don’t weep for me – for I am free –
forever more.
So, Debbie, Frank is free now – free of horrible dreams and
nightmares from the past. That I Believe! And perhaps he is free
to return to another body on Earth and try to fill his mind with
precious memories that will not haunt him in life. I hope so.
Indeed, Debbie, IT’S A NEW DAY! for Frank – because he is
starting anew wherever he went as a soul. None of us living know
where we go when we die; but I Believe it does not matter where
we go just as long as we are at peace wherever we are. That’s the Key –
Be at Peace wherever you go. An Infinite God must be where we
are and where we go. So, let us fill our minds with that idea and
know that Life is Precious and ought not be sacrificed for anything
just as Jesus taught so long ago.
I will say no more – as I leave you with a song from my book called
IT’S A NEW DAY! Frank, wherever you are, know it is a “new day”
for you – and for all you know and will know.
Be at peace, Brother Frank, Son, Frank;
and know that we will all be coming soon.
Thanks for being the kind person you were –and most likely are.
Kind souls have nothing to fear.
So, Frank, be Free of Fear forever more. OK?
Thanks for your Wonderful Life!
Gently,
Francis William Bessler
Just another Frank
(And Nancy Shaw Bessler)
www.una-bella-vita.com
IT’S A NEW DAY!
A Song (or Poem)
By
Francis William Bessler
Laramie, Wyoming
12/22/2016
Look around and notice what you see -
not what you believed.
It's a new day!
Pay attention to the life that is here
and know that Heaven is not only there.
It's a new way!
The time is now to appreciate
the mystery of life.
There is no better time than now
to embrace what's right.
It's a new day!
Open your heart and eyes
to love the wonder that is you.
It's a new day!
Be aware we're all the same
and in each of us, there is the truth.
It's a new way!
The truth is that
we are all a reflection of The Divine;
and that's exactly why
we should know our lives are fine.
It's a new day!
The world is the same
as it has always been.
There is nothing new -
there has never been any sin.
Our only sin has been
to see life as ill
and then treat ourselves
as part of the deal.
Let's take off the shroud
in which we've been enclosed.
It's a new day!
The Light of God
is in All exposed.
It's a new way!
There is nothing new
under our shining, glorious Sun.
We're all Children of the Light
and knowing that should be our fun.
It's a new day!
FINISH:
Yes, indeed,
let's practice a New Way -
because it is a New Day!
Yes, it is a New Day!