Mysterious Things and Music Monday (To Where You Are by Josh Groban)

"I have been here since the beginning,
and I shall be until the end of days;
for there is no ending to my existence.
The human soul is but a part of a burning torch
which God separated from Himself at Creation."
~Kahlil Gibran~

"I see dead people..."

This was a line made famous by the character of Haley Joel Osment (Cole Sear) in the movie "The Sixth Sense."

"I see dead people..."

This was also a line I first heard from B when she tried to explain to me her strange behavior as a child. But it didn't stop when she grew up. She said that through the years, she finally realized what this meant-- a "gift" bestowed upon a reluctant recipient. It is a gift that continues to scare the hell out of her to this day. In the past, we would see her break down for no apparent reason at all. She refused to tell us because we wouldn't believe her anyway.

They try to communicate with her. They try to get her attention. But she maintains one rule: she will never attempt to talk to any of them. I asked her why. She said that these beings couldn't keep a secret... once they sense who could see them, they tell the others right away. Hmmmm... I didn't know that gossip goes beyond the realm of the living. This is really

So how was she able to abide by her own rule, I asked. She said she never looked at them. You know, she could see but she wouldn't stare. Although trembling in fear, she would normally ignore the presence.

"Have you seen James?" This was a question I asked her after James went missing.

"No."

"Can you do me a favor?"

"No."

"But this is James, not just any lost soul out there."

"No... I will not break my rule... not even for James. Besides, I have not really seen him so there could be a possibility that he is still alive. Please don't get me wrong. I do love him like a brother." That was me beaten. End of discussion.

A few months after that dialogue, I got a call from B one morning. She was crying.

"Bing, Jimmy is gone."

I was dumbfounded. I was speechless. Somehow I knew what she was about to tell me.

"He came to me last night as I was sleeping. Our room was dark but there was suddenly a bright light. I thought my husband woke up and turned on the light. I sat up and there he was at the foot of our bed... just smiling at me. That scared me to death so I hid under the sheets. I was trembling and crying as I begged him to leave. I promised him I will tell you. Then he was gone."

He did not say a word. He just smiled at her.

By the time she finished telling me what happened, we were both crying and sobbing on the phone.

All I could muster to say then was "thank you, B."

She went on to assure me that this was the first time she saw a bright light accompanying a "spirit." Whatever that meant, I guess it was supposed to make me feel better.

TO WHERE YOU ARE
By: Josh Groban

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memory's so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are my
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are