It was a hot day. The bus was full of people. Some of them carried bags and packages.

        Others held babies on their laps, while others tried to calm down restless children who tried to disturb the tranquility of grave passengers.

        It was warm. Women talked, telling each other about the difficulties of their lives, the problems with their children, the lack of money, their husbands’ unemployment.

        Youngsters talked cheerfully about the party planned for the weekend.

        It was a common day. Everyday the scenes were more or less the same.

        What can we expect from moments like these, so commonplace?

        Thus, as the bus shook down the road, in one of the seats there was a skinny old man carefully holding a flower bouquet.

        Those were beautiful flowers, still fresh. They must have been picked from a very well-kept garden at dawn, kissed by dew.

        From across the alley, a girl could not turn her eyes away from the flowers.

        They were exquisite, exuberant.

        It was time for the man to get off the bus. He got up and walked to the door.

        When he passed by the girl, at a whim, he offered her the flowers.

        I can see you really liked these flowers. – he said.

        I think my wife would like it if you kept them. I will tell her I gave the flowers to you.

        The girl accepted the bouquet with a shy smile and did not even have the time to say thanks.

        The man got off the bus. Then, she saw him cross the street and pass through the gates of a small cemetery.

*   *   *

        For those who love, life is not interrupted when the loved one’s body descends to the grave.

        Those who love are sure that love never dies and carry on with their lives.

         It is only natural they will feel some sadness from the physical absence of their loved one. But still they move forward.

        Everyday, they offer their best to the one who left.

        They remember the days of happiness, the walks, the laughter, and the travels.

        They offer flowers, which do not necessarily have to be placed on the grave, but can be put in a vase, at home, and offered.

        Or even left on the branches, coloring the garden, being enough to say:

        My love, see how beautiful the roses are? I still take care of them.

        At some point, when it is possible, when the Lord of Heavens allow you to come visit me, you will find the garden just as you used to like it: full of flowers and their perfume.

        I also take care of the geraniums and never forget to water the ferns.

        One day, when time finishes the count of my hours on Earth, I hope I can go to you.

        Until then, receive the flowers of my memories and the ones from our garden.

        I am sure you will not mind if I pluck some daisies to offer our neighbors and friends every now and then.

        Just like me, they have not forgotten you.

        I will see you soon, my love!

*   *   *

        Think about it and, even if you feel like a piece of your heart is missing due to the pain of separation by death, live!

        Live intensely because the one who loves you wishes you to be happy today, tomorrow and after that… until you are reunited.

        Think about it!

Spiritist Moment Team, based on the tale O presente, by Bennet Cerf,
from the book Histórias para aquecer o coração, gold edition,
by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen,
Sextante Publishing House.
September, 18 2008.