Why are we so afraid of the ‘d’ word? Why do we avoid saying it out loud, and instead use a whole raft of euphemisms? And when it comes, why do we turn to poems and sayings that deny its existence?
Death is not ‘nothing at all’. For the person who has died, death is the end of a body that has stopped working and the beginning of the soul’s new life.
Death is not ‘nothing at all’ for the people who mourn. It is life changing, life shaping, life moulding.
When Jesus went to the graveside of his friend Lazarus we get the shortest profound verse in the bible. Jesus wept. He stood at the grave and wept.
As I look forward to being in Jesus’ garden forever, I am also trying to prepare my sisters for when I am not here. I am their big brother after all. And I long for them to experience the freedom to follow Jesus who wept at the grave and who has conquered death.
(I am writing this now because it was All Saints Day yesterday, rather than because my health has deteriorated!)
EYE CAN TALK 
Thanks for your explanation. So glad you haven’t deteriorated. You are doing such important work. I’m so sorry you have to pay a high price for it. You have such a big heart. Your love shines through.
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I have only recently come to know of you through an old newspaper article which led me to your Eye Can Talk Video which I found to be most moving and inspirational. I must confess human pain and suffering has always been a great stumbling block to my faith. Reading your post The D Word has given me food for thought. I feel very blest and privileged to have come to know of you and your beautiful family and I hope you will always be blessed with peace whatever the years may bring.
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This is lovely . Thanks for expressing that.
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Good evening Jonathan. On Wednesday night at Upper Basildon I met you and your lovely mother and bought your book. Today I read it, frequently in tears for all you and your family have gone through, and although you made me weep, I am full of admiration for all you are doing to transform the lives of others who are locked in. Your poems and writing go straight to the heart.
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