“Five People You Meet in Heaven” is a book by Mitch Albom that I read almost a decade ago. I stumbled upon it again recently while sitting in a library and pondering over ponderings! 😀
I couldn’t help but wonder “Is there a place called Heaven??”, “Is there a possibility to meet people there?”. And if yes, “Who would be those five people I would like to meet?” 🤔
This is a post about those 5 people…if you don’t have the time to read, listen on!!
While each one of us have our own fantasies and interpretations of heaven, I invite you to journey with me as I explore the possibility of seeing five extraordinary individuals whose presence I would yearn to experience if at all there is an afterlife. These are the people whose lives have shaped my life and left an indelible mark on my soul.
“The Anonymous one”
I have always believed that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Less did I know that there could be other possibilities. There are some people with whom your paths cross for no reason and what culminates defies any conventional label of a relationship. They are neither a friend nor a companion, yet inspire you in profound ways because the edifice of what you share lies solely on a sense of trust, belief, and acceptance. Their mere presence makes a difference, and their thoughts fuel your passion for life. I have been fortunate to come across someone with whom my connection transcends definitions, for it is rooted in a shared understanding and respect for each other and the realities we face. In my moments of solitude and reflection, he is both a guiding thought and a silent companion...in moments of joy, he is a fleeting but heartwarming memory.
Many reading this may now begin wondering – who, what, how, and why! But as I said, it is not always about a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
To this person, I can only quote Rumi:
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there
“My father”
One thing I will always owe to the person I wrote about above is how he unknowingly uncovered a side of my father I would have never thought about. I would like to see my father in heaven and ask him about all the frustrations pent up inside that he could never talk about, all the emotions layered that he never knew how to express, and all the unrevealed secrets he wanted to share but never could because there was nobody to listen or understand. I wonder if he would have retained his zeal for life had he had all these. Now, in all these years of distance, the gap has widened so much that I feel lost at how to bridge it. So maybe, in heaven he will have the patience to share, and I the patience to absorb and accept his side of the story.
“Goes without saying...My mother”
The past few months have been a mix of everything like the Bikaneri Bhujia mix – sweet and sour, spicy and tangy all at once. While everyone saw and knew what was happening ‘WITH’ me, she was the only one who had an eye to see what was happening ‘WITHIN’ me. While I did not know what to do, she was the one who understood when it hurt, when it pained, when to hold, and when to let it be. While the idea of an afterlife feels great, it also is frightening. So like on earth, maybe in heaven also she will be the one to see through my fears.
“A few friends”
It is said, “Friendship is not about whom you have known the longest; it’s about who came and never left your side.” I am neither great at making friends nor good at keeping them. But there are still a few who have never left my side. I have known them for decades. There was a time when it was all about sharing and caring for each other. Eventually, the humdrum of life took over and we don’t get to see each other as often. So maybe seeing them in heaven might be an opportunity to catch up on all the time lost, and the life not shared.
“Miscellaneous ones…”
I don’t know who else…
Maybe those people who believed in me like my manager and Manju Mam who gave me opportunities without batting an eyelid…
Or the runners with who I have shared the highs and lows of running... several incomplete runversations are awaiting many more runs…
Or maybe those unfinished love stories that started with excitement, experienced joy, uncovered challenges, and eventually ended. I would like to know the other side of the story too!
To some, this idea may sound weird. Some may even think I am crazy! While it's often said that heaven and hell exist within our current lives, the limits of imagination are boundless. You never know, perhaps another realm will offer another chance to reconnect, share, and create stories that couldn't be done here. In the vast expanse of possibility, deep inside the promise of a future encounter in an afterlife keeps hope alive and fuels the belief that our connections transcend time and place.
“Would you know the five people you would want to meet in heaven?”
#Disclaimer: This is my 1st attempt at recording my post. And I don’t know how to edit. Listen at your own risk!! 😂
First of all, As usual a wonderful & a next level write up, rather I must say your topic itself proves your level of thoughts & thinking.
Secondly I am honored & glad to see myself among very few persons in your life with whom you want to meet in heaven.
Keep writing, keep Inspiring 😊
Love you dear. For all these wonderful writings. Keep going.Love you, That Beautiful rendition too. 😍👌😘