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In Oshada's Words: Musings about all things spiritual
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Whales are mysterious. They live most of their lives hidden from view. And yet, when they rise to the surface of the ocean they take our breath away. Their length, their girth, and their massive presence fills us with awe. These giant creatures live side by side with us in a world that completely slips away from our view. Most of us live our lives unaware of their presence. We have no clue as to the impact they have on the great oceans of the world, Mother Earth and on us as human beings.
It is no accident that Native Americans refer to the Creator and Creation as The Great Mystery. There are things in life that cannot be explained. We can measure and test, catalog and identify the Humpback Whale, but we cannot measure the human response we have when one of these magnificent annimals soars through the air twirling its massive body completely out of the water. On whale watch boats children gasp and hold onto their mothers and fathers. Adults squeal in delight like children on a merry go round. Captains stop their engines and stand pressed against the rails on the flying bridge. We all press our bodies forward towards the rail hoping to get one inch, one breath closer to the mystery we are witnessing.
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Foreward
In my life there have been certain individuals, people as well as animals, which have moved me deeply. They have reached through walls of protection, common sense, and all the decorum I normally maintain, to touch me in a way that cannot be easily explained. They have come into my life unexpectedly, much like a soft tropical breeze in the middle of a harsh New England winter. Suddenly they are a part of my existence. Without knowing it, without understanding it they have become a very important part of my life. These beings, whether two legged, four legged, winged or finned gently etch their memory into my heart. They have come to shape the course of my life in an inexplicable way. These special ones are easy to recognize. I can look into their eyes and feel like I have known them forever.
This piece was written to remember two such individuals. The man I write about, Ray, inspired me. He was a testament to courage and strength. The time we spent together was years too short. Yet, the depth of our connection spanned, perhaps, lifetimes. His ocean counterpart is one of many whales who I have befriended, and in turn, has blessed me. Both remind me of life’s greater meaning and our ancient bonds that seem to survive death itself. I wish Godspeed to both of them on their journey into the unknown.