Love is the sunshine of the soul

- by Lisa Poznikoff

Love is the sunshine of the soul. Without it, we get hard and sour and we never grow into what we could be. Love sweetens the bitterness of experience and softens the core of selfishness that is inherent in human nature. ~ Unknown

During the month of June a dark shadow of sadness was cast over the Kootenay area. While one young man had gone missing, another tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident. The show of love and support that poured out from the community was virtually as overwhelming as the sadness itself. While hope remained for the successful return of 19-year-old Zach Larsen, closure and healing began after the burial of 29-year-old Josh Evin. So many people who are connected to the internet and have a Facebook account were able to keep in touch with the family, loved ones, and each other and it is heart warming to see how many people truly care – even those who didn’t know either of the young men. Kind words quite literally poured in from all over the world.

My heart broke for the families of these young men and, just as I was struggling to find my way out of the gloom of sadness to write an editorial for this issue, I received the tragic news of the recovery of Zach’s body. I immediately turned to the Facebook account and found the same love and support that was pouring in for Zach’s safe return, now pouring in to support the family in their time of mourning. The words of condolence, although incredibly sad to see were heartwarming as well. The community was standing together during this immense time of sadness, showing support for a family in deep sorrow.

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. ~ Charles Dickens

An online article by Kyra Hoggan in the June 16 issue of The Castlegar Source summed up the effects on “a community coping”. Few people are untouched by the recent tragedies. Even if they did not know either of the men, they know somebody who did. The tragic events have come to their conclusion and the community is in mourning. People are going to react in their own ways so we need to continue to show love and support to the families and loved ones, as well as each other, as we go into this time of closure and healing. It is OK to be sad and to cry. It is OK to be angry and yell out. It is also OK to be happy and to celebrate the awesome lives of these individuals. Do not hold it in, do not stop those around you from expressing what they need to express. It is all a part of the healing process. Seek help if you need it (call the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-515-6999 or 1-800-667-6407). Offer hugs and words of kindness and keep the love going.

Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity. ~ John Milton

Both men came from a Doukhobor background and it has long been the belief, passed down from our ancestors, that the soul does not die with the body, but continues to exist in “everlasting consciousness” in the Kingdom of Heaven. “Eternal life in unutterable joy” – “Bright memories of him, the deceased will remain in our hearts forever” – we should take solace from the belief that the deceased is freed from all suffering and released to a higher plane where our ancestors will welcome all of us when we each complete our earthly existence.

When I hear somebody sigh, “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?” ~ Sydney J Harris

This issue of ISKRA contains some of the happier events that have taken place in the community. When grief finds its way into our lives, may we take the time to allow happiness to find its way back into our hearts once again. The best legacy we can create in memory of a loved one is to continue living in the way that the deceased would have wanted. We must grieve to allow healing to begin, but continue to seek the joy and happiness within. Remember the deceased, but also continue to share love among the living for “Love is the sunshine of the soul!” that will help to heal the pain of loss.