Years ago, the songwriter and musician Eric Clapton lost his four-year-old son in a tragic accident. Some time later, I recall seeing Eric in a television interview, and I sensed his profound sadness. I have no idea how he managed to get through that interview. He is a braver man than I am.
Eric released a song, “Tears in Heaven,” which he dedicated to his son, Conor. The opening lyrics are:
“Would you know my name
If I saw you in Heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in Heaven?”
The lyrics of Eric’s song, ‘Tears in Heaven,’ are deceptively simple, yet when sung by him, they become a poignant and beautiful tribute to his son.
I remember, as a child, asking my very religious grandfather if he would see me again in Heaven. He said yes, but explained that we wouldn’t recognise one another. I don’t know where he got this idea, but at the time, it disturbed me and made me very sad. How could we not recognise each other? Do our memories somehow get wiped clean, and why would that be so?
Now, as a reader, I have come to realise that this is far from the truth. Our memories remain intact. Our personalities, individualities, and characters are preserved; nothing is erased. In fact, in many communications, loved ones on the other side often recall specific memories even more vividly than we do, which demonstrates clearly that they retain their knowledge and experiences in full.
The journey does not end when the physical body ceases to exist. It is a new beginning, one full of wonder, beauty, and warmth. It is the next step in our infinite progress, bringing us closer to God. I only wish others could experience the presence of the other side as I have, so that they, too, might be reassured that life is indeed without end.
