It’s Been A Long, Long Time: a synchronous message of love

by Barry Bittman, MD

This column is dedicated to everyone who is suffering from the loss of a loved-one. It is also being written for anyone who is about to come face to face with their mortality.

This message, however, is not about emptiness. It resounds with love, caring and hope.

What you are about to read did not originate in medical text books, or in the Bible. It did not arise from someone’s imagination, nor did it surface as a means to convince you of anything you do not already believe. In fact, your ultimate response will only be a reflection of your own personal truth.

This story is the reflection of a poignant event experienced by of one of my dedicated readers who chose to share it with me. She did so after reading my article about synchronicity. I consider it a wonderful gift to mankind that I am proud to impart to those in need. My best guess is that it rates a two Kleenex experience¾ actually my staff used the entire box. So, prepare yourself for a moment of inspiration.

In July, I was sitting by my sister-in-law’s bedside in California as she lay dying. We had been lifelong fiends, and I remembered the time she had spent in Austria after the war with my brother, who died last March. Coincidentally that day, I came across the journal Alice kept of the events of those times.

I could tell that she was responding as I reminded her of the 13-day sea voyage with many other wives who were also joining their loved-ones overseas. I read to her the words she had written: “I was very excited when the train pulled into the station at Linz. Red Cross workers greeted us with flowers and the band played, It’s Been A Long, Long Time. Then I spotted Howard on the platform, and hurried to be in his arms at last.”

I held her hand and said, “That’s the way it is now. You have been on this journey without him for a while, and now he’s reaching his arms out to you. You are ready to join him¾ it’s time for you to go. Goodbye, beloved friend. God Bless You.”

She died quietly within twenty-four hours, and I returned to Meadville.

Her Memorial Service was to be held at three o’clock the following Thursday. My husband had another commitment, so I asked my dear friend, Anne who had also been Alice’s friend, to join me at the Iroquois Club at six o’clock to observe a quiet ceremony of our own.

It was too breezy outdoors, so we sat in the corner of the lounge. We read the Episcopal Burial Rites and the letters recited at the memorial service to honor her. As we concluded, we looked at each other with awe and amazement at the “message” Alice was sending us, indicating that she had, indeed, joined Howard.

The music system played a song I had not heard in at least forty years¾

It’s Been A Long, Long Time!

Thank you, Eleanor Davies, for words that have brightened our lives, for a story of inspiration and heartfelt love, and a message that resonates with the ongoing nature of our souls ¾ Mind Over Matter!

Barry Bittman, MD is a neurologist, author, international speaker, inventor and researcher. He is the copyright 1998,1999 Barry Bittman, MD all rights reserved
To contact Dr. Bittman, please visit the web site links displayed below or CLICK HERE.