A fresh start
paradise
noun
par·a·dise ˈper-ə-ˌdīs
ˈpa-rə-ˌdīz,
: an intermediate place or state where the souls of the righteous await resurrection and the final judgment
c
: heaven
2
: a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight
Yes, time for a new category to replace that C one that has been haunting this site for far too long.
I genuinely feel that life has changed, and changed so radically it’s hard to describe.
I hope to be writing a lot more about Paradise in the times to come. Incidentally, it’s not a religious thing though I can understand why the religious may want to grab the word for themselves.
My Paradise has a much simpler definition..
It is the opposite of hell.
My ‘paradise’ is a state of mind when everything’s as good as it can be. Doesn’t happen often.
It’s happening here and now.
I congratulate you Grandad, making the best possible use of a situation that is somewhat less than ideal, shall we say.
The French used to wish each other, when they parted at the end of the New Year’s festivities, “Bonne nuit, bonne année et le Paradis à la fin de vos jours!” (‘Good night, a good year and Paradise at the end of your days’)
These days the sentiment is regarded as somewhat quaint and over-pious but I think you’re right about the non-religious angle; it’s a wish I think should be expressed much more often and in a broader context.
(incidentally, I learned it from a French-trained Irish nun who described it as ‘a lovely thing’; is there a corresponding Irish phrase out there? I rather feel there ought to be.)
Paradise should be a time without fear, and I want you to feel no anxiety.
Your being and body knows that you have a short calendar, so will adjust your thoughts to meet the requirements for peace, and possibly another era of time here – or maybe elsewhere – who knows!
Whatever! Your humour has enlightened me over these years, so make the most of what you’re still giving us!
Keep on in there you auld so and so as me father used to say.
Paradise, a state of mind and a state of heart! As always your mind and heart are in the right place and always have been…I think that is why I and probably many others have gravitated and remain fellow travelers in this world of wonderment in countless ways. Stay strong and enjoy your very large family that you have brought along for the ride.
John
I look forward to our coming posts. Glad you’re still with us.
*Your. Keyboard plaing up.
Goodbye – which is a contraction of ‘God be with you’ to you Grandad – I’ve enjoyed your posts for many years and appreciate your perceptive and insightful comments.
But there is no end – the spirit continues when the body is done. Knpw this: Breath is King and when it stops the soul is released, but not to oblivion.
Enjoy the onward journey!
Love to you, in the certain Knowledge of eternity
Covering this, Grandad, at Orphans and Unherdables.
Hi Grandad
I’ve been reading your blog for many years and felt it would be remiss of me not to mention something you might benefit from given your present condition. It may be a long shot but in my opinion it is worth looking at.
Please feel free to email me personally (you already have my address) Here are some links to get you started : –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm3fD2zZLOs
https://youtu.be/xkT9Anef-JQ
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7505114/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIed99p8RzQ
Here’s hoping you find your paradise. And as your compatriot, Dave Allen used to say: May your God go with you.
Journey on, my friend.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
And may the land of a friend always be near.