"We Don't Die: A Skeptic's Discovery of Life After Death" by Sandra Champlain

A great title for those grieving and to inform that loved ones who passed are still around. Really.

When my hero, my father, passed away ascended Home, it was the most heart-shattering occurrence that struck me so hard, I didn't even know if I wanted to live anymore. Even the toughest folks and famous celebrities all have suffered the pain of losing loved ones. In fact, all of us are vulnerable to such suffering, and it's the most painful thing anyone can/will undergo. It pains me to admit that, well, death is a part of life. To ease my aches, I did a fast search on something that can guide and heal me while I'm on rock bottom and suddenly found this book by author Sandra.

Already at the beginning, it feels like a gentle introduction where Sandra soft of senses what you're going through. Being that I'm in need for serious guidance, knowing Life will never be the same without my father, Sandra has made things simple and friendly. Admitting to being a skeptic (I'm the same), she talks about what happened before you were born, why you chose to live the human life you're living currently and what your lessons/goals in learning about the life you're living. Sounds like a scratch from Spiritualism but regardless, it sure seems to make sense. Sandra also fills you in on how she learned about ESP, the mind and truly keeping in touch with your loved ones, in which she said that they may not be with you physically, but they are there—one of the coolest reads on this book.

Sandra doesn't assume you're a skeptic but went on to really break down what others have said about the nature of death and life after it, plus the religious organizations in their take on the afterlife. You do find some scientific grasps on the soul and the body but Sandra doesn't lay down arguments about the endless, age-old debate on religion versus science. All throughout, the author has also provided excellent quotes to think about and live by, and if you're grieving at this very moment, these quotes help ease the bleeding. I must say: I got a kick out of reading Sandra's chapter on "Seeing With Your Eyes Closed" as this very phenomenon happened while I took a nice nap before starting work at my new job that time. (It was someone turning on the lights early morning as I found it too bright for my eyes, when I realized that when I'd go on to turn the lights off myself, my eyes were closed the whole time. And it was not a dream either.)

As the book became better and better, the later chapters features self-help topics to bring happiness into your life. Such things made the whole book go off topic, but may be of use to someone under sorrow. Me personally, knowing about us, our Fate and the status of my father was enough to make me happy (of course, losing my dad is a scar that will never cure for the rest of my life, even if I'm emotionally steady at this point). In that case, Sandra's explanation of The Bridge really got me going. Then again, I have a Life to live and no matter what, my father is the person I want to meet first.

With the last few chapters being self-help topics, I'd still recommend this book to anyone undergoing a pain that's hard to fathom. This book by Sandra has the words to heal and inform you and why you need not worry. I've grown and learned so much from Sandra's experiences, research and advice that it was relatively easy standing back up. However, I understand that if you need to grieve, do so. I do know this: this book will help you see the goodness in Life again, and why loved ones don't want you to worry about/for them.

The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are
meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can
run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sun-
shine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to
health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our
dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and
content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone
very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when
one suddenly stop and looks into the distance. His bright eyes
are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run
from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying
him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special
friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your
face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look
once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from
your life but never absent form your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

~ Author Unknown

(from the chapter "Heaven Is Closer than You Think", p.115, quoted by Champlain)

Kris Caballero

Founder and operator of KCU Network, Kris has been writing since he managed a personal blog created back in late 2005. Despite publishing articles and reviews from time to time for the network's website, Kris enjoys studying the sciences, namely Math, playing old video/DOS games, reading non-fiction books and listening to sports radio.

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