I guess I would put myself in the agnostic category, because I am very comfortable with not knowing. I will experience whatever is next when I die and that's enough for me. I don't believe we are capable of understanding what is waiting for us until we get there and that's okay.
I would also say that I identify with pantheism, which is less of a belief in an individual god and more of an idea that we are all one in some way. Perhaps we'll be reunited, but I don't know whether I'll recognize Violet as an individual or if she will just be a part of me as she once was or if I will even be able to identify myself as separate from everything else at that point.
I can't ever watch this video without being moved, sometimes to tears:
It is empowering, necessary, and a bit scary to put this out there. For the past several years I have been increasingly comfortable "coming out" in our predominantly Christian society. I have found friends who have similar beliefs. I have had the majority of my friends and family support my beliefs with an open mind regardless of theirs. I've had wonderful and invigorating conversations. I've also had some people question my beliefs and choices as a parent. I realize this is done based on what they believe, but it still is hurtful. All I want is the same respect you would give me if I chose one of the world's most popular religions: Chrsitian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish.
Just as I feel the need to talk about my grief not only because it is cathartic for me, but because it lets others know what one bereaved parent looks like, I also am driven to begin to speak more openly about my spirituality so that less people will assume that everyone around them holds the same beliefs. I welcome conversations with those closest to me regarding this subject.
Credit: magical-poetry.blogspot.com
