Channeling Erik

August24th

24 Comments

Willie’s Story

Posted in: Bereaved, Death of a Child, Grief, Grieving, Life, Love, Spiritual Catalyst, Struggles, Suicide

For the last year or so, I’ve been drawn to a particularly delightful soul, Willie, a very hard-working sacker at my neighborhood grocery store who’s probably in his late 40s. No matter how others treat him or ignore him, no matter how merciless the heat or rain or cold, he always has a broad smile on his face and kind words to share. Every encounter with him, even the momentary ones, are enough to fill one’s heart with joy.

Right after Erik’s death, he seemed ubiquitous in my life, particularly in those darkest moments when I was toying with death myself. Yesterday, he helped me carry my groceries to the car and, as always, he was cheerful, loving and attentive. It’s hard to describe his manner. You’d just have to meet him. As I was driving off, I considered the fact that Willie probably had no idea what a powerful effect he had on others. Should I stop and tell him? Nah, he was busy rounding up empty carts in the parking lot, and there was a car behind me waiting for my spot. Just before I exited the lot, I reconsidered, parked the car, and walked over to him. He looked a little poleaxed probably combing his mind for things he might have forgotten to do or something he may have loaded into the car improperly.

I said, “Willie, I want you to know what a difference you have made in my life. When my son, Erik, committed suicide, I was in a very dark place for months, but you, with your kind words and smile, were one of the factors that gave me hope that life was worth living. With that, he and I both began to sob and hug one another. The moment was so profound that I felt our two souls were intertwined in both happiness and grief.

I can only imagine the thoughts running through the minds of shoppers in the lot, but I hope they were thoughts of connection and love as were Willie’s and mine. He is truly a spiritual catalyst. We all have the power to be catalysts too if we take the time and muster the courage to reach out.

  • Nora

    Elisa, this story touched me to the bottom of my heart. And I wish I had the words to tell you how much you have touched my life in a few short weeks. Your blog isn’t just about a mother who lost her son, it’s about how to live a great life. I learn that in everyone’s stories and in the information from Erik and Guides and in your sweet responses to us all. My brother died when he was four years old and our family was never the same since then. Now 50 years later, I can more deeply understand why my mother spun out of control into an angry place, and I don’t take her behavior towards me personally anymore. Coming from a place of compassion towards her feels so much better, I can’t even describe it. Maybe we can even develop a real relationship now. Thank you for everything you do…like Willie, you probably put one foot in front of the other, moving through your life and don’t even realize how many people you have touched and what an angel on earth you are. But we all see it.
    Much love to you.

  • Stephanie

    That’s a beautiful story, Elisa. Thanks so much for sharing it. I’ve had encounters with souls like Willie as well. They make life so much richer and make people realize how connected we really are!

  • Danielle Notaro

    I LOVE that you went back and expressed yourself and it really moves me that you sobbed and hugged TOGETHER. How healing to have someone to hold onto. For both of you.Just a beautiful thing.

  • http://drmedhus.com Elisa

    You guys are wonderful. I don’t know what I’d do without you all. I think hugs are underrated. I wish I could give you all a great big hug right now, but I’ll just have to do that in my mind. I love you.

  • Danielle Notaro

    Mmm. Thanks and hugging you back. What I love is that you went out of your comfort zone. And I know how you crave to hug Erik. To touch him in the physical. And that is so much out of your comfort zone, not being able to. It’s like you found a way to fight fire with fire. Do you know what I am getting at?

    • http://drmedhus.com Elisa

      Yes, Danielle, I sure do. Sometimes it takes an electric cattle prod, but…

  • Epeavey

    You are soo right about the impact that others make on each other. I have noticed that I am more aware of this now and so instead of just nodding a smile at someone I pass by, I have tried to really notice them. Say hello and look into their eyes. I’ve noticed that I get back just as much as I giving if not more. They light up and I feel so much better! Thank you Elisa and Erik for making me realize this on a spiritual level! I am so grateful to have come into your lives!

  • http://channelingerik Pat

    Elisa…the type of experience you described with Willie is extremely rare and touching. It’s very similar to the experience I spoke of in an earlier post. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    It just yet again illustrates for us that life gives us not only these unique and precious affirmations, but they also show us how we are all so beautifully interconnected.

    Bless you.

    Pat

  • Tom

    I have had instance like this where you meet someone working, a waitress or someone in a store that does a good job and is a positive person. I usually try to comment and thank them for being so, but I unfortunately have been reprimanded several times for doing so, and I always wondered why. On one instance I was at lunch with a friend and had a waitress who did a good job, was attentive, and over all made the dining experience a positive one, for me anyways, and I wanted to leave her a nice tip for doing a good job, but my friend I was with said don’t do that, and only wanted to leave a meager tip instead. Now this much have happened 20 or so years ago, and I still remember it, and that tells me I was right to begin with. Rewarding someone for being positive, doing a good job or just being a good decent person ISN’T WRONG! my friend was wrong and now I know. I continue to do these things. I went to a festival last weekend and there were many local police taking care of traffic and I said ‘HI’ to each one I passed and thanked them for the job they do. =) They were positive and thanked me back and smiled and I am sure that helped make the tedious job of being out there in the heat and traffic and crowds a little bit better.
    I do this as much as possible, because It does matter. Some days I’m in a crappy mood or don’t feel well or tired, and it doesn’t happen, but I try to make up for it in other ways later.
    bringing light into other peoples life isn’t a crime, nor is it difficult…I try to be positive in a negative world, and it isn’t easy, but it’s as simple as saying ‘thank you’ ‘please’ etc, and smiling.
    Life is hard enough for everyone, trying to make someone else’s life a tad bit better in a simple way is possibly one of the best things anyone can do =D

    Tom

    • http://drmedhus.com Elisa

      I have had the same thing happen to me! Even family members have chided me for wanting to speak with the manager at a restaurant to brag on a waiter or waitresses service! What’s the big deal? It’s proof that all people truly want is love. It’s just that simple. And when you give love, you get love. By the way, Tom…I love you.

  • mom2bzs

    I just loved your story Elisa. So inspiring!

    I also try to look people in the eye and smile and say hi. Like Tom said, some days I’m not in the best mood or tired, but when I can I really make the effort.

    I always try to do this when driving. Everyone is in such a hurry! I was driving in a parking lot today and a man was crossing it in front of me, so I stopped and he smiled. It felt like a soul connection, just for that fleeting moment. We never know how our smile or greeting will effect someone.

    I’m sure you’ve all seen the e-mail that went around talking about how a boy made a difference in another boy’s life when he was kind and kids were bullying him. As an adult, he told the guy that he was ready to commit suicide on that day, but because of his kindness, he didn’t.

    Sherry

    • http://drmedhus.com Elisa

      Yes, I love that story! Was it the guy who cleaned out his locker, was walking home with plans to kill himself, dropped his books and the other guy helped him and invited him to hangout? Awesome true story. And how about Letters from Teddy. I weep whenever I read that story. We have so much power to do good, and it often takes so little. Like I we all seem to agree: All anyone really wants is to be loved. Here’s the link to Letters from Teddy. It’s worth the read! http://www.pattishomepage.com/read/teddy.htm

  • Donna

    I have tears in my eyes. Wish I lived in your city. I’d give you a huge hug.

    • http://drmedhus.com Elisa

      We’ll just have to give each other virtual hugs. Here’s mine, Sweet Donna: {{{{{hugs}}}}}

  • buddy boy

    What a beautiful story to share. I’ll always remember it.

  • Tiffany

    Can I just hit the “like” button? :) So positive and uplifting beyond words!

  • Melanie

    I am so happy you stopped and told him. I am sure you made his week, if not more.
    I am sure Erik and your angels had a part in making you stop and park the car. It is so important to say these things we think, as we know too well.. life is too short. We need to say them when we can, as OFTEN as we can. No one tires of hearing nice things.
    God bless you Elisa.
    Lots of Love,
    Melanie

  • Tom

    AWWWWWWWW =) {{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}} all around!

  • Skoshi

    This reminded me of the story I emailed you, Elisa. I’ll write it here for others: Years ago I went to a church where the pastor told of a little boy who had fallen and skinned his knee. He was crying, and his mother said, don’t worry, honey, Jesus loves you. The little boy said, right now I need Jesus with skin on.

    I told Elisa we are Erik with skin on for her. Elisa was Jesus with skin on for Willie. Love is the primary lesson we’re all here to learn.

    • http://drmedhus.com Elisa

      Sing it, Sistah! You’re right on!

  • Steve

    I sometimes give double the toll at the toll booth and tell the attendant to pay for the person behind me (when I think to). Doing good for others creates a ripple effect…they will do something good and so on.

    WONDERFUL story about that advanced soul bagging groceries!

  • Nate

    Elisa – what a beautiful story as well as a profound reminder that there’s no shame in sharing our feelings with others. Sometimes we can be afraid (I know I can) to share my feelings, gratitude and thankfulness to others. This reminds me that I shouldn’t be. Thank you.

  • Denise

    I cried…I hugged…

  • Jahmaiah

    I make sure that I look everyone in their eyes, it makes such a difference in the correspondence. It’s amazing how absolute kindness can diffuse anxiety ridden situations. A smile spreads for miles. I saw a great bumper sticker the other day it said “humankind, be both.” How profound. Thanks for sharing and a big thank you and hug to everyone who live with kindness and love.

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