The 5 People

Posted by: caloona

The 5 People - 01/19/04 04:23 PM

When I saw the smallness of 5 People I decided to read it.In fact I read it in 2 days which I haven't done in years. I liked it. It was a strong story. I liked the fact that he choose a character that most of us wouldn't have a chance to know,or relate to, in our liftime and had us see we are all connected.I just wonder where the story would have gone if Eddie hadn't been in the war.
The 5 lessons are poignant,time honored,yet presented in a different manner so they serve as a reminder for me. Things that NEED to be reminded.
The last lesson-we are where we're suppose to be- leaves me with the question -What if something doesn't feel right ,like Eddie's job didn't feel right for him, then do we stay because circumstances prevent us from going or do we beak out-take a risk- and change?
Just thinking.
Posted by: Dotsie

Re: The 5 People - 01/20/04 06:33 PM

Glad you referred to the size of the book. It is appealing, isn't it? [Smile]

As far as taking risks when something doesn't feel right; I say it takes lots of consideration, weighing of pros and cons, prayer, and sharing our thoughts with a good friend before stepping out and making changes. Journaling helps too.

Good friends give different perspectives that we may not always want to hear.

On the other hand, it's a great feeling to be in a place where you feel you've been placed by God. Though things may not always go the way you want, you still have peace knowing you're there for a reason. [Wink]

Lots to think about!
Posted by: Lynn

Re: The 5 People - 01/22/04 04:26 AM

This book has so many facets to discuss. We could go on forever.

The one I am thinking about tonight is why the author chose a man who ran amusement rides. One would think him a simple man with simple needs but yet, he was so complex and had very deep emotions about his life.

Mitch Abloom also chose a man that by profession, gives pleasure to others. We find that he did not like his job and felt somewhat of a failure for not doing something else. But the complexity of his emotions kept him, I think, in that position. And his purpose ( on one level) was to save that little girls life. Was it in turn for the girl's life that he could not save so taht he had eternal peace?

Why do the things that happen, happen? I think Mitch was trying to tell us through fiction, to be patient, we will find out the purpose when we pass over into the land of paradise. But in that passing, we still have lessons, or losse ends, to pull together so that we can be at peace.

Think about it. Give me your thoughts.

Lynn
Posted by: Maggie

Re: The 5 People - 01/22/04 06:23 AM

Yes, I think the lessons we learn here will be valuable in heaven. Also sometimes I too think we are in the right place at the right time and still don't realize we were put there for a reason
until later. Perhaps sometimes we don't even realize what is going on. Have you ever smiled at someone who seemed really down then learned later how much of a difference that made in their life?
Maggie
Posted by: smilinize

Re: The 5 People - 01/22/04 07:25 AM

The Bible speaks of "Eternal life" which has been interpreted to be heaven and "Eternal damnation" which has been interpreted to be hell.

If heaven and hell are eternal, they have no beginning and no end. Therefore whatever happens to us today and the day before and the day after as well as in heaven or hell is all a part of our eternal life. Therefore, people we meet are already in eternity (heaven or hell) with us.

Does that make any sense?

smile
Posted by: Lynn

Re: The 5 People - 01/22/04 03:41 PM

Smile,

Yes it does make sense from your belief perspective. My beliefs are different and that's OK. That is what makes us, US.

It also is what makes this book a good discussion book because everyone has variations on their beliefs and faith and afterlife.

Have you read the book? If not, give it a try. Your references to the Bible and it's interpretation would make for good discussion on "what we believe" in realation to the book.

I like the authors idea of meeting people who have impacted us after our death. Some of us need the closure that it would bring and maybe answer some questions.

Yes, I have met people that I felt like I knew my entire life. Sometimes they stayed in my life for a short while and others have been there for decades. What does it really mean? I won't know for sure until I am dead. But I believe these people and I have a connection that spans longer than this lifetime.

have you ever done something and thought you did it before? Gone someplace and felt you had been there before? Don't discount it because there are no earthly explanations. Trust your intuition. We do it all the time as mothers why not as simple people reflecting on the possiblities of what can be?

God is there for all of us, all of the time. But our interpretation of what that God says, I believe, is dictated by what we need in this life.

I would love to hear from others you have read this book. Keep posting.
Posted by: smilinize

Re: The 5 People - 01/22/04 04:40 PM

Lynn,
I'm getting to Five People next. Gotta' read Carrie Fisher first. Not a lot of reading time lately. Lots going on around here.

Tell me more about your beliefs. My beleifs about heaven are just now evolving. Not something I found interesting before.

I think my beliefs are right for me, but not necessarily for anyone else. Seems like everyone has to find their own way. Hear what people believe and about different faiths makes me think and even question mine which eventually makes it stronger.

smile
Posted by: Maggie

Re: The 5 People - 01/23/04 03:07 AM

I loved the book and couldn't put it down. Its interesting that you nention feeling like you've been somewhere before. I have done this in fact I remember in 5th grade feeling that way in school but when I told my parents they told me "no". Too bad we don't listen to our children more. I think the book brought this out too.
Maggie
Posted by: Toni

Re: The 5 People - 01/23/04 05:02 PM

This book sounds so interesting! Going out this weekend to see if I can find it.

When we talk about being in the right time and the right place, that's a very interesting theory.

I have found that when I'm going through something difficult, I feel the Lord giving me what I need to get through it. I don't feel alone or afraid, because I know He'll see me through.

Like everyone here, I believe in an eternity--that being with God or in hell. Once a person comes to God, the choice is easy! God and Heaven is simply, "heavenly!"

Toni
Posted by: jawjaw

Re: The 5 People - 01/27/04 03:56 PM

well I finished the book and I loved it as well. It is definitely one "for the books." ouch!

I was very sad for him at first because he was locked into his fears and didn't feel he could leave, and also that he felt tied to his responsibilities, but I think one of the main themes of the books was abuse AND how a child can be formed by it.

Am I way off? I felt his father was clearly mentally abusive and it set the tone for his life. He rejected thoughts of being able to leave or make a new/better life because of the way his father had treated him during his formulative years....Now this wasn't the ONLY reason he didn't move forward, but I felt it was a very large part of it.

Just some thoughts...
Posted by: Lynn

Re: The 5 People - 01/27/04 11:01 PM

I have to go back and take a look at this. Makes sense but have to admit I did not focus on it during reading.

There are so many facets to this book, I could literally sit here and skim the book and comment all day.

Let's keep the thoughts coming.
Posted by: Dotsie

Re: The 5 People - 01/28/04 09:16 PM

Lynn, you mentioned discussing what we believe in relation to the book. I think that's a good idea.

First, I believe I'm going to heaven. I also believe I'll see all those who've gone before me. [Big Grin] I believe I will meet my maker and will have time to chat with Him. Answer some tough questions about my life, though it shouldn't be painful because I believe there is no pain in heaven. Phew! Thank God! Literally!

As far as meeting five people who had huge impacts on my life...never thought of that. I just enjoyed reading how the earthly people impacted his life. Amazing, especially when she met Ruby. Who would have thought someone like that would be one of his 5 people?

I believe all things happen for a reason, even though some things stink! It's all part of God's plan. We later look back and see what we learned and how we grew through the rotten times. Don't you think?

Has anyone tried to figure out who their five people could be?

And jawjaw, I agree with you about his father. Read the damage he did again on page 109 and 110. Awful. Silence is golden, but not in this respect!
Posted by: Lynn

Re: The 5 People - 01/29/04 04:42 PM

This segment really captured me.

Page 48 when Eddie is talking to the Blue Man. The blue man is telling Eddie "You say you should have died instead of me. But during my time on earth, people died instead of me, too. It happens every day. When lightning strikes a minute afer you are gone, or an airplane crahes that you might have been on.......We think such things are random. But there is balance to it all. One withers, another grows, Birth and death are part of the whole."

Eddie could not understand what good came from the Blue Man's death and the Blue Man replied, "You lived".

I too, believe there are no coincidences. When we die, we go to the other side or heaven or whatever term makes you comfortable. I like heaven.

You meet with God and discuss the lessons you learned and what you could have done better now that you have the opportunity of hindsight.

I would like to think I will meet at lest five people who are going to help me put some order to this chaos I call life.

After meeting with God, I believe we spend alot of time with the other souls in heaven getting comforable absorbing their energy and absorbing the large lesson we just came through.

If any one has sat vigil during a daeth you know it takes tremendous energy to die. There is more energy there than that of the dying person. Same with birth.

Many of us will once again venture onto earth to continue the lesson(s) God has for us. We will work with him on making a life plan for the next go round and we arrive with full knowledge of this plan. As we grow, we become more human and lose the clarity of the plan and must rely upon our faith to guide us and give us "guideposts" that we are on the correct track. Sometimes human will takes over and the plan is not carried out. Most times we get very close.

I believe we interact and play a meaningful role (maybe short) with other souls with which we have lived before.

God is always there, guiding and encouraging us to live our lesson for us. Then come home for respite.

Many souls have been through many lifetimes and they at some point will not be coming back to earth. God needs them by his side and it is tiem for them to rest in eternity with Him. They have completed their work on earth.

We all interact for reasons unknown to us but known to God. Maybe our goal in life is to be the Blue Man. But that is God's plan.

Sounds crazy to those who can not open up to a differnt concept. It does not follow the strict teachings of the Bible. But I believe the Bible teaches us how to live as good people. It uses parables to convey to us humans what we need to learn.

I ahve lots more on this book that I could talk about in this vein but don't know if you ladies are open to it. What do you thinK?

I promise, when my time comes to leave this earth I will try to let one of you know what is up> K?

Lynn
Posted by: jawjaw

Re: The 5 People - 01/30/04 12:14 AM

I'll take you up on that Lynn...just don't put me out on the ocean with the sharks as a sign, ok?

I am open to hearing what you have to say...it doesn't mean I have to agree or digest it. But I think we learn and grow and become more "God-like" when we open our minds and hearts to others. Don't you?

Anyway, I believe pretty much verbatim what Dotsie has said
Posted by: hearmeroar

Re: The 5 People - 01/30/04 12:50 AM

I did an entire research paper on the feeling that "I've been here before." It can be explained by brain chemestry, but there is room for revelation. I suggest that God may be 'highlighting' the experience for future reference.

As far as what I believe happens when you die, who knows? I suppose it is a little like waking up in a strange place - disoriented at first - but then you realize that you are right where you belong and desire to be (next to your husband, cuddled with your children, in an oceanfront condo with full view of God's glory, under a tent with African families learning to live like Christ, whatever your situation.) Children who come to their parents bed when they are sick have this sensation upon awakening only to learn that they are safe and comfortable within their parents love and care.

I wish to go in full glory - trumpets playing, angels greeting, Jesus' full embrace. This is what I long for. Hope God's plan is similar!

What I do know is that is it only the beginning.
Posted by: Julie

Re: The 5 People - 01/30/04 06:54 AM

Hi Everyone!

Guess what book I happened to read over the holidays...? What a coincidence.

Someone wrote that dying is like being born - I agree with that. Having had the privilege of being with my father at his passing I was impressed by how much like giving birth it is- a "labour of leaving". I had the sense of him passing into a different realm.

I certainly believe that there is a "Crowd of Saints" waiting to greet us - those who have gone ahead.

During the holidays whenI was at the beach, body surfing the waves or ducking under the big, rough ones - I was also thinking about evil in the world and how we learn to negotiate the evils, the dangers, with a bit of divine help...that God doesn't send the problems, they just ARE, as the rough seas and the tranquil seas are part of the same ocean, so the good and bad are all part of life. We learn to live the same ways as we learn to surf - surviving in the natural world as best we can...
Posted by: garrie keyman

Re: The 5 People - 01/31/04 08:28 AM

Julie wrote:

"Someone wrote that dying is like being born - I agree with that. Having had the privilege of being with my father at his passing I was impressed by how much like giving birth it is- a "labour of leaving".

During the holidays when I was at the beach, body surfing the waves or ducking under the big, rough ones - I was also thinking about evil in the world and how we learn to negotiate the evils, the dangers, with a bit of divine help...that God doesn't send the problems, they just ARE, as the rough seas and the tranquil seas are part of the same ocean, so the good and bad are all part of life. We learn to live the same ways as we learn to surf - surviving in the natural world as best we can..."

Julie, thanks for your thoughts. I found them very warming. I liked the imagery of the oneness of the ocean from its rough swells to its tranquil waters and the way you compare this to life. This was helpful, poetic, and thought-provoking for me.

I also liked your term "labour of leaving." That's great.

Sure wish I could be out there with you ducking through those waves! My fantasy novel involves a planet almost entirely comprised of water, the inhabitants having adapted to be able to swim beneath the waves for very long spells. I love the ocean. It was one of the primary draws for me when I sailed around the world -- bein' out there in the middle of nothing but sky and water and no land in sight. It was at once a frightening and liberating feeling.

So, anyway, thanks for posting.
Posted by: Dotsie

Re: The 5 People - 01/31/04 08:53 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Julie:
Hi Everyone!

Someone wrote that dying is like being born - I agree with that. Having had the privilege of being with my father at his passing I was impressed by how much like giving birth it is- a "labour of leaving". I had the sense of him passing into a different realm.

I certainly believe that there is a "Crowd of Saints" waiting to greet us - those who have gone ahead.

During the holidays whenI was at the beach, body surfing the waves or ducking under the big, rough ones - I was also thinking about evil in the world and how we learn to negotiate the evils, the dangers, with a bit of divine help...that God doesn't send the problems, they just ARE, as the rough seas and the tranquil seas are part of the same ocean, so the good and bad are all part of life. We learn to live the same ways as we learn to surf - surviving in the natural world as best we can...
Julie, So good to have you back! Can't tell you how much I wish I was on a beach. We've had way too much snow this past week!

I spent Mom's dying hours with her and can totally relate to your comparison to birthing. While it was a real trip for her, I felt blessed because we knew she was dying. All fo us had many opportunities to share all emotions with her. I just feel bad for those who cross over so quickly, and for those left behind that aren't given a chance to bid them farewll, 'til they meet again!

Your posting about the ocean and comparison to life reminds me that all of us have freee will and that's what gets in the way of God's work. [Wink]

[ January 30, 2004, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Dotsie ]
Posted by: Dotsie

Re: The 5 People - 02/03/04 05:55 PM

I could totally relate to how anxious Eddie was about knowing the outcome of the little girl's life. Did anyone else feel that way?
Posted by: Lynn

Re: The 5 People - 02/04/04 02:36 AM

Oh yes, and I believe you mean the little girl on the amusement ride. But actually Eddie was just as anxious about the little girl in Vietnam and her outcome.

The results of that expereince were quite difficult for Eddie but he was relived, I believe , to know he was right that there was a little girl in that hut.

But he lived a crippled life thereafter for trying to help her. He came full circle by helping the little girl on the amusement ride and maybe he felt that giving his life was balance somehow.

These two girls are tied together in this story. What do you think it is?

Lynn
Posted by: Dotsie

Re: The 5 People - 02/04/04 07:05 PM

Lynn, good thought. I think it could be th e balance thing. Unless I'm missing something.

Isn't it sad how one traumatic event can shapre someone's life forever?

I don't believe it should be that way, but I know people who've allowed it. Some people just can't seem to carry on after traumatic incidents. they do, but not witht he same vitality as before. How sad.

Eddie had other stuff going on too. I think Georgia's comment about his father was instrumental in how he chose to live his life. Thoughts?
Posted by: Dotsie

Re: The 5 People - 02/26/04 07:57 PM

Ladies, below is a column written by a women writer who has submitted for my book. This isn't what she submitted, but she knows we read "the five people you meet in heaven" so she sent me her article. See what you think. I told her I would share because I thought many of us have probably been thinking about who our five people might be. Hope you enjoy it. [Wink]

All newspaper editors want to know what their readers like. If you would like to read this feature in your local newspaper, please do not hesitate to share your enthusiasm with your local newspaper editor. You can read Bex's weekly column at www.MaconAreaOnline.com.

Interested in using Bex's column in your publication? Contact her at BexHall@bexhall.com

RELEASED JANUARY 26, 2004

I Hope To See You Again

I recently finished reading "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. The premise of the story is that in the afterlife, there are five people who explain your earthly life to you. They may have been loved ones or distant strangers, yet each of them changed your path on earth forever.

There have been a few times this week I've imagined who my five people might be if this story were true, and I remembered someone from long ago.

His name was Mr. Watson.

In early June of 1976, I was admitted to the hospital after my bike and I tangled with an automobile doing 55 m.p.h. The car won. I was twelve years old at the time, but I remember the fear like it was yesterday.

Months in traction and pain have a way of making 24 hours seem more like 72. People floated in and out of my days and nights there in the Pediatrics ward, but there was one man who took a little extra time while doing his job. It always seemed to take Mr. Watson longer to sweep and mop the floor on my side of the room.

He would prop his elbow on the long handle, lean on it and ask me how I was doing. We'd talk for a while, his smile always a comfort. Not only did he smile with his mouth, he smiled with his eyes. That was a big deal for me then because nearly everyone who looked at me did so without realizing the horror revealed in their eyes. But in Mr. Watson's eyes, all I saw was compassion and love.

Over the months, he would bring his family to visit me on his day off. He gave me a gift one time, of a large ceramic piggy bank. It was painted with black and red spots and even then I knew it was somewhat garish looking. Then he sat it in the windowsill and told me to crack it open when I was "all finished getting healed up," and spend the money on something special.

He must have read my thoughts because he said "Now I know this pig isn't all that pretty on the outside, but you fill it up with coins and every time you add to it, you think good thoughts about getting better and that'll make him pretty on the inside." That was one of the last times I saw Mr. Watson, because I was finally going home.

Many years later, on the first Sunday in June of 2000, I woke from a dream about Mr. Watson, his smile, and the day I cracked my piggy bank open, a year after the accident. I literally had to use a hammer, as there was no other way to open it. I remembered the mixed feelings I had about destroying one treasure to get to a different one.

I tried to recall what I used the money for since I was "all healed up," but the memories and the dream floated away, leaving me with a sense of peace.

That lazy Sunday morning was the first time in a long while I had thought of that terrifying time in my life. I had nearly forgotten about Mr. Watson and his gift for helping me heal. I told my husband how odd it felt to remember him out of the blue like that, in a dream, twenty-four years later on nearly the same date we had met.

It was about a week after that, I received an envelope in the mail from my Grandmother and in it was a news clipping. It was from the obituary page and at the top was a photograph, the same picture etched in my mind, of a man who smiled with his eyes.

It was dated June 4, 2000. The first Sunday of June.

Mr. Watson, I’ll look forward to seeing you again one day.



Copyright © 2004 Bex Hall
Posted by: jawjaw

Re: The 5 People - 02/26/04 09:27 PM

what a beautiful, and well-written story. I hope I am blessed someday to meet a Mr. Watson. Hey, maybe I have. Food for thought.

Kudos to the writer. She made me tingle with joy.

JJ