The sun sets as night surrounds winter. Seven pieces of wood kindled in the fireplace ignite the room with warmth as Ramon sits quietly next to his wife, Sophia. His eyes wide open welling with emotion he stares into space……. I married you twice my love, because marrying you once, for me, was not and would never be good enough. I stood before God, you, your family and my family, and promised to love, cherish and be faithful to you. I have done so for these many years and I will always.
In early fall we learned of a death threat against others and me. Intellectually I considered that threat to be of no substance. The source of the threat, however, is a person of wealth, and he has a propensity for violence. Several others and I have independently concluded that this most dangerous combination is worrisome.
I have been having nightmares – walking in a forest, seeing at a distance a flash point, feeling the impact of a bullet piercing my chest and waking up before I hit the ground. Boarding airplanes that cannot gain altitude upon take-off and crashing, the most disturbing dream of being in a car while fired upon with multiple bullets striking my chest and abdomen seeing the blood and quietly waking up with the feeling of terror. Then just looking at you as you sleep, not wanting to wake you – as you open your eyes and say, "Are you alright?"- "I'm OK" so as to reassure you –– I place my hand on your head, quietly pray for you, while you fall back to sleep.
Each day now begins with the greatest of uncertainty – I have finally concluded – knowing who I am, knowing how I feel, that I must bring into view, discuss and at least explain what has happened. Knowing with every degree of certainty that what I feel can never be changed…….
There is an unpublished manuscript with a life of its own……..
The fire burns late into night and Ramon opens his soul to his wife for the first time in their relationship. Sophia quietly listens and begins to vision the veil that is lifting, revealing a soul that is awakening.
My love, two thousand years ago something extraordinary happened that transcended two souls in torment from one, to many lifetimes. There are reasons why this has happened……….
The fire burns as a caldron of silence and disbelief – it is evening, 7 November, of the new century. Every story has its beginning, and in order to grasp the hand of understanding of this passing moment, steps must retrace stern realities of lives.
It is the evening of 4 January, 1952. Salvador holds a letter in hand. It is a letter from his friend recently killed. In silence Salvador recalls a young man with honesty and goodness in his heart, his name is Jesus Castro (Chuy). Salvador reads the short letter repeatedly as if to hear Chuy's voice just once more.
Chuy's last letter from Korea reads:
28 August 1951
My dearest and good friend, may these words find you and your family in good health for it is my sincerest wish that you all be well. As for myself I am well, thanks be to Almighty God.
Salva, now that I have opened my letter with my sincerest salutation – please know that I think of you and your advice often, and refuse to hesitate the writing of this letter for fear that you would answer my words scolding me for not having taken your good advice. But with all said and done it would be all right if you wanted to yell at me because I am so far away, therefore unable to hear your intensity. We are nevertheless and always will be the very best of friends, isn't that right mi amigo?
I was just thinking, now that you are going to Mexico how I have lost my chance to see everyone again. But when you go my friend, please give my salutations to everyone and even though I am far away I have not lost hope to return someday and until that time I ask that you all remember me with a toast of tequila. They give us beer from time to time for those of us who wish to remember its taste.
Well my friend, tell me when you can, how work is going for you. I plan upon my return for life to be much better than it is for me now, and might even enjoy being a little lazy from time to time.
I send my regards to everyone, especially those who may remember me – I am and always will be your friend who has and always valued you and your good advice.
Sincerely yours,
Jesus Castro
Chuy's letter is gently folded by Salvador who decides that the pocket of his retired navy uniform is the best place for its repose. And as Salvador puts his uniform away he meditates how he wishes to name a son, but resigns himself to memorialize his own Grandfather's name, a promise to be kept. Chuy's letter remains in that uniform until 13 July, 1991. But it is never forgotten, as it is read by memory from time to time.
The Korean climate is sultry in the summer of 1951 with unforgettable scenes exemplified by "Hill 931, a mountain littered with the dead". There were "hundreds of them lying everywhere." Naval gunfire reduces ridges covered with pine and spruce trees to mounds of pulverized rock. Night burns with terror of hand-to-hand combat with North Koreans and soldiers of the Red Chinese Army. Hill after Hill is taken and lost
and seized again at the cost of thousands of American lives; American heroes return home, some to their final rest; others are still missing in action. They "stand in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that Freedom might live and grow, and increase in blessings."
"In Grateful Memory of Private First Class Enrique B. Castro who died in service of his country in the military operations in Korea on October 15, 1951", his story is now told because of the unbroken line of friendship between two men and their love of country.
It is the morning of June 3rd 1944. Crew members of the Aircraft Carrier USS Croatan are not aware that D-Day is only three days away as the ship's galley is readied for "morning mess". It is "zero dark thirty" as Navy cooks Sal Duarte and Joe Cruz serves the crew of about 1000 sailors aboard ship. The bosun's pipe shrills via intercom, followed by "all hands man your battle stations" as Duarte, Cruz and others in the galley race through gas shut off procedures and man the 20 mm machineguns. The Croatan has been ordered to provide support to the USS Guadalcanal in a secret operation in the North Atlantic. The world does not know and will not know until the end of World War II, that the USS Guadalcanal is about to capture the German U-Boat U-505; along with the Enigma encrypting machine and codebook making it possible for the U.S. Navy to intensify devastating blows in the North Atlantic to the 3rd Reich as World War II comes to an end.
General Douglas MacArthur by his signature marks the end of World War II on September 2nd 1945. The end of World War II ushers in a period of political change. As members of "the Greatest Generation", my father Sal Duarte and his life-long friend, Joe Cruz, are now destined to return to their homes in California. It is hoped by returning servicemen that the last Great War has been fought. The atomic age, however, ushered by the instability of Communist versus Free China, bears Korea as the next stage of conflict.
At dawn October 31st 1945, Duarte boards a train to Chicago. He reports to the USO in Chicago for a one night's stay. The next day he boards a train to San Pedro California. The process of honorable discharge proceeds as he and his shipmates are honored with a Navy band playing "Anchors Away". The "Ruptured Duck", The Honorable Service Lapel Button, is awarded to him along with a one-way bus pass to his hometown, San Fernando. Duarte still in Navy uniform tears his bus pass in half as he flips a thumb out for a ride. An elder couple in their car immediately stops. "Where ya headed son"? The young sailor explains he is returning to San Fernando to surprise his family. He then hitches a 2-hour ride directly to his mother's doorstep.
A candle light vigil has continued for nearly four years by Margarita and Refugio Duarte who have prayed for their son's safe return. It is 7 November 1945. Prayers have been
answered. Thanks be to God, Salvador has been returned safely. It is now a celebration of life with the first home cooked meal as Salvador, Refugio and Margarita are reunited.
It's back to work for Duarte who, while temporarily residing with his parents, meets and befriends his neighbor Chuy (Jesus Castro). Just 15 years old, Chuy recently moved from Mexico and is renting a room from Temoteo and Maria Hernandez in the house next door. Chuy's life has already been fraught with challenges. An only child, he was born March 14, 1930 in California. His mother, Valvina Beas Castro, dies giving him birth. Chuy's father, Casimiro Castro returns to Mexico with his newborn son. Shortly thereafter, Casimiro Castro dies. Chuy's uncle Guadalupe Beas and his wife Maria Inez Beas temporarily care for Chuy. A few years later, his grandfather, Don Rito (Tiburcio Castro) adopts Chuy and raises him through his early teens. Chuy then returns to California to pursue his dream: Earn enough money to build a home in the village in Mexico where he was raised.
Two years slip by. Just before the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, Chuy becomes engaged to marry one of Juanita's sisters living in the village where they were raised. Political issues building thousands of miles away in Korea do not go by unnoticed. Many who live and work in the mission hamlet of San Fernando are aware of the coming storm. Chuy's life dream is temporarily on hold. He is called to serve his country as a soldier in military operations in Korea, and answers the call enthusiastically. Though Chuy grew up in Mexico, his greatest pride, now, is to serve his country wearing the uniform of an American Soldier.
Salvador and Juanita newly married, receive letters from Chuy in Korea. Chuy writes that he hopes to see everyone again, no matter how far away he is. He knows that Salvador and Juanita will be visiting the village where he grew up, and asks that they give his salutations to all at home, to remember him with a toast of Tequila.
Military records reveal that PFC Castro was a member of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Calvary Division. He was wounded by the enemy in North Korea on August 5, 1951 and returned to duty later that day. He was killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on October 15, 1951. Private First Class Castro was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Medal and the KOREAN War Service Medal.
President Truman writes: "In Grateful Memory of Private First Class Jesus B. Castro who died in service of his country in the military operations in Korea on October 15, 1951 – He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that Freedom might live and grow, and increase in blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men."
This document is presented to Private Castro's grandfather in Jalisco Mexico, in a little village (La Barranca de los Otates) 90 miles south of Guadalajara. It was there that Private Castro was laid to rest with a full U.S. Military Honor Guard - a grateful nation presented its Flag to Maria Inez Beas. Enrique was 21 years old. Don Rito temporarily stores the documents that memorialize his grandson's "last measure of devotion." Don Rito's death soon afterwards caused that these documents remain forgotten for more than 50 years.
In "Grateful Memory" of all American Service men and women who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our Freedom in outposts through out the world, let us remember that "All gave some, and some gave ALL" in "The Unbroken Line" of our Country's Patriots.
Through the silence of the Standard being Ritually folded – a Voice that can be heard only by the wind, softly proclaims.
You have done well my son and have chosen the path of light – now accept the messenger I send you.
Heavens Wings embrace Chuy, the wind gently enchants.
You will not remember this until it is time; carry this truth you will.
Mother, is that you? Why? Why did you leave me? –
My son, I have been with you all the days of your life, as I am with you now and for ages to come – now close your eyes my son, and sleep. Carry these words you will, forever.
There is, my son, One who is your soul mate and has been awake far longer than you; but like yourself many life times have been lived. You have just opened your eyes to the world of the Spirit. When it comes to the wakeful awareness's of the One, the One is illuminated and you are just rising. You both glimmer in and out of these realities. Connected eternally you are.
Your confusion, my son, and torment, a preparation it is, of Spiritual design.
There are two worlds between the two of you. Side by side eternally you walk. One by day; One by night. One is the World of the Spirit; the other is the World of the Rule.
Many times before you have met, to be repeated again you will. Comfort in this you will find. All is ordained. Reason for all, there is. Much has happened for you to meet every time that has passed, and many more yet to come.
Those who are allowed to see are chosen to do so, many will not understand, the few that do will deny their truth and only one will embrace it. The mystery of the six gifts embodied reveals one of the most fabulous truths about spiritual love. There is only one who can by spiritual intent qualify to be chosen for a special charge, duty or mission. My son, you have been chosen. By your choices you have shown the ability to understand the depth of what you feel, and therefore you will be allowed to see. You are deeply sensitive and within that reality lays an immeasurable strength. You have been chosen for a sacrifice, which is mandated in accordance with that which is Eternal.
Your lessons require that you learn in small increments. Each passing lifetime places you into twilight. Your awakening will be gradual and progressive. You will meditate through my Voice, which will be inside of you. Before you travel any further you must reveal yourself to the second Voice – she is part of the Arcana Arcanum, the Mystery of Mysteries. The second Voice is the reason for your being. But before you proceed, there is a point of clarity, which you must understand and abide. The purpose of your disclosure is only so that the One, your soul mate, will learn the level of your awareness, which at this time feels important to you, though shallow it may be.
You fear all this seems absurd. But trust must have its beginning, so let it begin with this Truth. My son, you have been chosen to be Teacher and Student; the One, though illuminated, is to be your Student and your Teacher as well. It is your charge to spiritually love the One with your entire mind, with all your heart, and all your Soul, this you have already done, many lives before – this love must demand nothing. It is to give all it can possibly give and take nothing. It can only accept that which may be freely given. This is what you are to teach the illuminated one. The One is to learn how deeply a soul can be loved unconditionally. You must allow my Voice to say this for you, before you reveal it to the One if you choose to do so. Therefore on the basis of how you have experienced this soul, this illuminated One - spiritual love incarnate She is, with lessons in trust She must learn beyond the betrayals of those whose shadows a light do not cast. Her lessons can be taught only with unconditional love, and can be taught only by the one chosen. Your bonds in the world of the Rule must never be broken. If your charge is performed correctly, you will be allowed to illuminate fully in the spirit of the One or the other, however it is designed. There is one more vision to be revealed, it cannot be spoken of lightly and requires trust. But before you are shown this last vision – You must find a means your soul mate to reveal, the truth that is sacred. Your soul mate must use the spiritual experience provided to you both, for her to embrace this reality. When this work is completed successfully she will find her greater happiness, your work and time will pass – In knowing this you believe to fear your mortalities. You must welcome the task that must be paid. You will wait for Her again many times, for this is ordained. To be nudged again into wakefulness at another time and place by Her Spirit as a testimony to God on the meaning of true spiritual love between a Woman and a Man. Now, my son, the time has come for your rebirth.
There appears a universe filled with darkness, endlessly twirling a ballerina comes into focus, drawing all which is light; including reflections of travel with visions of caverns mantled by vines growing down pillars of rock. The journeys of many escaping northward their nights filled by the roar of oceans unrest. Giving way to birth with memories which feel like images of events that have passed and yet to come. A huge wave rising silently glistens the sun, as to pivot a certain moment in time. The clocks begin to strike the hour of one. The trains arriving in Guadalajara driving memories of future past, images of years passing; areas of darkness and light. There is the home coming of a young father, with his newborn son and deceased wife; and at this time like before there is family, and there are friends greeting us from ages to come. Our present of 1953 is juxtaposed with this day of future past which reposes in March of 1930. Don Rito, a father greeting his son, and he with a newborn son in his arms, together they notice the birthmark shaped like the spot on an orb on the far side of the sun. This moment fades forward to the present of 1955 imaging starry nights filled with merriment, conversation and food, and suddenly this stage is transcended to January of 1952 with arrival of a coffin draped by an American Flag. A child is reborn and the soul is passed through an unbroken line, this newborn christened with a red mark on his neck which is made to vanish by October of his first year. Orphalese records once more the ordinary birth of an ordinary child, whose soul remains hidden from the world of the Rule, and whose life transcends to a time and place to be nudged into wakefulness.
Salvador reads Chuy's last letter repeatedly, as if to hear his voice once more. These images and sounds of the past rapidly dissolve to a fireplace with coals losing their warmth, while Ramon prepares to reveal further to his wife, Sophia:
There is an unpublished manuscript with a life of its own. It chooses its readers to encompass its words as it measures the depth of your spirituality. If it finds you worthy it blesses you with tools to enable you to see beyond the images of yesterdays and tomorrows. Most who try to understand its mysteries deny its truths, unable to complete its dream for fear of it. Others are unable to understand its truths and only a few are embodied to embrace what it means. And only one is chosen to fulfill its dream……….(echoing to silence)……"And only one is chosen to fulfill its dream……………….."
Ramon appears to be entranced staring into space his eyes welling with emotion as he fears to hurt or betray one as beautiful as Connie; his visions retiring in silence beyond the limits of yesterdays and tomorrows.
"My love", Sophia reveals "I have been with you through all your sleepless midnights", waiting, for you to awaken as ordained. Waiting, for you to remember what has transcended from ages ago. You finally remember my voice which has been within you all the days of your life. You remember that – "God keeps promises, that there is a time and place for everything under heaven, and that no one ever dies.""
Ramon's heart races through ages of memory –
Before you were Ramon you were Chuy, Sophia affirms, and ages before that - you were part of a divine trust to protect, nurture and instruct one who has confirmed the existence of all which is Holy. Your name was John. You were a healer and before this lifetime my name was Valvina. At one of our beginnings ages ago, I was Ruth. I was best friend, more like sister, to the illuminated one whose name is Judith and has appeared to you as Ellie; whom you have encountered in this lifetime. She and I are deeply connected and she spiritually loves you still. Together you were betrayed with others and paid a terrible price for the hope of mankind; and a promise was made to you and Judith for your sacrifice, you now remember what history never recorded two thousand years ago. You are aware of the reason why you have both transcended from lifetime to lifetime.
You fear that you have failed, but you have not. You have kept your promises of the world of the Rule. You have refused to dishonor me and Judith at a painful price to yourselves. There is no dishonor or betrayal within you, you are one who loves deeply – so deeply that more than once you gave up your life for others. You have kept silent in your effort to protect me; you have done so as to not dishonor my sister Judith who died with you lifetimes ago. You are awakening to your strengths as healer, as teacher, and as one who loves people. You are deeply sensitive to the pain of others, it is your greatest strength my love. You will now find a means your soul mate to reveal, the truth that is sacred. She suffers deeply in pain because of the betrayal of those whose shadows a light do not cast – it is unconditional love that she needs to heal her spirit, you have been chosen.
Orphalese records the secret that Ramon embraces as truth, and as he does there is only one last thing that he must do – and then it is done. And Ramon closes his eyes; within the silence of his soul he calls on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! Oh God, thank thee for granting me what thee promised." Heavens wings embrace Judith and John as the Angels weep with joy – finally it is done.
POST SCRIPT:
"5 Minutes from Death"
When you are 5 minutes from death will you regret your judgments of apparent truth or sleep within the heart of God?
There is a legend from a time long passed of an eternal flame revealing images of truth.
A few chosen can see the ages and the sojourner traveling from afar coming to rest at the base of a water fall, while entering the Village Chapel near Ship Stone Rock. Near the Altar, where an Urn is destining to be, a man poorly dressed kneels. To him a sermon is dedicated. The congregation encircles him with prayer. Their minister begins his sermon embracing the theme of weather. When he is done adjacent doors are opened to rows of tables filled with food and all present refrain of the feast.
Questions are left unanswered; the caldron dims true to life, the labyrinth of truth to be revealed only with the passage of time, with the one primary question to the traveler.
To the sojourner, the eternal flame reappears burning with gentleness. Its spire begins to flare, revealing the forgotten images of Ship Stone Rock; the labyrinth is revealed. The traveler, perplexed by what he had witnessed before, begins to see the man poorly dressed has just arrived from having been unjustly imprisoned. The entire congregation has worked hard to assist in proving his innocence, and thus in thanksgiving the sermon dedicated to him. The community of farmer's long-suffering the effects of drought have their Minister focus on their concern of weather as he prays for their crops; and the gathered food for a feast had been prepared for the homeless and the hungry. The traveler from afar having initially witnessed only a small part of what this community was about; suffering the disadvantage of not having seen the whole of life, is now wiser for answering this question of his own final truth. When you are 5 minutes from death will you regret your judgments of apparent truth or sleep within the heart of God? So should we be vigilant in our views of the whole of life.
Ray Duarte, RN, a nephrology specialist and researcher, has published in medical journals and lectured at national medical conferences. One of his articles was referenced in the New England Journal of Medicine. After publishing thirty abstracts and nine manuscripts in his field, he has changed his focus from technical to creative writing. His story "Forever Smile" was published in the New York Times best selling series, Chicken Soup for the Soul - Love Stories (February 2008). He is the research expert at www.babyboomertalkradio.com. Enjoy getting to know Ray better by listening to Radio Interview link at http://www.rayduarte.com/ And please consider reading Ray's contributing story to Arlene Uslander's and Brenda Warneka's newly published book "The Mystery of Fate: Common Coincidence or Divine Intervention?" There are 53 great true stories of real people who celebrate LIFE from all around the world! http://www.thefatesite.com/index.htm
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