Farewell, Sweet Soul

Previously: Saying Goodbye to Celia

I was just informed that that our mutual friend Celia Scheinost passed on peacefully this morning.  The following is from Celia's sister:

All,
We want to thank each of you for the love and support you have given the Scheinost family, the wonderful words of encouragement that you have provided, and not least of all, the financial support to help them in this difficult time. Celia was able to have your messages read to her over the last several days, until a couple of days ago when she was not coherent. We can’t express the love we have felt from all of you, and how important these words were to her. You are all truly disciples of Christ.

Her oldest daughter was with her when she passed, and the last thing she heard was her daughter reading from the Book of Mormon – Mosiah chapter 2 (one of her favorite chapters). The last thing read to her was the last verse of that chapter (verse 41): “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.”

How appropriate.

The nurses at the Hospice house have said that studies have shown that the ear continues to hear things after death, for sometimes up to 30 minutes. After Celia’s heart stopped, her daughter felt impressed to break out her smaller Celtic harp, and played the song “Into the West” from The Lord of the Rings movies. If you are unfamiliar with this song, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgcoBKWTW14

This is the same song performed by Celia’s daughter for her cousin, our own daughter, at her funeral. Though this is difficult, we cannot imagine a more peaceful passing.

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping

[Chorus]
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass

Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say: «We have come now to the end»
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping

[Chorus]

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West

Love to you all, --Linda