“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” —Helen Keller

Today marks four years since my dear friend Samara passed over to the other side. I’ve really been thinking about her a lot in the last two weeks or so. She was very intuitive, a trait I strive to develop. She was about eight years’ older than me and quite a wise woman; hence, she was like an older sister to me. That was delightful especially since I’d never had a sister.

Hawaii, 2003

We met in NYC and it was clearly a Spirit-orchestrated coming together, so meant to be—even if our meeting was delayed a bit. I was researching colonic hydrotherapy and seeking a colon therapist; Samara was the only professional to return my call. After being a devout atheist for many years, thanks to joining (and working) a 12 Step program, I was on a conscious spiritual path for about 18 months when we met. I was still so thirsty to talk about Spirit, learn about the various concepts of the Divine, know more about the Universe in a way I’d never wanted to before. While I may have sought to enhance my physical health, my spiritual and emotional health greatly benefitted during our sessions as we talked about Spirit, shared from the heart, and formed a bond. Soon we were socializing, meditating together, and attending satsang.

We relocated from the Big Apple to the Southwest just a few months apart, with she and her partner/husband Ken moving to Santa Fe, and I trying out life in Taos. After six months, I headed back south to Santa Fe, and moved to an apartment not too far from their home. We grew closer and closer; we were like a family, one that I had never before experienced. Here was unconditional love, support, caring, and fun. It was with, and due to, Samara and Ken (who was like a brother to me) that I truly learned how to relax. I didn’t feel alone in the world with them in my life. We enjoyed meaningful conversations about Life, Spirit, and relationships; traveled together; and helped one another in business. We were there for each other in times of joy and times of grief and sorrow.

Samara was generous, kind and compassionate, and a light to all who met her. She was a healer, passionate about helping others on their journey of health.

Well, I could go on and on, but I will end (for now) by saying that Samara and I enjoyed 26 years of friendship this lifetime. I am most grateful our paths crossed and that I was able to be of service to her, helping her to complete her work here. She, of course, contributed so much to my life, to my spirit’s well-being.

Samara was a dear and true friend. She remains in my heart and I trust that our souls will meet up again in that vast land of the eternal now.