In late January, 2014 my boss called me into his office. Never a shy man, this tall Irish-American had a shock of red hair and a very domineering personality. He used to always joke that he had accidently hired an honest guy, and never knew what to make of me. However today there was an unusually subdued mood in the air, something that seemed to cling to both of us. Inviting me to take a seat, Bryan informed me that he had brain cancer and only expected to live another 30 days. The diagnosis had been kept secret from everyone but family and a few close friends. Concerned for his Soul, I found but that only God behind those eyes consisted of moolah, greenbacks and cold hard cash. I wanted to help calm his mind in preparation for the journey ahead.

For the next five and a half hours we talked about religion, philosophy, near-death experiences and the things I'd learned about life after death. Surprised he'd never known much about NDE's, allowed me to share knowledge of the cord that attached the Soul to the body. The end of bodily pain and afflictions of the container we currently live in. Exiting the flesh and seeing your loved ones gathered around you and the wonderful, loving light waiting for us all. This is the end of suffering and the beginning of peace.

Going home

What I loved about Bryan was his fearless sense of humor. Here's a man with thirty more sunrises left and he's cracking jokes about which celebrity his wife will take up with after his passing. Watching the Howls of laughter and that big Irish grin, I sensed he needed this, and joined right in. Grinning like a chesire cat, I quipped: don't worry, your wife will be dating Johnny Depp in no time! even more laughter, Johnny Depp? he spat back, tears welling up with joy, we spent the rest of that evening smiling and sharing funny stories about each other. This was his way of saying goodbye. Six months passed before the final sunrise and I like to think I was a comfort to him during that time.

The gentle influence I had was used to turn the focus away from money and towards the afterlife. Turning a large ship takes time, and this very proud Irishman even more so. But that's where being known as warm and honest allowed me to reach him like no one else could. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them while dropping in meaningful suggestions along the way. Moments like this make me believe there is a higher power and a larger purpose in life than just living for yourself. Every step in this journey led to a meeting in that room between me, Bryan and hope in the afterlife.