When my husband of over forty years passed on unexpectedly two years ago, I found much peace in continuing, as we had always done, to spend some hours each morning studying the Bible Lessons. Reading these Lessons and accepting the promises from God supported my demonstration over grief and over a feeling of separation from companionship and completeness. And this enabled me to bring comfort to our children and friends as well.

During the days prior to his passing, my husband expressed good humor, and if I stated some concern for him, he would share ideas with me that showed his understanding of himself as God's expression. We were not fearful, and I can truly say that this period was buoyant with hope and the expectation of good.

Science and Health points out, "God expresses in man the infinite idea forever developing itself, broadening and rising higher and higher from a boundless basis" (p. 258). This thought is helpful to me as I consider my husband's continuing experience of life in Spirit, and I am grateful that I have received the inspiration to continue my own activities, more consciously companioning with God.

When I was a student in the Christian Science Sunday School, I always liked to memorize Bible verses and statements written by Mrs. Eddy. Now I find that when I wake at night, these and the thoughts more recently gleaned from my studying and talking with God come quickly and clearly to my thought and bring peace. Although for many months after my husband's passing I slept very few hours at night, I did not feel weary or unable to accomplish what I needed to do each day. A verse from Isaiah that is meaningful to me reads, "I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight" (42:16). I found that as I have understood these words more fully, I have been able to do—without burden or sorrow—chores that would normally have been my husband's, including filling the gas tank in the car and handling the riding lawn mower.

All these months have not been free from tears, but recognizing that the tendency to weep did not benefit my husband's progress or mine has brought a complete healing and the realization that there is no death. My gratitude for the love of God that I have witnessed and for Mrs. Eddy's devotion in bringing the Science of Christianity to the world is boundless.

Sharon Gesler
West Stockbridge, Massachusetts

As Sharon Gesler's son I can verify her testimony of overcoming a sense of grief and loss from my father's passing. My mother's rock-solid conviction and absolute trust in the eternity of life have been a comfort to me and my siblings as well as to my parents' friends.

I can truly say my mother's demonstration could only have occurred through prayer and her understanding of Christian Science. I saw moments of sadness in her daily experience, though they were few and far between. She relied on God to understand that Life is eternal and that our dear father and friend was going on and doing good.

And what's most beautiful about her testimony is that although we were concerned for her well-being, she remained a strength and aid to all those around her who were grieving for this loss. Life based in matter with death as the outcome is the basis for grief and loss. She knew otherwise. The wonderful lesson learned by my mother helped my family and friends learn it also—the eternality of life.

Timothy Gesler
Melrose, Massachusetts