Prelude to Eternity: A Journey to Beyond Death

By Anne Pennington Grenfell

PRELUDE to ETERNITY: A Journey to Beyond Death is an intimate, moving and compelling portrait of a couples travels through lifes greatest challenge: preparing for its ending. The story offers convincing evidence that physical death is just a preface to the next level of existence. Empowered by their deep love for each other, Pascoe and Annes search for meaning leads them to explore the deepest dimensions of spiritual discovery. You will share their remarkable experience in mans eternal quest for understanding and peace as they face the unknown. You will tread the stony path with them through denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally, acceptance. And youll find yourself rejoicing with them when they emerge triumphant with the assurance that life continues beyond death. Everyone who has endured the passing of a loved one will identify with this intensely human portrayal about conquering the defeat of despair and finding security in the knowledge that life does not end, it only changes

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inspiring Voices
• Release date: Apr 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781462405824

Anne Pennington Grenfell

ANNE PENNINGTON GRENFELL is a retired teacher and registered nurse. She graduated from Hood College, State University of New York at Albany, and Eastern New Mexico University. Anne lives in Maryland, near her daughters and grandchildren, where she indulges her love of writing, tutoring children, dancing, and family.

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Copyright © 2013 Anne Pennington Grenfell.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-4624-0583-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4624-0582-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013906183

Inspiring Voices rev. date: 4/11/2013

Table of Contents

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Dedication

Epigraph

Illustrations

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1    The Best of Times

Chapter 2    Warning Signs

Chapter 3    Into The Valley

Chapter 4    Miracles

Chapter 5    Insights into Spirit

Chapter 6    Encountering the Divine

Chapter 7    Grief and Grace

Chapter 8    Terms of Endurance

Chapter 9    Compassionate Connections

Chapter 10  The Eve of Transition

Chapter 11  Transcending Mortality.

Chapter 12  Revelations of Higher Consciousness

Chapter 13  Letting Go and Letting God

Chapter 14  Intimations of Eternity

Chapter 15  In Remembrance

Chapter 16  Beginning Again

Epilogue

Bibliography

About the Author

Dedication

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T o everyone seeking faith and hope in sharing the final journey of a loved one

Epigraph

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"A life well lived doesn’t end, any more than music ends… it echoes through time with whispers of beauty and grace…If we listen, we can hear the encore with our hearts, for the song plays on, just as love lives on. Where there is sorrow, let there be comfort. Where there is pain, let there be strength. Where there is darkness, let there be love to light your way." (Author Unknown)

Illustrations

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Foreword

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Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. I Corinthians 15:50-54

I n these stunning words, St. Paul encapsulates the exquisite transformation called dying, that we may live forevermore in the power and glory of Christ. To many, this happens instantaneously.

What happens, though, when death comes slowly – not in the twinkling of an eye, but over the long course of many months, or years, or even a lifetime? Are we to lose faith in the promises of God? Are the emotions we feel as we gradually lose our loved one stronger than our faith? Do we grieve in bits and pieces as we or our loved one diminishes in stature? Do we feel sometimes abandoned or less than glorious?

According to a recent study of the World Health Organization, chronic illness is by far the leading cause of death in the world. It represents 63% of all deaths in the world population and 70% for the United States. Over 90% of seniors have one chronic illness and 77% have two or more. What are we to do when death comes slowly?

In the pages ahead is a love story like no other. It is also a story of the struggle a husband and wife have in keeping their faith, loving one another, and finding hope for the future in the face of chronic illness and a terminal diagnosis. It is a story of grieving and finding the courage to love unconditionally.

I first met Pascoe and Anne Grenfell when they joined our church in 1986. I was immediately struck by Pascoe’s tall stature, his noble bearing, and the gracious and articulate way he presented himself. Though struggling with a major illness, he never revealed his distress, and chose to be an encourager and giver of faith to others. His and Anne’s selfless giving – their genuine and gentle natures – made them ready friends to all whom they met.

I encourage anyone who has lost their loved one or who is seeking to cope in the face of loss to read this book. It will bring you comfort as you grieve and will let you know you are not alone. It will stir your faith, inspire you, and help you to accept and find love again.

Reverend Gary Griffith, Unity Minister and Hospice Chaplain

Acknowledgements

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F irst and foremost, I want to thank Reverend Gary Griffith, our Unity minister, and all our friends at Unity Christ Church of Bon Air, Virginia, for their uncompromising love and support, shown in so many wonderful ways. To Barbara and all the Hospice team in Richmond, who played a vital role in seeing us through the long journey, my heartfelt thanks. To Lisa Lambeth, my everlasting gratitude for so faithfully and lovingly fulfilling her essential role in Pascoe’s transition. Special thanks to Betty Cartner, healer and friend, whose communications from Spirit gave me hope and soothed my soul. My deepest gratitude and affection to Paula Davidson, my very dear friend, whose steadfast encouragement, advice and editing talent were enormously helpful in getting my story told. My appreciation to Pascoe’s family, whose caring meant so much to Pascoe, and to me. I bless my parents, now in Spirit, whose spiritual insight and guidance throughout Pascoe’s and my journey gave us strength to continue and endure. To Michael, whose loving friendship uplifts me: my heart. And to my two beloved daughters: April, who was there for me from the beginning, and, with her sister, Jennifer, is there for me still.

Introduction

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"While we are apart, we will simply hold hands across time, smile into each other’s minds and bask in the warmth of our love." - Hugh and Gail Prather, from Notes to Each Other

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