Christine Wilkinson, Soul Sister and Extraordinary Friend!

July 31st, 2011

My  friend Christine Wilkinson made this planet and in some ways, this universe a much better place.

I am heartbroken and the only way I know to ease the pain is to write. I write about a woman who was my best friend. Even though our time together on this plain was brief, the friendship we created is forever. Forever, which is the longest time.

I was so blessed to have known, worked with, and loved my dear friend, Christine Wilkinson. Of all those I have met, known and loved, Christine stands alone. Her strength of character and willingness to transform her being was like no other.

I will miss you so very much, you know that, my dearest friend.

I’m a hard nut to crack. Not too many people can break into my heart. I guess it’s because of the work I do; people always want something more of me −− healing, information, knowledge, the list goes on. Christine was one of the few individuals who never exploited our relationship. She was there as a friend −− laughing, shopping, dining, pedicures, massages and all the stuff I rarely get to experience as a normal individual on this planet. She was able to respect the boundary of friendship and healer like no one I have ever met before, and because of this I was able to enjoy a normal human life with a friend for a couple short but precious years.

Christine Wilkinson made me a better person. Knowing and loving her was an honour. Her dedication to her spiritual growth −− to being the best she could be −− was relentless and admirable. There is no doubt in my mind that in the short three years I was blessed to know her Christine achieved the highest level of understanding, mastery and peace that she so desperately focused on attaining.

She loved the childlike innocence in people. Her husband John has that essence. She often shared that she wished she had more of that quality but — did I tell her enough times? — in many ways she had those same qualities that she dearly loved in John.

Her constant quest for understanding, awareness and tolerance made her a unique and kind person on so many levels.

On so many occasions, in the short time I knew Christine I saw her devoted love for her husband John shine through. I was amazed at how much of her precious love and energy she gave him. When it came to John she tapped her reserves and was there for him, rain or shine. There were times when she was under the weather and she still insisted on taking care of him instead of resting and taking care of herself. Forgive me, but I have wondered if the constant burden and responsibility of caring for him had in some way shortened her last few months on the earth plain. But I know if you asked her she would have said, “That’s a silly notion”. In her last two years, John did some really deep spiritual work and he shifted quite a bit. This was such a joy to Christine. I remember her expressing how much it had enhanced and consecrated their relationship. Her joy always made me happy too. I felt great when Christine was elated.

I just read this: the loss of a life is often one of life’s most stressful events. It can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of someone we love, we experience bereavement, which literally means “to be deprived by death.”

And so I am deprived….

Those day and a half excursions changed my life. We’d pick a day, cross the border and just be. We would do whatever we wanted! No expectations, no fuss, no laundry, dishes, making meals…nothing, just two women being…being nice together.

I remember on those days Christine loved a good story. I used to say “have I ever told you about the time….?” Her response would always be, “Maybe, tell me again and don’t leave anything out.” I’m still not sure if it were my stories that were terrific or if she was just giving me a stage to remember, express and share…so I’ll let my ego kick in here and say it was my stories that were extraordinary…but, of course, it was Christine.

That last day we showed up, I realized there would never be another “girls’ day out” again. That realization, and the resonance it brought to me, outcast from her family, came crashing down with such force I thought I might die myself −−of heartbreak. In some ways, for me Christie passed away on that day. There sadly would only be one chance to visit her in hospital (due to visitors being restricted to only family) I sneaked in and I performed last rites on her July 28th, 2011.

I’m aware that it very seldom happens that we are privileged to find a handful of friends that we can say “are like family” and for me Christine was one of them. And for her I was the same. In so many ways we were closer to friends than family −− less judgmental, more unconditional…hmmm, everything. Perhaps it was because we were kindred spirits: neither of us have children or close connection to our birth families . Who are we to decide what is best for another, the heart wants what the heart wants; its only our place to listen and honour what they tell us– then we should act accordingly, regardless of our opinions.

Certainly as I sit and read her journals I identify with how strong our connection was and how in her heart we were true sisters. Stronger than blood sisters. Soul sisters! It is so unfortunate that our last time together was tainted and her friendships with those closest to her unacknowledged. Hmmm, family, I think this is why neither one of us were too fussed on that notion, and it was sorely confirmed once again.

Okay, enough of that. Forgive, forgive, forgive and most importantly, move on. I feel confident in honouring my friend by transforming my anger, rage and resentment and moving into forgiveness. Yes, it was challenging not being able to see her on her death bed, but we met every night in our I Am Presence. There in a place of all that is, we shared our love, hopes, dreams and visions for a new and better existence. For me it was a painful but extraordinary process of forgiveness, the depths of which I have never before ventured. This has made me a better person, Christine’s last gift to me. Thank you, my beloved friend.

The coolest thing about a loved one transitioning is that they get to view the whole story, see the truth as it were, how things really happened. She knows the truth now.

I know she was/is my soul sister and our three years together were a gift — oh, such a gift for me — the chance for us to connect in 3D for one last time.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
— Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

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