Tribute to Pope John Paul II
Passing of our Pope

I sat in awe of a man I've never met, yet tears come to my eyes as if he was a close friend. How can one man affect millions as Pope John Paul II has? How can someone in such frail health for years inspire millions who only see a glimpse of him, hunched over on a balcony above St. Peter's Square?

Only one man, God-inspired, spirit driven could have the incredible effect on this earth as he did. I cannot remember this feeling inside me right now, from the passing of any other human. Yes, I was raised Roman Catholic, so I do have some ties to his legacy. But, no, I did not always agree with many of his beliefs. Yes, I feel incredibly pulled toward many things Catholic, especially the power of an ever loving God, yet I practice many of the teachings of Buddha daily.

Yet, I'm so sad, so hurt as I watch the television specials on the day of his death. My stomach churns, as I write this. My nose is stuffed, a reaction from the tears I shed. I loved him, and still love him at this moment.

Over the past few years, when some declared that he should step down due to his poor health, I disagreed. Who else could give the faithful hope in their faith, than one powerful man who faced illness, disease and kept his promise to God to lead his people until death? He showed us that even through adversity, we can be powerful in our lives.

The world can be so bitter, so angry, so hurtful to the eyes of those with little to believe in. Death, starvation, war can be so oppressive to the soul who sees no hope. Pope John Paul II, through his suffering gave millions upon millions of people faith and hope that they can rise above suffering as well. We needed him more than many will ever know, or ever admit...and I will remember him with the greatest of respect, admiration and love.

If you believe in his work, the first Pope in 455 years who was not Italian but Polish, that we can and should reach out to those who are different from our faith and try to embrace them, you will be inspired even through his death.

Sit quietly, send him your love and feel his presence around you right now. A Polish boy who personally experienced the hell of Hitler, became the first Pope to enter an Islamic Mosque. He led by example, by the love of God.

May we aspire to do the same. Today, and every day.

With Love, Always,

David