St. Frances of Assisi said: it is in giving that you receive, it is in healing that you are healed. I do not care what your religious background or belief system is, this 13th century Catholic monk hit it straight on the head. Nothing is more healing to our aching heart and soul then reaching out with a compassionate hand and heart to others in pain.

During the course of my 8-year-old son’s battle with cancer, I attended a holistic college to learn massage. I wanted to be able to help rid toxins from Kelly’s chemo-ridden body and to give relief to the pains that ravaged him so much of the time. It seemed to help a lot… and I learned a new skill.

Months following Kelly’s death in the latter part of 1987, I saw an ad looking for massage therapists to do volunteer therapy for people stricken with AIDS. I signed up.  Maybe I could use my new skill and help many souls faced with almost certain death.

I worked with many different people, some on a regular basis for quite a few years, after which one by one they died. What had helped initially in my grief now became grief overload and I had to stop that form of giving. For awhile, however, it was a synergy that saved my life.

Following Kelly’s death, I also started giving blood monthly with the American Red Cross; I have now donated close to 35 gallons of blood which equates to extending or saving the lives of close to 600 people. I have to admit I was selfish in my motives because each time I gave blood, I felt better from the pain of my loss. Now that is a win/win in my book!

I believe at some deep quantum-level healings take place within our body and minds from our interaction with others when love is the common denominator.  It is how healing works, it is how prayer works. Like vibrations seek like vibrations to harmonize with, it is that harmony at the quantum level thatcan heal body, mind and spirit momentarily or for the rest of our lives.

We should strive to open doors for people physically and metaphorically as a matter of our daily Modus Operandi.  It makes us feel good, it makes others feel good ,and its benefits spread faster than a virus. In helping others, we help ourselves and in the bargain hopefully tip the quantum balance on this tiny blue planet in the right direction.  John Lennon said it very clearly… All you need is love.

Give however you can, with time, blood, skills, money. If it is from the heart it will help to heal yours.

Be the light you seek.

Tags: ,

Mitch Carmody

After suffering many familial losses from a young age and ultimately with the death of his nine-year-old son of cancer in 1987, Mitch Carmody, has struggled with the grief journey and how grief is processed and perceived in this country. He published a book in 2002 called “Letters To My Son, a journey through grief." The book has now reached the bereaved in every state and 7 other countries. From the book’s success he now travels locally and around the country lecturing on the grief process and/or conducting workshops on surviving the loss of a loved one. He has also conducted a variety of workshops with The Compassionate Friends and Bereaved Parents USA as well as a sought after speaker for many keynote presentations. As a trained hospice volunteer, he has also helped many loved ones and their families through the dying process. Mitch has published several articles in national bereavement periodicals, is a frequent contributor to TCF Atlanta On-line and currently a staff writer for Living with Loss Magazine. Through email correspondence on his website he council’s the bereaved on a daily basis. Since the death of his son 19 years ago, Mitch has dedicated his life to helping those individuals and families whom are trying to navigate in the uncharted territory of death, dying and the bereavement process. Through his compassionate insight and gentle spirit he will touch your heart and hopefully give you tools to aid you on your journey Mitch lives in rural Minnesota with my wife of thirty years, he enjoys riding my horses, gardening, writing, helping others, giving blood monthly and creating works of art. He is also a proud first time grandfather to the daughter of their surviving daughter Meagan. To learn more about Mitch and his work, go to: www.HeartlightStudios.net. Mitch appeared on the radio show “Healing the Grieving Heart” discussing “Letters From My Son.” To hear Mitch being interviewed on this show by Dr. Gloria and Dr. Heidi Horsley, click on the following link: www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley042706.mp3 Mitch appeared again on the radio show “Healing the Grieving Heart” discussing the Holidays, Helpful or Hurtful? To hear Mitch interviewed by Dr. Gloria & Dr. Heidi Horsley, click on the following link: www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley122508.mp3

More Articles Written by Mitch