A Fateful Farewell

by James Kilcullen

  ‘I just don’t understand it,’ he insisted after two shots of the powerful spirit. ‘Young people, who haven’t even given life a chance, opting out; if they only realised that suicide doesn’t solve anything; they have to return here and face the same problems that caused them to exit this life.’

  ‘What can be done about it?’ John asked.

  ‘I wish I knew; it would help, I suppose, if they realised, however bad things look it’s better to fight today than run away.’

  ‘I can understand someone who has made a complete mess of their life opting out.’

  ‘Forgive me for asking John; is that why you came here?’

  ‘Yes, it was; I’m so pleased Jack stopped me and somehow you all brought me back to reality, Kate is so special; if what you say is true, did we know each other in a previous existence?’

  ‘You may well have known each other in many past lives.’

  He refilled the glasses.

  ‘This country is seriously divided over the question of legalising abortion. In Britain it’s available on demand. What do you think Cedric?’

  ‘Conception of a child is an extraordinary event; it involves a man and woman – that’s the easy part – and the spark of life, which is a spirit returning to commence a new incarnation here. When I talk about abortion I mean the deliberate rejection of that spirit; it is a tragedy for the mother, the child, the father and their future.’

  ‘I don’t understand; when the child is dead that’s it isn’t it?’

  ‘The child’s body is dead – the spirit never dies. It returns to the other side – the land of light I call it - where it quickly reverts to the mature one it was before taking up residence in its mother’s womb. Spirit is neither male nor female. It’s consoled by kindred spirits there, who are deciding who shall be their mothers in their next incarnation.’

  ‘How do they know one another and communicate?’

  ‘Through vibrations and telepathy. At this stage the rejected one can see again all its past lives and why it decided to return to the mother that ejected it. It’s a time of great sadness.’

  ‘But newly born babies don’t remember previous lives, they can’t even talk.’

  ‘That’s true although there are exceptions. Normally, once the spirit enters its mother’s womb the shutters come down and the boy or girl has no past life memory until they return to the land of light from whence they came. Then it assesses its progress in the life just ended against the hopes and plans it started out with.

  In the normal course of events we all seek to return to a loving mother or father or sister, brother etc. It may well be that we sometimes have to deal with issues that have carried over from previous lives. We only know that we don’t know. But we do know that the chain of love, so essential to our progress, is broken by abortion and it may take many incarnations to bring the kindred spirits together again.’

  ‘But what if the child dies naturally in its mother’s womb or early in life?’

  ‘That does not incur Karma and, it may be that the spirit will get an opportunity to return to its mother in a later pregnancy.’

  ‘What’s Karma?’

  ‘It’s the universal law of cause and effect; the law under which everything must be paid for.’

  ‘Can you give me an example?’

  ‘Of course; if I kill someone and escape the law here I’ll have to return and suffer the same fate in another life.’

  ‘But why do we have to come back here; couldn’t we just stay there?’

  ‘It was on this level that we lost our innocence when, as androgynous angels we became sexually involved with the incumbent race; we lost all our powers and privileges - everything except the love of our creator. It’s only here that we have the opportunity to recover our innocence and work towards our final goal with our creator. We’re here for as many incarnations as it takes.’

  ‘So why is abortion legal in so many countries?’ John asked.

  ‘That doesn’t make it right. That law only applies here. Abortion is personal; it’s the rejection of one human being by another.’

  ‘What if the pregnant woman feels she has no choice?’

  ‘It’s not for us to judge; she will have to work this out herself in this or subsequent lives.’

  ‘Why do so many young women say their bodies are their own to do with as they please?’

  ‘They’re ignoring the fact that their own return to this planet was facilitated by their mothers. Let’s accept for a moment that their bodies are their own; fine, but when – knowingly or otherwise - they take another life into their bodies, they have a responsibility to that life.

  Apart from rejecting the child they may be depriving themselves of the renewed joy of spending another life with a kindred spirit they have lived with and loved through many previous incarnations. Let’s not forget all the women faced with inconvenient pregnancies that go ahead and have their babies; great indeed is their reward.

  When we enter our mother’s womb as the spark of life, we are the most delicate and vulnerable of humans, totally dependent on others. When we return we do so as individuals; kings and emperors, popes and peasants, statesmen and billionaires, all equal; we carry nothing except the results – good or bad – of this incarnation.

  Millions of deliberate rejections lead to great suffering. That’s one of the reasons the world is in such a mess; millions seeking their loved ones. They compensate by pursuing power, earthly glory, wealth, material goods; excessive consumption of food, drink and drugs; engaging in sexual activity, crime and all kinds of conflicts; always seeking; never satisfied.’

  ‘How do you know all this Cedric?’

  ‘When I was in India I became a disciple of the great Guru Yogananda, who told me certain things – not everything – about my previous incarnations. I came this time to my dear mother; in previous lives we were in other relationships that brought us into close contact. Spiritual love is divine, unconditional, unselfish; ordinary love is selfish, rooted in desire and satisfaction.

  When this journey ends I look forward to meeting her again on the other side - that’s if she’s still there. If not I will find out where she has incarnated and try to be with or near her and my other kindred spirits again. John, this is a much more complex and extraordinary world than we could possibly understand.’

  ‘I know nothing about religion but what you’re saying makes sense. Where is your guru now?’

  ‘Let me tell you about Yogananda. I was wandering around the temples of southern India for about six months trying to learn more about the Hindi and Buddhist faiths. Those people believe in reincarnation – a great incentive to live a good life - and, with rare exceptions, have lived peacefully together for thousands of years.

  Then, one day coming out of a shrine in Puri I noticed a Christlike figure in the ocher robes of a swami standing in the shade of a tree. I was drawn towards him. With grey eyes full of love he smiled at me. ‘I have been waiting for you Cedric.’

  He spoke perfect English. I was astounded; he knew everything about me; my unbringing in Belfast before the troubles where my father was a police officer, my mother a Catholic. Neither side had any time for us; when the troubles started – two so called Christian communities killing one another – my mother took me to Dublin to live with her sister while father applied for transfer to Birmingham.

  Before it came through he was shot; devastated we settled in Dublin where I trained as a doctor before specialising in Psychiatry. By this time I had read about the eastern religions – much older than Christianity – and decided to visit India.

  Yogananda took me to his ashram nearby, a big old building with little furniture that he inherited from his father, and asked his disciples to offer me some mangoes and almond sweetmeats which I enjoyed. I was grateful for the offer of basic accommodation – a small attic room - and became a disciple. He knew mother had passed over and told me she and father were happy together. I’m digressing again.

&nbs
p; Yogananda, the humblest of men, looked much younger than his age; he had such clear handsome features; I find it difficult to explain how uplifting it was to be in his sacred presence. A very advanced spirit – an old soul - after many lifetimes here, he healed all kinds of diseases, sometimes told the future, could step in and out of his body at will. His last visit here ended nine years ago.’

  ‘Will he come back again?’

  ‘He has earned the right to remain on the other side and help others towards their final goal. He would only return to help others here.’

  ‘Were you tempted to stay with him?’

  ‘I would have loved to have stayed with him; with no material goods other than the ocher robes, he led by example and spent much of his time meditating and teaching his disciples.’

  ‘What did he teach you?’

  ‘His was a simple message; love God and your fellow humans. He made it clear; you can’t love your creator unless you also love your fellow creatures; we are all one. Jesus summed it up when He said “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

  ‘So, why did you leave?’

  ‘He walked with me in the garden one day where he could speak privately.’

  ‘Cedric,’ he said. ‘Your future lies with a people far away who need you.’

  ‘He smiled in such a loving way that I could not protest; he led me back here; he’s a true saint; I know he helps me in my work.’ He paused.

  ‘The holy men and women of India regard Jesus of Nazareth as one of their own.’

  ‘How can people be persuaded not to abort their children?’

  ‘I believe most women don’t realise what they’re doing; faced with all kinds of conflicting emotions, they can’t see the whole picture until they return to the land of light. There they see their previous lives and may even meet the loved one they rejected; it would be a time of great sadness for both of them and hopefully they would be reconciled. But, in whatever form, Karma would still have to be fulfilled.’

  ‘What of the woman who finds herself pregnant with a handicapped child?’

  ‘That’s so sad, but its life. I have known mothers who willingly gave birth and brought up such children. The love of a mother for her handicapped child is one of the most beautiful sights on this earth. Such complete dedication surely has its own reward.’

  John stood up. ‘You’ve given me much to think about.’

  ***

  In early summer nature is triumphant. One evening Kate arrived early, put her shopping bag on the table, patted Jack on the head and gave him a bone. John put his arms around her and they kissed lovingly.

  ‘You’re getting more beautiful by the day.’

  She smiled. ‘John I’m pregnant.’

  He took her in his arms again.

  ‘Kate, that’s wonderful; I’m so happy.’

  He knelt on one knee still holding her hand.

  ‘Kate, my love, will you marry me?’

  ‘I suppose I’ll have to,’ then she grinned. ‘Of course I will, get up out of that.’

  He took her in his arms again.

  ‘You’ll have to take it easy now.’

  ‘And we’ll have to take it easy too John.’

  ‘I know but it’s wonderful.’

  ‘You haven’t heard the best part; it’s twins.’

  ‘Oh my God.’

  He pulled up a chair and put her sitting down.

  ‘It’s all right my man; I’m not an invalid; I’m just going to have two lovely babies.’

  ‘When will we get married love? Shouldn’t it be as soon as possible?’

  She grinned. ‘There’s no rush. I’m too excited to think about it at the moment.’

  ‘Will you give up your job?’

  ‘Not yet.’

  She stood up. ‘Now you and Jack get out of the kitchen while I prepare a tasty meal.’

  ***

  When John called to Cedric the following evening he was shaken warmly by the hand.

  ‘I’m so happy for you and Kate; shall we make it Brandy?’

  ‘I’m very excited but I think Poitin will do.’

  ‘It’s a nice warm evening; let’s sit outside.’

  It was clear to John that his host had things on his mind but he didn’t probe.

  While they sipped their drink May drove up in her new BMW, parked and got out holding a bulky file. John had only met her at the funeral; he now realised she was much younger than he thought. A slim handsome brunette with big blue eyes, she was wearing a white tea shirt over beige slacks. She came forward smiling and offered her hand.

  ‘It’s lovely to meet you again Mr Smith.’

  ‘You must call me John.’

  She smiled again and handed the file to Cedric.

  ‘I thought you’d like to see those invitations before I send them out Cedric.’

  He looked them over briefly. Her affection for Cedric was very obvious to John. He handed back the file.

  ‘They’re fine May; how are the kids?’

  ‘They’re fine; they want to know when Uncle Cedric is coming to visit again.’ She paused and looked at her watch.

  ‘I’d better be getting back.’

  When she left Cedric explained.

  ‘Those are the invitations to charitable organisations to send representatives to the meeting I’ve set up here in Westport for the middle of next month.’ He stood up. ‘Let me fill them up again.’

  As he sipped his second glass Cedric came to the point.

  ‘I was with my doctor in Galway last week.’

  ‘I hope you’re not ill?’

  ‘No no, I’m in perfect health; it’s just that I won’t be able to father children.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘That’s unfortunate; I’m so sorry.’

  ‘Nancy will be very disappointed. Should I tell her? She has a right to know.’

  ‘She has but don’t rush it.’

  He continued. ‘May is very fond of you.’

  ‘She’s a lovely woman and I love her; she’s just grateful.’

  He didn’t think it was just gratitude.

  ***

  John and RG drove to Dublin the evening before the High Court action was due to commence; they met Dan Klinch, the senior counsel who would act for John, in the Law Library. RG was concerned that Rory hadn’t arrived; he was due in from New York that morning. His presence in the court was essential. John tried to contact him by mobile phone but there was no reply. When they spoke last Rory was very nervous.

  When they walked to the Four Courts the following morning there was still no sign of Rory; John was really worried now. Dan Clinch led them into Court Number 8 where Ziegler Felde was sitting with his lawyers; he smiled and waved at John and when they got closer got up and approached him.

  ‘You haven’t got a prayer; why don’t you settle. You know I never lose.’

  John smiled. ‘There’s always a first time.’

  All stood when High Court Judge Sean Severse entered and took his seat. They sat down; John lowered his voice and asked his counsel; ‘Can we get an adjournment?’

  ‘I’ll try but this man doesn’t take prisoners.’

  The judge looked down at the ZRC counsel, Jack Simms Senior Counsel.

  ‘Are you ready to commence Mr Simms?’

  ‘Yes Milord.’

  Mr Clinch rose. ‘Milord, I crave the indulgence of the court. As one on our principal witnesses has been unavoidably detained abroad, my client requests that you adjourn this case for a week.’

  Ziegler Felde leapt up. ‘Rubbish, let’s get on with it; I haven’t travelled from New York for this nonsense.’

  The judge looked down at defence council. ‘Mr Clinch, I don’t think it would be appropriate to adjourn in the circumstances.’

  John breathed a sigh of relief when Rory entered the court and made his way to them. He was carrying a file that he handed to his counsel.

  Dan Clinch addressed the judge. �
�Milord, May I have a moment to consult my file?’

  Rory directed him to the critical documents; satisfied, he rose.

  ‘Milord, I have just been advised that the owners of ZRC Bank have decided not to proceed with this action.’

  He handed the document to the usher for the judge and a copy to the plaintiff’s counsel.

  Ziegler Felde jumped up. ‘What the hell is going on here? I’m the CEO of ZRC Bank and I say this action goes ahead.’

  The judge and Jack Simms studied the document carefully; Ziegler was getting redder in the face. The judge looked down at him.

  ‘This document is quite clear; the shareholders of your bank have decided not to proceed with this action.’

  ‘I tell those bastards what to do and I say to you this action goes ahead.’ He was furious.

  Milord replied calmly.

  ‘Mr Felde, in this court I make the decisions. This action has been withdrawn.’

  Dan Clinch rose.

  ‘Costs Milord?’

  ‘Costs to your client Mr Clinch.’

  ‘This court is now adjourned.’

  ‘You haven’t heard the last of this,’ Ziegler Felde roared after the departing judge.

  John approached him smiling.

  ‘Ziegler, who has the whip hand now?’

  ***

  They adjourned to a nearby hotel, sat in the lounge and ordered coffee. Clinch was jubilant but John was curious.

  ‘What kept you Rory?’

  The big man grinned. ‘I’m lucky to be here. Months ago we employed a New York PI to investigate Ziegler Felde and his bank. In the meantime I got ten stock brokers to start buying up the bank’s stock for an organisation registered in Cayman; they didn’t know they were acting for us.

  My PI came up trumps; he discovered that Felde was money laundering drug money in a big way; he’s been at it for years. He’s not the only one; the difficulty is getting proof. I think the documentation came from an employee in the bank. My PI told me not to go to the authorities; Felde would buy them off.

  I copied the evidence and posted the original document to myself here in Galway. My PI rang me to say there was a leak somewhere and he was getting out of town; I should do the same.