In connection with our theme, I Am Gone but Very Near, Ive recently learned that in the Aramaic language, the word death means existing elsewhere. For some people, the death of a loved one means theyre gone from their physical body, but still very near in terms of their energy or essence. Countless people have pulled me aside to share a story about how they felt their loved ones presence in a room or smelled the fragrance of their loved ones favorite flower for no apparent reason. When I ask these people if they experienced comfort in these situations, their responses are always, Yes. I encourage them to take the comfort. Our loved ones are gone but very near.