I belong to a wonderful Facebook group dedicated to those of us who are still in love with, and still connected to, our Soul Mates. Through it I have met some very wonderful and dear people.
Just now one of them Louise posted about a new friend she had made and talk veered to how we still love our other halves, even in death. That our love is even stronger.
That led to the mention of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's well-known sonnet How Do I Love Thee?
I hadn't read it in a long time so I looked it up just so I could read it again. It's always been my favorite of hers.
This is what I found:
How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.
Beautiful, yes.
But that's not what caught my eye.
I had no idea it's also known as Sonnet 43.
43.
That is the number that John uses to catch my attention, to say Hello, to reach out to me, to let me know that he is here, with me.
It's a number that pops up in the most wonderful ways.
Almost on a daily basis.
And now here it is again.
In a sonnet about love, just when my friend and I were talking about our beloved Soul Mates.
That was NOT a coincidence.
That was John confirming for both of us that we are correct.
Love lives on.
There is love between us still.
Forever.
Thank you, John.
I love you.
Namaste.
