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Swami for his remaining time. Jerry didn’t seem depressed or worried. He felt a special peace being with Swami. He wanted to die close to Swami, with his mind fully absorbed in him. Here was a love that transcended the fear of death.
Jerry was treated by one of the doctors at the hospital. His two young daughters were helped by the doctor’s suggestion that they rub holy vibhuti ash on their father to protect and soothe him. This intimate act broke the log jam of their feelings, bringing them close so they could share their love with their father during his final days.
Swami did not appear to make it easy for Jerry. Although Jerry remained happy, Swami did not approach him right away and did not speak to his wife for nearly a month. Jerry gave me a note to give to Swami. I mentioned that no one is an intermediary between the devotee and God, but I would be happy to do whatever I could. Then unexpectedly, the first day I was carrying the note, Swami made a direct and intentional path toward me and took the note. It was apparent that Swami was responding to Jerry.
Then slowly, ever so slowly with each darshan, Swami came closer to Jerry, quickening Jerry’s yearning and love. Jerry remained remarkably steady in his love for Swami and his teachings. Even when Jerry’s wife showed sadness, he was able to console and comfort her and his young daughters with a special strength. Jerry grew weaker, his pain increased, and he was taken with severe convulsions. Then, aer being at the ashram about a month, Jerry died. With his family present, he was cremated in a special service.
Later during ensuing interviews, Swami conveyed to the family that Jerry had experienced the highest spiritual state and that Jerry was with him. Swami’s loving assurance brought Jerry’s wife and children not only great peace, but also an immense joy. Back in their room the children actually sang and danced with joy. Swami had turned grief into dancing. Jerry’s wife carries on in her profession as an audiologist, and
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