#5I Her

Mandy and Claire talked for hours, mainly about family members who had passed away. Mandy was very curious about where they were and hoped some of them were still in Eden so she could meet them again.

Claire explained that all of their relatives, except the three who had approached Mandy, had all gone on to other dimensions. It had been their choice to "travel". There were myriad other worlds to explore with the understanding that anyone could decide at any time to move from one to another, even return to Eden if they wanted.

"How do we know if the next place will be better or just as nice as this", Mandy asked.

"If you want to try something different you need only to ask your advisor, John, and he will show you the way. We all have advisors, mentors, in every dimension to guide us".

Claire went on, "First you need to learn about life, death, and the hereafter and this is where that happens. You have all the time in the world to make up your mind to stay or go".

Mandy had become curious about the inside of the house and asked for a tour. She wanted to see if it was the same as on earth. Bedrooms were unnecessary but would it have a kitchen? She considered whether or not she was hungry...would she still consume food and drink? Her mind was reeling as she considered all the possibilities.

Claire walked to the beautifully carved wooden door and pushed it open, welcoming Mandy inside with an open hand. As Mandy stepped through the portal she gasped in amazement. It looked like any elegant home she'd ever seen in her life.

The tile floor in the entry shone with soft colors and intricate design. To the right of the entry was a doorway leading to a comfortable livingroom with cushy sofas and chairs in a pastel rose. Again she was amazed at how like earthly homes this was.

"Is there a kitchen and do we consume food here?", she asked.

Claire laughed gently, "Yes, we enjoy all the pleasures of life without needing to waste time sleeping. We are immortal but immortality would be boring without things to enjoy".

They meandered through the livingroom and into another large room which Mandy assumed was the diningroom. There was a difference here. A massive table commanded the center of the room while many, many chairs surrounded it...possibly 20 or 30. There was no other furniture in the room, nor a window.

"Is this the diningroom", asked Mandy nervously.

Claire nodded, "Yes, this is the place where friends meet for meals and for socializing. You've probably noticed that there are no windows or embellishments in the room and that's because we concentrate on the gift of food and the gift of friendly conversation. Mealtimes are serious rituals here...a time to connect with others".

Mandy had already made her way into the kitchen which lay just beyond the diningroom. The cupboards were knotty pine and the gleaming counters some sort of arborite, a cheery shade of soft pink. Even the recognizable appliances, stove, fridge, coffee maker...all different shades of pink.

"Is this the decorator color for Eden?, Mandy giggled.

Claire laughed, too. "I like pink so that's what I have. None of us are too concerned with colors or styles so we simply choose what we're comfortable with".

Mandy wanted to open the fridge to see what sort of food was eaten in Eden but thought that might be rude so she asked instead.

"Do you eat meat and veggies?"

Claire turned to Mandy and said in a stern tone, "We hurt no living creature here so you will never eat meat again". She added in a softer tone, "But we do make scrumptious pastas and veggie dishes that are to die for...no pun intended".

Both women burst into laughter.

Mandy was still giggling as she looked around for another room to explore. "Are there other rooms", she asked.

"There are game rooms and reading rooms throughout the house. We have a few of each in this house and also contemplating rooms. These are used by one person at a time because it's only when we're completely alone that we can truly expand our mental capacities".

"I just might have to live in that room", joked Mandy.

#5H Her

Seeing her great, great grandmother before her looking so alive and well started Mandy's mind racing. Where were her grandmothers, both passed away within a few years of each other? Where was Grampa Joe, her paternal grandfather, also passed away? There were so many questions that needed answering.

Claire guided Mandy to one of the rockers on the porch and sat herself in the one beside it.

"I know it's pretty overwhelming right now but as you learn the ropes around here and see how everything fits you'll feel better".

Mandy held tightly to Claire's hands and stared deeply into her eyes, seeing only kindness looking back at her.

"Why did you choose to stay here rather than go on to the other places I've heard about?, asked Mandy intently.

"Think of this phase of your "life" as eternal. There's no need to rush into anything and you can take all the time you want doing whatever you want", said Claire. "I like it here because I get to see the new arrivals and often, as in this case, get to introduce them to eternity".

"Eternity!", gasped Mandy. "It's almost frightening to consider but I know I'm in good hands here".

John had stood by quietly as Claire and Mandy talked but now he reached forward and hugged each lady in turn. "I have other work to do so I'll leave you ladies to carry on". He trotted down the stairs and Mandy watched as his long, lean figure disappeared down the street.

Mandy turned to Claire and said respectfully, "I don't remember exactly how you died. Can you tell me a little bit about it and how you managed when you came here?.

"I had that dreaded cancer and suffered badly for about 6 months until my earthly body just gave up. I don't remember too much about the actual passing but it seemed the moment my body died I was soaring through the most beautiful colors toward the proverbial light. It wasn't long before I found myself walking along a country road wondering where the heck I was", she laughed.

"In the same fashion that you were met by John I was welcomed by my friend, Erna". Claire's eyes softened as she remembered how happy she'd been to see her old friend again for the first time in many years. "Erna looked so beautiful and healthy that it made me cry to see her. And, yes, we can still cry, although they're always happy tears", she said with a grin.

"How long have you been here?", asked Mandy.

Claire paused for just a moment and then answered, "It's been twenty-five years now but seems only like months. I guess I'll move on when the time starts to drag", she joked.

Mandy leaned back and looked around her...at the lush and colorful garden...at the beautiful homes nearby. She listened to the sounds of twittering birds and laughter in the distance and thought, "This is a fine place to bide my time for a while, or maybe even forever".