I Was There - Inspired by and Written for Ben Breedlove

Writing is my gift.  Ben's gift was taking the doubt away from countless souls that everything the Bible is telling us is true.  I could not help but write what I wrote after hearing his words in powerful silence.  I pray I am a loudspeaker, and even more can hear Ben's message through me.

See Ben's Story:     

My Video Reading:

 

I am just a younger guy,

On the road to knowing why,

Of how life is so good,

So we can share,

Though I do not come from wealth,

And I am not blessed with great health,

I know how much He loves us,

I was there.

Sometimes I’ve been through fear,

When I’ve felt that death was near,

I was so much afraid,

Of letting go,

But God pulled me through with love,

From in Heaven up above,

So I could come and share,

And you would know.

He has given me a voice,

For we all must make a choice,

As when its time to leave,

We all choose where,

I have seen the place aglow,

Full of joy as white as snow,

Filling my heart with peace,

For I was there.

Please don’t miss me if we part,

I am always in your heart,

We are never alone,

Through our love,

God is real with us today,

His light never fades away,

I give witness to you,

From up above.

When it seems all hope is gone,

Just remember you are wrong,

I came back with this joy,

For you to share,

So God’s love you know is real,

This is always yours to feel,

You can know that its true,

For I am there.

The Bridge of Love - For Kathy

Kathy lives in the midwest and works for the same company I do.  She recently succomed to a brain hemmorage and is fighting back to recovery.  I wrote this to use my abilities of writing to help her where I can.  If you would like to see her story, or help her family bear the financial burden of her recovery, please visit the site listed here:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathysmith143/journal

How could it happen,

When I am young?

How could it happen,

What have I done?

I was at home,

Doing what I do,

Then I was out,

Nothing more I knew,

Then as if dreaming,

I heard voices,

Some were toward me,

Others making choices,

I could hear my family,

I knew they were there,

They were reaching to me,

I could feel the care,

And friends beyond the circle,

With voices still unheard,

Raising hope in prayers,

God hearing every word,

My eyes began to open,

And through a blur to me,

Some familiar faces,

I began to see,

I could not lift a finger,

I could not say a word,

Yet what I wanted most,

Was them to know I heard,

As they were reaching in,

I was reaching out,

Their strength from the heart,

Became my proof and clout,

Knowing I would make it,

Moving more each day,

Smiling to my husband,

To hear what he would say,

Forcing every movement,

Taking every step,

Fighting back to freedom,

Back to the life I left,

Unto the day I can speak,

And I can walk again,

Sharing my new joy,

Of life and love again,

For all the friends and family,

And our God above,

Whom rescued me from darkness,

Across the bridge of love.

UPDATED -- Rosemary Harrison Losing Home to Cancer - Foreclosure News in San Diego California

UPDATE - Jan 3, 2012

---As there was a lack of other solutions, Rosemary Harrison is now temporarly renting a single room.  The quality of the room does reflect the meager monthly housing funds she has available to herself.  The cost of this temporary solution to my understanding was the loss of nearly all of her possessions left after the estate sale which resulted from the bank taking her house.  She has her clothes, her dog Aussie, and we are still by her side looking for a permanent solution---

I am writing this concerning a new friend we have quickly grown close to whom is in need of help.  She in her 60’s, alone, and facing foreclosure.  This happened not because of spending or getting into an adjustable mortgage.  This happened because of love.

This lady is Rosemary Harrison (https://www.facebook.com/rosemary.harrison3#!/rosyglow2001), whom immigrated from England over 40 years ago with her husband Ivan Harrison (http://coronadoplayhouse.com/wait-until-dark/castbios/harrison-ivan.html) .  He restored antiques like no one could in Nottingham and San Diego (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ivan-harrison-refinishing-antiques-rstrtn-and-frntre-el-cajon) , and they had all they needed in life.  Ivan had a love for racing and was involved in local NASCAR races for over 20 years (http://www.racingwest.com/news/articles/26367-biggers-wins-race-and-title-at-cajon-speedway.html) .  Through this, they gave their love to the community in the form of benefiting foster children whom could never otherwise enjoy such a thrill.  They raised money, worked tirelessly, and helped the community all through his racing career. 

Their next love was the theater.  Ivan performed on stage in England through the 1960’s  (http://www.alvinlee.de/pre_tya.htm)  , and took the stage once again at the Coronado Theater.  They both became very involved in production and used this as a venue for giving back to a community that gave them a wonderful life in California for so many years.  Ivan pursued this until illness caught up with him in the form of cancer.

This led to the greatest expression of love that I know.  Rosemary devoted the next few years to caring for her husband, and being by his side as his health declined.  Medical expenses grew, and money became short.  Through her heart and her tenacious English attitude, she made the bold decision to refinance her home for the medical funds needed to save her beloved husband’s life.  Ivan hung on to life beside his wife until the illness won, and he passed away nearly two years ago.

The loss of Rosemary’s husband led to the loss of their business known as Aussie Gold, which involved the sales of a revolutionary orchid growth fertilizer that he developed.  After the business went down, Rosemary lost the last thing that she had.  Her home.  She has been given notice to leave by January 1, 2012.

My wife and I are trying to organize some form of benefit to help her.  All she needs is a place for herself and her pets, not a mansion.  She has looked at mobile homes which would be a good option.  Yet her retirement minus living expenses leaves about $600 per month for housing.

The best thing in the world would be if someone in the real estate world could donate a small property or a mobile home in a park with an inexpensive lot rent.  This would give some real estate office wonderful community PR, and a VERY healthy tax write off for the end of 2011.  I am sure when we put this together that some people will donate some cash, but that may help with some moving expenses.  She herself said that she feels bad about receiving such help while there are already others on the street.  I told her that once she is taken care of, she will have time and means to reach out to others.  This we would do by her side.

I will be using my newly published book to help raise funds and awareness.  I need advice or direction from you in the way of helping to find some real estate office that could make the full or partial donation of a home.  She would of course benefit but it does not stop there.  Anyone who hears of this or participates will receive the full and powerful message that we can make a difference in the life of others.

This matter is very serious, I want to be sure things happen properly for everyone involved, but time is definatley running out.

Please contact me if you are able to help, or have any ideas on how we can help together.  If I can come up with an event and date, I will put time and details here.

Denver's Song

I can see him walking in the starlight by the lake,

I can see him looking at the sky,

I can feel him using his gift for all our sake,

He never seemed to stop and wonder why.

I can hear him in a song upon the stage,

I can see him standing with a smile,

I can see him flying just as far as it will take,

For reaching people made it all worthwhile.

Standing tall upon his mountain,

He stood tall for all of us,

He touched our hearts with his gift of song,

In the darkest hours I can hear his voice ignite my faith,

Its through the heart that we may all be strong.

You can hear him in the wilderness,

You can feel our spirits ride the wind,

You can hear his joy in the laughter of the birds,

You can feel the power of hope begin.

You can feel his passion rising to the test,

You can feel his heart on human needs,

You can see him search inside to find his best,

You can feel his power through his belief.

Standing tall upon his mountain,

He stood tall for all of us,

He touched our hearts with his gift of song,

In the darkest hours I can hear his voice ignite my faith,

Its through the heart that we may all be strong.

Within his songs we can stand together as one world,

Within his songs you feel the love of life,

Within his music you can feel the joy of love unfurl,

Within his music peace defeats all strife.

Within your soul he looks to see the gifts that you can give,

Within your soul he finds the answers there,

Within my soul I know that there is answers I can share,

Within my soul I see because he cared.

Standing tall upon his mountain,

He stood tall for all of us,

He touched our hearts with his gift of song,

In the darkest hours I can hear his voice ignite my faith,

Its through the heart that we may all be strong.

Voices

Voices

The transference of light,

Occurs in beautiful ways,

From the stars to the Earth,

Through words to the heart,

And from the heart unto souls,

Coming from the only source,

Shining through each of us,

For light must be directed,

To penetrate the darkness,

It may be reflected from us,

And magnified by our wills,

So that sharp and focused,

It can do the greatest good,

Doing good through our words,

Blessing others through actions,

No matter how small they seem,

As many people walk through life,

Without tasting of its true beauty,

For just a smile given freely,

May change a traveler to his country,

Inspiring him to do what is right,

Reaching many lives on his own soil,

In such diverse and unknowable ways,

Lives can be changed on their paths,

Courses become altered to destinies,

Simply because of free will,

When we use our words and actions,

To shine light to another soul,

And through that light we lift another,

Holding him up in times of pain,

Caring her through times of sorrow,

And we keep that light shining strong,

Until that soul can stand once again,

Shining light to many others,

Because through our words,

And through our actions,

We use our voices.

Garden - For Lynnette

Garden

By Eric Visconti

We are together,

Tending to the flowers,

Feeling the breeze,

In the glow of the sunset.

We are together,

Tilling the soil,

Trimming the branches,

Tending the growth.

We are here,

Joining in life,

Sharing in words,

Showing our hearts.

We are here,

Joined by laugher,

One in our pain,

Growing in love.

He is with us,

Bringing the sunrise,

Bringing the rain,

Bringing us peace.

He is with us,

Drying our eyes,

Sharing his laughter,

Leading in song.

We can hear,

The music of life,

The song of the wind,

The rhythm of the heart.

We can hear,

The voices of the soul,

The songbird of love,

Never to part.

Forever - For families who have had the life of a child taken from them

Forever   

For Cara, Christin, Chelsea, Amber, and many more...

By Eric Visconti

I remember in my garden,

The first showing of green,

The first shoots extending,

In an effort to reach the sun,

Through my effort and hers,

Tending to the soil,

As she put forth leaves,

I watered the earth,

As she extended her arms,

I could see her face,

Before she even showed it,

I could see her eyes,

Before they ever opened,

But then on that day,

She revealed her budding,

She gave it her focus,

Until it came into bloom,

Color to be adored,

Perfuming the air around her,

The flowers in the garden,

Grew stronger in her presence,

Adding their own voices,

To the sweet song of life,

Displaying all of their colors,

As she led them in her faith,

For each and every morning,

The would open their pedals,

Each and every morning,

The flowers opened to greet her,

As I would open my door,

To the garden that is mine,

Then I came down the steps,

In my usual manner,

I came down the steps,

And she was on her side,

A branch had fallen down,

And the rose was torn asunder,

The branch had taken away,

The rose that was mine,

But I began to see the flowers,

In the sunrises that followed,

I saw the flowers looking,

To the place where she once stood,

And then I saw the truth,

Of what the flowers were seeing,

For seeing through the heart,

My rose was still there,

And within my heart,

I placed my arms around her,

And she was overjoyed,

To feel me once again,

For the truth of life endures,

And love is forever,

Our souls will never part,

For forever never ends.

Denver's Song - For John Denver

This was written inspired by John Denver standing with his friend Kenny Loggins at the 1995 Windstar Symposium to make a difference in all of our lives

Denver’s Song

By Eric Visconti

I can see him walking in the starlight by the lake,

I can see him looking at the sky,

I can feel him using his gift for all our sake,

He never seemed to stop and wonder why.

I can hear him in a song upon the stage,

I can see him standing with a smile,

I can see him flying just as far as it will take,

For reaching people made it all worthwhile.

Standing tall upon his mountain,

He stood tall for all of us,

He touched our hearts with his gift of song,

In the darkest hours I can hear his voice ignite my faith,

Its through the heart that we may all be strong.

You can hear him in the wilderness,

You can feel our spirits ride the wind,

You can hear his joy in the laughter of the birds,

You can feel the power of hope begin.

You can feel his passion rising to the test,

You can feel his heart on human needs,

You can see him search inside to find his best,

You can feel his power through his belief.

Standing tall upon his mountain,

He stood tall for all of us,

He touched our hearts with his gift of song,

In the darkest hours I can hear his voice ignite my faith,

Its through the heart that we may all be strong.

Within his songs we can stand together as one world,

Within his songs you feel the love of life,

Within his music you can feel the joy of love unfurl,

Within his music peace defeats all strife.

Within your soul he looks to see the gifts that you can give,

Within your soul he finds the answers there,

Within my soul I know that there is answers I can share,

Within my soul I see because he cared.

Standing tall upon his mountain,

He stood tall for all of us,

He touched our hearts with his gift of song,

In the darkest hours I can hear his voice ignite my faith,

Its through the heart that we may all be strong.

Children - Written for foster children everywhere

Children

This was written for the foster children sponsored by San Diego's channel 8 on "Adopt 8"

By Eric Visconti

Hello world,
You are what I see,
Hello world,
Are you ready for me?
I am all alone,
I am on my own.

Hello heart,
I can feel your beat,
Hello heart,
I am on my feet,
The sky’s above,
I am ready for love.

I have fallen from the nest,
Against the world put to the test,
Without someone to show me how to fly,
With a family I would surly try.

Hello friend,
Out on the street,
Hello friend,
Out in the heat,
Are you alone?
Are you just like me?

Hello fun,
Let’s laugh and play,
Hello fun,
Let’s seize the day,
Until someone,
Comes to set me free.

That will be the day life starts,
When my life is in their hearts,
A family’s love to show me the way,
The light of love will not go away.

Hello Mom,
Is it really you?
Hello Mom,
Can this be true?
Am I good enough,
That you want me to be yours?
Hello Dad,
I cannot believe!
Hello Dad,
Look what I received!
The wait is done,
I will be lonely never more.

May all waiting children know,
That prayer’s power never slows,
And one day they will cease to roam,
They will have family they can call home.

Story - How lives become one

I wrote this in amazement of how people inspired by one life, seldom know who inspired that person to begin with.  The inspirer may also never know all that his or her life truly touched.  Our eyes only see so much.  Never give up doing what you know is right.

Story

By Eric Visconti

In the beginning was the word,
And the word was with God,
As words describe all that was,
Describing all that will be,
For now and forever,
Labeling reality we see,
And all of the actions done,
So when words are unspoken,
They exist in physical form,
Flowing through the living,
The essence of life flowing,
As our lives mix together,
Within the story of forever,
Where a life begins and ends,
Ending only in the physical,
As proof of the continuation,
Can be seen in other lives,
I am inspired by a sailor,
Who sailed so long ago,
Sharing adventure in words,
And inspiring me to write,
I pass on his life to others,
That they may feel what I see,
Yet the story has a beginning,
Of which I know nothing,
For the sailor was once inspired,
To fall in love with the sea,
Someone else introduced him,
And he followed his heart,
Making the dream a reality,
Yet the sailor does not know,
How his story continued,
As I read his written word,
Generations after he lived,
Placing the fire of his life,
Into the center of other hearts,
Just as my own inner fire,
Is carried in other hearts,
And I carry their fire,
Safely within my own,
For as we join lives together,
By our own free will,
Effecting the paths of many,
From the effect of one,
Proving we are all part,
Of the great story.

Reflections - Written for the Youth of Norway

This was written originally for some students in San Diego who were reeling from the shock of a father killing his two boys which were there friends.  This effected the lives of a community.  Norway is reeling from the senseless killing of many of their youth in a tragedy that has effected the nation, and shocked the world.  This is for the youth of Norway, no matter what age.  May you take hold of our outstreached hands and be strong in this time, as the human spirit proves that love from God will overcome all evil.

Reflections

By Eric Visconti

I see them there,
As I come around,
They are smiling to me,
Always contagious,
Very outgoing,
Your burdens lift,
When in their presence,
I feel it every time,
It hits me again,
Later in the day,
Outside in the laughter,
In the crowd I hear them,
I see them from behind,
Approaching with joy,
I want to be there,
Just to laugh with them,
Their images disappear,
Along with their lives,
Taken from them suddenly,
Stolen from our hearts,
They were killed,
With homework undone,
With hearts untouched,
Other lives to be won,
Love to be unleashed,
Felt in other arms,
Their children will never be,
All of this taken from me,
With a shot to my heart,
Yet my mind is reeling,
For why do I see them?
Is the pain too much for me?
Was this more than I could see?
Can I not accept they are gone?
I can’t keep seeing them,
My sanity begs for mercy,
Through the veil of my tears,
Yet why are they smiling,
When I see them now?
Could it be they are well?
Happy in Heaven’s fold,
In a paradise of no pain,
No memory of wrongs done,
If God is really out there,
Then they are with Him,
If they are truly with Him,
Then what am I seeing?
Why would God allow that,
If He truly loves me?
Perhaps it is a sign,
Knowing what is real,
And they are in paradise,
Is a vision I am given,
To allow me to heal,
I know they are not here,
They cannot truly be,
Perhaps it is reflections,
Accounting for what I see,
As an image bends on water,
I cannot see them clearly,
But I can see enough,
Since I can see beauty,
I cannot explain,
Why tragedy strikes,
From freedom of will,
Which he placed in existence,
So that the likes of us,
Have the power to transform,
The power to change lives,
Or bring them to an end,
If he placed such a thing,
As free will in my hand,
I will help others with it,
Those grieving around me,
To show them what I see,
So that they have truth,
Knowing life is still precious,
Our friends our in our hearts,
And as we hold each others hands,
Nothing can destroy love.

Painter - for Enya

Painter

For Enya by Eric Visconti

The sounds begin to come,
As colors mix within the air,
Forming patterns which dance,
A delicate waltz upon nothing,
As the colors fall into place,
Creating images without words,
Thoughts replaced with feeling,
Dance of emotion for the heart,
Lifting the soul from Earth,
Into a world that is real,
Unto a land that is timeless,
Where life is a gift received,
And love is a treasure to proclaim,
Conversation occurring in music,
As each of our lives is a song,
A rhythm with a beginning,
Full of words that will never end,
Touched by events in the world,
Yet there is a world untouched,
Which we can not physically feel,
Just as light cannot be felt,
But gives vision to the eyes,
So this world can not be touched,
Yet it gives vision to the heart,
The music that you give us,
Brings us there in power,
That we may return again here,
Bringing strength and inspiration,
To all whom who live and love,
Through the canvas of vision,
Which you are the painter.

Connections - for John Denver

I wrote this commemorating the life of John Denver as he used his gift to connect with others, so that others would use their gifts to connect with those around them.  I hope that my writings honor all that he stood for.

Connections

By Eric Visconti

It amazes me always,
How people are inspired,
When the read a book,
Or hear words of a song,
Written by another soul,
Expressing ideas and feeling,
To all whom are around,
And from that expression,
Explore their own thoughts,
Understand their own hearts,
And begin to know themselves,
And all that they can contribute,
To life and to living,
To other hearts around,
So that their own efforts,
Become greatly multiplied,
As the passion that is felt,
Is amplified within each heart,
Every heart beating in unison,
With a common understanding,
As people see each other anew,
While seeing themselves in time,
As their actions and words are woven,
Into the human fabric of emotion,
Woven in the tapestry of creation,
For a simple word or action,
Is what ignites the fire of creation,
Since God spoke it all together,
To the times we live in now,
Where our lives may be marked,
By the things that are remembered,
But our souls will be honored,
As we pass the flame of inspiration,
Into souls who change the world,
Through the power of connections.

Endings - Are they real?

There I was again, sitting at the ranch under the trees after saddling my daughter's horse.  This came to me in the morning.  I did not know I would meet people who lost loved ones that afternoon.  Living life at the edge of imagination means using your free will to become a part of making destiny wonderful.

Endings

By Eric Visconti

There is a time and a way,
To all things that exists,
As pieces to vast puzzles,
Which form complete images,
Some being for the present,
All reflect upon the great image,
Made of all that has been,
And all of what is and will be,
The image of all creation,
Contemplated by the wise,
Viewed as the mystery of ages,
Since before time was time,
Yet where is the mystery?
If the image of life is love,
Which is visible in all things,
As when a bird flies harder,
Or when a horse gallops forth,
Where dolphins leap over water,
And when we give ourselves,
Helping others around us,
Giving all who we are to life,
As all are filled with passion,
Of those who have been before,
All of us feeling the heartbeat,
Of those who are to come,
For love exists before birth,
Love exists beyond death,
Defeating its power in full,
As life blossoms beyond time,
Proving the presence of souls,
Marked by the tethers of love,
Felt by all who breathe and move,
For there are many chapters written,
Into the story that never ends,
As events are marked by changes,
But there are never endings.