On June 12, 2013 at 7:13pm my brother, William, took his last breath on this earth and began his journey to the other side. His last words were, "Set me Free!" and his soul is indeed free now to continue his work helping others. Awaiting him were my mother and father with open arms and other family members and friends who went before. William's reunion with his loved ones is a joyous event.
Across the street from Florida State Prison a vigil gathering honored William's life and the people who tirelessly seek to abolish the death penalty. Mark Elliott of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty gave the opening speech and I was able to read an excerpt from William's blog. Two of Florida's recent exonerees from Death Row, Seth Penalver and Herman Lindsey, held a bell which people rang with a hammer while reciting quotes of love and hope. The Gainesville Citizens against the Death Penalty read a thank you letter from William encouraging them in their fight against capital punishment.
As William's final minutes on earth were approaching, a butterfly came nearby and gently flew around me while a beautiful cumulus cloud above the prison formed a silver lining at the top edges. The sun behind the cloud rose through the top edge and a golden sunburst crowned the cloud. I had the distinct impression of William rising above the earth and soaring to the heavens. I felt his presence in my heart and a calm enveloped me as I realized he was finally free and flying home on wings of Light.
I was reminded of my final visit with him earlier that morning when he embraced me, Traci and Jan and with a radiant smile on his face said, "How can I be sad with all this immense love flowing into my heart from you and everyone who is sending their Love? My heart is overflowing."
William only thought of others and was so humbled by the outpouring of love and kindness he received from loved ones and people all over the world he never knew before. His life has made an astounding impact on others and his writing will continue to do so.
There are two final blog entries that I will receive when I arrive in California and will post from there.
