Super, Natural
by SAM PAGE
IN LOS ANGELES, a city more often associated with the material than the metaphysical, conversations acknowledging the ethereal are few and far between. But Bronson and I had dinner with Broadway director Stafford Arima last night, and one of the most refreshing topics bounced around the table was our shared belief in the existence of a supernal reality: ghosts, angels, and the afterlife.
So far, I can count six supernatural experiences in my life. The third occurred in 1998 shortly after I learned that my high school Latin teacher, John Tabish, had died of cancer. Tabish was the principal mentor of my high school years, a la Dead Poets Society. I was shopping in the language section of Book Soup when I had a visceral knowledge of his presence. He showed up to say goodbye before he crossed forever into that alternate reality.
It wasn’t weird, creepy or scary. Actually it felt perfectly normal.
Today, the song “Uninvited” (from the film City of Angels) looped in iTunes as our conversation last night echoed in my head.
A Jesuit priest once told me “the veil between life and death is very thin.” Author Norman Vincent Peale agreed. “I believe there are two sides to the phenomenon known as death. This side where we live, and the other side where we shall continue to live. Eternity does not start with death. We are in eternity now.”
If you haven’t seen the film (City of Angels), trust me, it’s not one you want to skip.
Originally published November 19, 2007
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September 12th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
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September 12th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
How’s THIS for a weird coincidence (cue spooky music): I’ve been drafting a blog post titled “Veiled” for the past two days that has to do with this exact topic. The goats seem to me to be (abnormally) close to the veil (as the saying goes) and a lot of things have happened lately that are, to me, perfectly normal (and not weird, creepy or scary.) Thanks for being brave enough to out yourself on this topic!
And you’re totally right: City of Angels is amazing.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I’ve never seen a ghost, but would probably be startled if I did. Just a day before my Grandmother died, we had a conversation wherein I said, “Okay, so if there’s some way for you to communicate with me let’s agree on what that is, so there’s no mistake.” We agreed on the number 713, which had always been a number of recurring significance in our family. She passed that night, and I woke up the next morning at 7:13. Since then, without looking for them, or forcing them, flight numbers, arrival times, ticket numbers, seat numbers come up all over the place. It goes on and on. I’d say it was uncanny, but it’s not. She always kept her promises. If nothing else, when I observe a 713 in the world, I take a moment to say hello to her, Granddad, Uncle Van, Great Grandmothers, and departed friends.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
boooooooooo! I’m the ghost of turkey day past…. what the fracks up with 7 lobsters, 1 missing Canadian, and 3 Americans who miss him so….boooooooooooooo!
September 12th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Here are the lyrics to Uninvited by Alanis, one of her best ever:
UNINVITED
Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you you’re not allowed
You’re uninvited
An unfortunate sight
Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepherd meet shepherd
But you you’re not allowed
You’re uninvited
An unfortunate sight
Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before
But this is not allowed
You’re uninvited
An unfortunate sight
I don’t think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate.