A Perfect Goodbye

Fua’amotu Beach, Tonga.

Nikola used to work with me in the emergency department. When he sent me this beautiful picture, I begged him to share the story behind it.

Nikola visits Tonga and the grave of his venerable grandmother whenever possible. On one visit, the day was dark and filled with heavy rain and thunder. He hesitated to get out of his car and contemplated saying goodbye from a distance.

In Tonga, however, when leaving a grave, it is an ancient custom to tell the loved one to “stay and rest,” reassuring them you are well so they will remain at peace rather than follow you home. Love and tradition pulled Nikola from his car to his grandmother’s graveside.

After a brief prayer, he opened his eyes. The rain had stopped. The sky had cleared. Standing at Fua’amotu Beach, Nikola saw more than a stunning rainbow. He enjoyed an “overwhelming feeling of calmness.” He said, “I knew it was okay to leave and not worry about her following me home. I saw my grandma saying goodbye.” 

Pause, honor, and receive. The Universe will answer spectacularly.