
Debby,
I have the same thoughts all the time. My eldest sister died last year, (breast cancer) and my mother is dying as we speak, (cancer, too). We have lost so many family and friends as well and so I've pondered all these things. I wonder if they have awareness of us or if they are in a deep sleep until the end of the world. If heaven exists, and I have to believe it does, I don't think of it in terms of our limited capabilities - no time, no space, no light, no dark; just pure bliss.
I heard of an account of a young person in Yugoslavia who has visions of the Blessed Mother who had an experience where she was taken to heaven to see a glimpse of it. it's been awhile since I read it but I believe her account was that is was pure beauty and peace. She said the people there all looked to be in the "prime" of their lives - late 20's, early 30's and they all looked happy. I thought that was really interesting but it makes me wonder because I lost a little brother when he was 8 years old - does that mean he would be older in heaven? Will I recognize him?
It's definitely a thought provoking subject and I hope you get alot of responses because I'm curious to hear others on the subject.
I think Syliva Browne writes alot on the subject, is anyone familiar with her work?