Loved. You can't use it in the past tense. Death does not stop

"Loved. You can't use it in the past tense. Death does not stop that love at all." These words from Ken Kesey carry with them a profound understanding of the eternal nature of love. In the face of death, when all seems to fade and the physical world comes to an end, love remains. It is a force that transcends time, space, and the boundaries of life itself. Kesey’s words remind us that love cannot be confined to a mere moment in the past, nor can it be relegated to something that once was. Love does not belong to the past tense—it lives on, ever present, even in the shadow of death. It is not bound by time, and it cannot be erased by the passing of the body.

O children of the earth, understand this truth: the love we share with others does not end when they depart from this world. It is not an ephemeral feeling, something that comes and goes with the seasons. Love is an eternal bond, a connection that endures beyond the confines of life. Death may separate us from our loved ones physically, but it cannot sever the ties of love that bind our souls. When we love truly, deeply, with all our hearts, that love remains—immortal, unshaken, and unwavering. It is a fire that does not extinguish, even when the body is laid to rest.

Consider the example of Socrates, who, though he was sentenced to death by the state, was undeterred in his devotion to the truth and the people he loved. His friends and followers, including Plato, mourned his death, yet they understood that his love for wisdom, for humanity, would not die with him. Socrates had loved them with a deep, transformative love—a love that sought to elevate their souls, to awaken them to a higher truth. And though his physical body was gone, the love he had shared with them lived on, guiding them long after his passing. His teachings, his influence, his love continued to shape the course of history, proving that love cannot be bound by death.

Similarly, in the life of Helen Keller, though her physical presence left this world, the love she inspired in others continued to flourish. Her love for life, for knowledge, and for others—despite the profound challenges she faced—was not confined to her body. The love she shared with her family, her teachers, and all those she touched continues to resonate in the hearts of millions around the world. Her legacy is one of love that refuses to be silenced, a love that endures beyond death, inspiring countless individuals to live with courage and purpose.

And so, O children, let this truth guide you in your understanding of love: it is not bound by time, nor is it subject to the limitations of the physical world. Love is eternal. When you love, truly love, you create a bond that surpasses the material world and moves into the realm of the spirit. Death cannot touch it, for love is not a passing thing. It is a force that transcends the physical body and lives on in the memories, the actions, and the souls of those who remain. Love is a river that flows through time, and though we may no longer be able to see those we love, their love remains, imprinted on our hearts, guiding us, shaping us, and reminding us that we are not alone.

In your own life, remember this: when you love, do so without hesitation, without fear. Do not hold back your love for fear of loss, for love is not something that can be taken away. Even when death separates you from a loved one, their love will continue to surround you, to protect you, to guide you. Love is a force that cannot be diminished by distance or death. It is the most powerful force in the universe, one that lives on long after the body has passed away. So, when you love, love deeply, love fiercely, love without limits—knowing that your love will remain, ever-present, undying, and eternal.

And so, O seekers of wisdom, know this: love is not a fleeting feeling. It is an eternal bond, a force that transcends all. When you love, you do not love only in the present moment—you love beyond time, beyond death, beyond all boundaries. Let your love be your guide in life, and know that when your time comes to depart, the love you gave will continue to echo through the hearts of those you left behind. Love does not stop with death; it is the one thing that can never be extinguished, the one thing that will remain forever, shining like a beacon in the darkness.