The fire burns hot as her body turns to ash. The flames dance in the night, and embers disappear into the sky; like dragonflies prancing through a pond. And as I take in the beautiful moment happening before me, all I can do it cry.

I can’t make sense of it. And the harder I try, the more upset I become.

“Why Dorothy?” I ask my spirit guide.

“It’s just another part of your journey, Danny. Part of any cycle of life. No matter how beautifully tragic it may be, it’s just another step.”

“Yeah. Just another step.”

You taught me so much, old lady.

“Every step I took, she was always there. Always encouraging,” I let out a deep sigh. “Be as you are she’d tell me. Every time I would cry. Be as you are and accept it.” I clench my fists and try to hold back my tears. “Be as you are!,” I yell into the night. “Be as you are, Danny,” my spider says, “it’s okay to cry. Just let the energy turn into motion and feel free.”

The sky begins to pour, but the fire is to strong to put out. The cold drops on my face, break the current of my warm tears. I look into the sky, hoping that with each drop of rain, comes a new chance to wash away this sadness.

It doesn’t work.

“Dorothy,” I say, “before I left to train with Yang, my mother didn’t tell me to be as I am.”

“What did she say?”

“You’re stronger than you know.”

“And?”

“I was, and I am.”