As you reach the bottom of the trail coming from the great snow covered mountain, you see a sign that reads, "EDEN". No population numbers on the little sign. But even from here you can hear waterfalls, birds singing, and other animals calling out their continment of being in the valley. If you look up at the sky you see no clouds, no sign of polution, just birds of every species calling to the other creatures anouncing your homecoming.
The path into Eden is winding but beautiful. A little stream winds beside the path and wild flowers stand proud everywhere, visited by bees and butterflies. As you walk, rabbits, deer, racoons, squirrel's, and other creatures join your walk, chattering their love for you. Up ahead the lioness and her cub stand up, yawn and stretch, and come join also.
Then the path takes you through a forest, but it's not like most forests, because no trees have been cut, no sign of wild fires have raged through carrying destruction and death to the creatures living there. Some of the trees are thousands of years old and some are young saplings. Even the palm grows by the willow. The scent of pine fills the air.
Then the path leaves the forest and you enter a great grass covered valley filled with deer, buffalo and all sorts of horses and grazers. The stream splits and gives birth to another and they race on to feed the wheat fields that are shoulder high and weaving to the cool breeze. Soon you see the waterfalls, and the clear pool, and your heart races because you know you're almost home. You see the old vineyard and notice that grapes are as big as baseballs, and none have fallen to the ground, and all are ripe. Creatures are running from everywhere to greet you.
Then, you turn the bend in the path and you see it. The old homeplace from your childhood. Two old men are on the porch and when they see you, they call into the house and people come running out. You see everyone who's gone on before you. They hug you and kiss you. The homecoming is great. You notice that no one cries. You see that aunt Mary who had the bent and disfigured hands now has perfect bones. Grandma doesn't wear glasses anymore. And there's little Bobby, no longer sickly. Good fiends that had passed are there also. There's nothing but happiness in your heart.
After everything calms down, you ask, "do we all live in this cabin?" They reply, "no son, yours is just down the path. We just came to meet you here. Why don't you go see your new home. We'll be here any time you want to see us." You bid farewell and walk on.
The path starts to climb and you look back and you can see the cabin you just left and the two old men are back to sitting on the porch. Bobby is playing with a newborn fawn. As you follow the gently climbing path you reach a flat and perfectly level meadow, covered with all types of flowers and herbs. You stop and look out over the valley and the streams. You see nothing but beauty. The happiness in your heart reminds you of a fireworks display at each new thing you look at. A bird comes and lands on your shoulder as a bobcat rubs against one leg and a fox against the other.
Then you turn and you see the little cabin. On the porch you see a swing. Planted around the entire cabin is every species of flower. The smell sets off more fireworks. Large shade trees give a cool feeling of perfect comfort. As you enter the cabin, a feeling of homecoming like you've never had sweeps over you. You look around and there are all of your precious things you've lost over the years. The things lost in the fire as well. Over in the corner is your old guitar and you wonder! Bowls of fruit and good things to eat are everywhere. A vase of the most beautiful flowers on the table. Then you see a leaf lying on the handmade wooden table. You go over and pick it up thinking it had blown in but you see there is writing on it in the most perfect form.
"My dear son, I picked this fig leaf to write this message, because when I sent you out of Eden to learn the lessons of life, I covered you with it. You have done well and the sins you commited while in trial, have been wiped from all records and memory. The posessions from the fire is to show you that nothing is lost from God. Nothing forgotten. The old Telecaster guitar was one of the swords I gave you on earth to reach some of the lost of the world. And since I gave you a special gift, Play it for us often. Welcome home my son. And well done. I love you" It was not signed but there was no question whom had written it.
