Quinton’s Rainbow

And one more photograph from the Navajo Nation near the Four Corners area, this one quite poignant. The combination of Shiprock on the horizon and the partial rainbow just above Quinton’s flowers and framed portrait was calling out to me. Or perhaps it was Quinton himself who was calling me? Below the image, you will find more on Quinton’s story…

Quinton’s Rainbow. Navajo Nation, Colorado, 2016

This is really a story of how we don’t actually die…that existence in some form or another is eternal. Here is a brief explanation of what Quinton’s father learned as quoted from the Press Release tab of the Quinton’s Messages website (2021 update: site no longer appears active, so go to the Quinton’s Messages Facebook page instead):

Ernie Jackson’s Memoir Revisits Painful Loss, Inspiring Realization

The tragic death of his son awakens his spiritual understanding of the transition after life

CONIFER, Colo. – Ernie Jackson’s memoir Quinton’s Messages (published by iUniverse) follows his journey to enlightenment as a father – from a childhood marred with violence and fear, into his adult years where he realized something was missing. Living a seemingly ideal life with his wife and two children, Jackson was looking for a sign showing him what he should be doing with the rest of his life up until his family’s last vacation together as a family of four in June of 2009.

As the vacation nears, everything feels different. Something has everyone on edge, looking over their shoulders for what might be pursuing them as they set out for a houseboat on Lake Powell. On their way home after vacation the unfathomable happens. Quinton dies in an accident that is so unusual that the Jacksons can hardly accept it as reality. As Jackson says, “It was as if God himself was present saying ‘Ernie, you are not in control and it is time for your son to come home’”. It just made no sense that Kristine and Ernie survived, while Quinton was called home.

Jackson explains how Quinton first made his presence known within a week of his passing. It is at this point Jackson and his wife realize that Quinton still “is”, even though he isn’t there with them. This epiphany opens them up to a considerably expanded view of reality, preparing them for Quinton’s visitations.

Quinton’s Messages describes Jackson’s understanding of the impact Quinton had on everyone in his life. As Quinton visits his parents, they begin to consider his life as an example of how they should live their lives.

As Jackson heals, he begins sharing the astonishing experiences they are having, and a funny thing happens: people who had suffered through the loss of a loved one share equally, if not more, astonishing events. As Jackson sees the impact of his family’s experiences on others, he begins to wonder how common it is for people to sense their departed loved ones.

With Quinton’s Messages Jackson shares his journey of spiritual awakening – a journey he says was made “on the wings of Quinton’s transition.”

For the complete spiritual journey, read Quinton’s Messages and the follow-on book Quinton’s Legacy both available on Amazon. The next time you pass this way, stop by for a moment of reflection and silence at this beautiful spot that is an overview with a view of the entire universe…and punctuated by the Shiprock formation on the far horizon reaching into the sky like a giant Gothic cathedral.

Here is Quinton’s father in a two-minute interview: