Whisperings

Cat and I texted yesterday about missing Chip. She shared that her friends talk about their parents and that she adds to the conversation by talking about her dad as if he were still here. She shared that it's overwhelming sometimes when she thinks of all the memories she has with him that only she possesses. As she so eloquently put it "We shared so many memories just the two of us and now I'm the only one living who still holds them." I told her how I felt the same way.

Then, Cat texted "It's really weird sometimes when I'm making a decision it's almost like I hear him tell me what he would do." I responded that I hear him too, and that I had written a poem just that morning about these whisperings that I hear. I shared the poem with her and she really liked it. For all those who experience whisperings from those who have gone before us, or for those who aim to listen more closely to their whisperings:

Whisperings

I sit next to the lamps.

I see the sun peek through the trees.

Whenever light shines, I remember you.

I hear you whisper “I am here with you.”

I believe you, and then the tears flow.

I’m quite certain it was you.

Why else would I have the thought

“I’m here with you” immediately after

the soft sun glimmered at me?

Then again, was it God whispering?

Either way, I’ll take the whisperings.

I want to hear you and God in my head.

I need the guidance to “Be strong” and the reminders that you and God are here.

The whisperings feel like embraces and pure love.

I know I am here to do God’s work.

I happily add your work left undone.

I sort out and settle your earthly affairs.

I give the hugs you would have given.

I remark when you would have remarked.

Eventually, I will hold our grandchildren

I will tell them all about you.

I will show them your photos and videos.

I will tell the stories of you over and over

and over, as older people are wont to do.

(06/27/2020)

In addition to saying she liked the poem, Cat added "He really wanted to meet his grandchildren." I assured her that he and his grandchildren would meet in spirit when stories, photos and videos about him are shared with them as well as when we love his grandchildren as much as humanly possible (He would have loved them that way too, so we will just have to do it for him).

May his memory be eternal.