The longer Gertie watches her mother, the more confused she is. Gertie is 6 and never knew that her mom has tears.
“Why are you crying? Gertie asks.
“Your grandmother died today,” her mom answers.
Gertie closes her eyes. Nanny is right there beside them. When she opens her eyes again, a soft yellow light grows and surrounds her mom.
“Don’t worry,” Gertie soothes. “Nanny is fine. She’s right here.”
Shockingly, her mother cries even harder.
As the yellow light dims, Gertie decides to keep her observations to herself.
At 10 years old, Gertie creates an altar in the corner of her blue-wallpapered bedroom. She worships the sound of silence. Humming a tune from nowhere, Gertie sits cross legged and closes her eyes for long times.
Her parents worry and scuttle her outdoors: “Go play, ” they insist.
Two years later, Gertie stands in front of her bedroom window that overlooks a postage stamp front lawn. A maple tree shades new-green grass that speaks of a sweet June day. When Gertie’s feet float off her bedroom floor, the grass turns a deep purple. The leaves of the maple joyously change into a brilliant blue; the sky dazzles with a million diamonds.
She knows better than to tell anyone, so decides it’s “just her imagination.”
For the next 70 years Gertie continues to look out her windows, but her vision is clouded with the inconsequential longings of an adolescent, and then the flirtings of a teenager. She becomes an academic, and then a wife, a mother, a cog in the wheel of life.
As Gertie’s vision becomes worldly, her spirit diminishes, and the years roll by.
AND NOW….
Gertie’s 6-year-old great grandson, Charlie, approaches her this morning where she’s seated in the “social room.” The powers-that-be call it the Memory Care Unit. Gertie believes they try to “lock down” her memories, but whispers to herself – good luck to that.
The room is full of the noises of the half-gone: groans, grunts, gruesome laughs. Her visitors, including her grandson, Charlie’s dad, think she doesn’t know their name for this place: The Halfway House to Heaven or Hell.
“Great Gram, why do you keep looking over my shoulder?” Charlie asks.
Charlie is still young enough, Gertie decides. Charlie will understand. “See that window?” she answers, pointing to the bright light shining through the dirty glass.
He nods, walking closer to the window, and then stands stock still. “Ohhhhhhhhh!” he exclaims, “where does this come from Great Gram?”
Gertie beams in delight. Charlie has the sight now. If only he can hold onto it longer than she did.
Suddenly, Gertie feels a spark as she inhales. With her last exhale she finally understands:
The Sight is always within us.
Charlie’s dad runs toward Great Gram, panic in his eyes. “She’s gone!” he shouts out to no one in particular, tears in his eyes.
“Oh no, Dad. She’s right here!” Charlie exclaims. “Can’t you see the light?”
Love it!!!
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To the sight…and the light.
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Wonderful Pamela. Well done.
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Thanks, Brigid.
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Was just feeling the story, not really reading..thanks Pamela..
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What a great compliment. ❤
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This story reminds me how grateful I am for: 1) The way writing helps us process, and 2) How it helps us escape difficult things in life.
Thank you for sharing ~
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YES to both #1 and #2.
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I so like this story. Reminds me of the ethereal beings I used to see. Haven’t seen them for a while. I think they disappeared when I dusted the room heater
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Your comment is celestial and humorous, all at the same time! 🙂 I understand – my “sight” has disappeared, but I look for it often…
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I enjoyed this IMMENSELY. Thank you!
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That means a lot – so glad my ‘story’ resonated with you. ❤
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Oh I had goosebumps!
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Goosebumps are good. Goosebumps are the soul speaking on the outside of us. (I just made that up, but I think it’s true.) 🙂
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It is true.
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haha, it works.
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Made me a bit teary, Pam. I hope this is the way both of our mothers go.
And here’s to seeing what is often unseen!
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I pray that my mom sees the light in the brightest, most loving way possible. Knew you’d understand, Merril. ❤ to you and your mom.
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❤
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I second Merril’s comment, Pam.
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Yes, we are a coterie of daughters seeking the light for our moms, Jill. ❤
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This is absolutely beautiful! How many other “gifts” do we push out of our children unawares, I wonder?
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I wonder also, Elizabeth. May the children be strong enough to keep their gifts as long as possible, before the outside “real” world shadows the light. ❤
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Beautiful! Such tender awareness of the light that is always there. ❤
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Sometimes it seems easy to forget the light – writing about it helps let it shine through for me. Thank you, Louise!
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I observed this special vision with Aunt Ruthie. Her hearing remained sharp. She always “knew” and “saw” even when she didn’t. Here’s to the comfort and joy you bring us (and possibly yourself) with such poignant posts.
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Yes, Marian. From everything you’ve written about your amazing Aunt Ruthie, I can imagine her having the Sight, for sure.
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A beautiful story, Pamela. Charlie will carry on.
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To the Charlies in the world – may they learn to speak of the Light that so many seem unable to see.
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Here, here.
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Lovely, Pam.. ♥♥♥
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Thanks, Billy Ray. xo
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So sad to read…but hopeful for those who “see” the light. God Bless you…
________________________________
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Hopeful to all – just look out the window and give the Light a chance. ❤
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Beautiful story!
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Thank you, Robin. By the way, I contacted Dr. George and my book is on its way to her in TX. 🙂
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Wonderful!
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The children know. I too loved this story. Xo
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If only we learned to listen to “kids” more often, we could learn a lot. ❤
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Beautiful, there are tears in my eyes.
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Thanks for reading my “fictionalized” truth, Gerlinde. xo
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Holy crow, Pam. This gave me chills.
This is beautiful. Do submit it somewhere.
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Thanks, Mike. Not too many places like to publish stories regarding the spirituality of life, death, and the places in between. Thus, I’m so glad I have blogging buddies who are willing to read my flashes. ❤
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I’d think more than a few places would be interested in this one.
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Oh what a wonderful story. That is a precious memory.
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Thanks, Jacquie. Memories of things past, and things to come. ;-0
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Beautifully written Pam. To see through the eyes of a child.
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If only we adults tried to see through the eyes of our “childhood,” we’d understand so much more! ❤
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What a beautiful and touching story Pam. You have a gift. May we keep in touch with our inner sight and see those precious lights. Thanks for the tugs on my heart to start my birthday!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May you enjoy the celebration of your LIFE, and may the light keep you warm and loved throughout the rest of your years.
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Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes Pam!
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Happy Belated Birthday, Brad. ❤ ❤
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Thanks Diana. 🙂
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This was such a beautiful story, Pam. I adored it.
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Many thanks for sinking into my story of the Sight, whatever that may be for you and for each person who reads this post. ❤
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Sweet story.
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Thanks, Anneli.
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A beautiful story, Pam. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Thanks for enjoying my in-SIGHT-full article, Robbie. :-0 xo
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The wisdom and vision of children… great story, Pam!
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Children can “see” so much better than we! ;-0 ❤
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I wish I could see the unseen, but I’m afraid I don’t have the ability. Yet. Beautiful story, Pam.
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I’m glad you added “Yet” to your comment, Amy. The unseen can “show up” at any time. xo
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Blessed are those with “the sight” Pam, you definitely have it. Light and sight make us life worth living! Thanks for the enlightenment, sometimes we nudge it away but an accomplished wordsmith knows how to capture it. Well done!
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I think that’s the clue to why so many don’t see or believe in the “sight,” Balroop. The idea of en-LIGHT-enment is nudged away, and yet, how much difference it can make in our lives! Peace and blessings and thanks to you.
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There are those who always find that light and pass it on. You are one of those people ❤️
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❤
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Pam, your story is absolutely wonderful. It fills me with peace and I can
sense strong love and open spirit.
As Gertie found, the spirit is always within us when we shed the inconsequential. 💕
Miriam
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Isn’t it interesting how the “inconsequentials” take up so much of our lives, when really, they don’t matter. And they add shadows to the LIGHT. xo
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What a lovely and beautiful story. Well written, Pamela!
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Thank you for enjoying my SIGHT post, Miriam!
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You’re very welcome, Pamela!
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Beautiful, Pam…
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Thank you, Bette. xo
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One of your best EVER! 😀
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W O W. Methinks you’ve experienced the SIGHT, Nancy. xo
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A lovely story, Pam. Thank you.
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Thanks so much, Mary, for enjoying my post about The SIGHT. xo
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Here’s to holding on to our Truth, no matter what others do or say. A lovely glimpse into what’s possible. Thank you Pam.
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What a beautiful comment, Janet. Thank you. To the Truth and the LIGHT.
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As always, goosebumps and warmth. Great story, Pam.
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Goosebumps and warmth are a perfect combination for a story. Thank you, Barbara.
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I do believe that people experience unusual happenings at the end of their life. My dad saw things that we couldn’t see. He seemed happy and not bothered by these visions. We will only know what it’s like at the end of our lives. How you come to write these stories is amazing!!!
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Pingback: The Sight | John 4:48 NIV “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
Perfect, sweet and sad… I feel Grace’s presence all around me. We put her to sleep this morning at 11:36am. It’s been a horrible day and Wayne and I have cried a lot but I wouldn’t change a thing. I just wish I had more time with her. My life is better since Gracie entered and left… ❤
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Ohhhhh, Kim. My heart is bouncing around with love and sadness and gratefulness for your time with Grace. What a blessing you have been to each other. My tears are with yours, but my heart swells with the fact that people like you exist in this world.
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Thank you Pamela. That means a lot. We had her cremated. I will have her ashes returned in a beautiful wooden urn with a brass plate. It will read Gracie “God’s gift to all of us”
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Beautiful. xo
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A beautiful story Pam…especially for those of us a little closer to the “light”. I just wrote a blog post about a weekend with my grandsons…your story gives me hope that someday, they might see and remember my light especially about the times when we were together.
Happy Weekend my Friend.
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I have NO DOUBT that your light will shine within and around your grandsons during their entire lives! xo
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There is too much truth in this to be “just a story.” Children very often stop seeing because they are forced to look away. You are so on target with this ‘story’. I got lucky. I stopped seeing as much but still hear…if I listen. 🙂 I LOVED. this. Thank you.
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You are so right. There is more ‘truth’ than fiction in my post here. But it’s interesting how uncomfortable people can be, hearing about the things that are right in front of them (and to the side) , and yet still unseen (by them). May we learn to not stop children from seeing what we adults have covered up in ‘reality.’ I love reading that you “hear” things now. I need to attune myself more to that. Maybe you’ll write a blog post about it sometime! ❤
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I think I have. It would be under creative non-fiction. Still more to write. 🙂
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Wow, Pam. That’s so beautiful. I hope Charlie can keep his knowledge of the light longer than Gertie did but, as she realised, the light is always within us, we just need to acknowledge it. I’m sure my daughter was aware of the light, at least until she was seven. Interestingly enough, on the day that my Mum passed, she spent all afternoon looking towards the window as if waiting for someone to arrive. As soon as the day started to fade, she was gone. Your story had a very peaceful ethereal quality to it.
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Thanks for reading my SIGHT post and commenting about your daughter’s ability to see the light while a child. Yes, I love the fact that she kept looking toward the window the day your Mum passed. Children are often afraid to tell adults what they see, because they’re afraid they won’t be believed.
Hugs to you, Norah.
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And to you, Pam. BTW, I realise now my use of pronouns did not provide clarity. It was my Mum looking towards the window the day she passed.
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WOW!,,, had to wait a minute Pam for the tears to clear from my eyes, What a beautiful circle!.. such a lovely insightful read..
IF ONLY more would encourage ‘The Sight’ to blossom in our younger generation.. Maybe then there would be much more LIGHT shining through every window in every home..
Very poignant right now as our elderly neighbour passed as she wished in her own home on Friday..
Sending LOVE and Blessings Pam..
You are such a talented writer.. ❤
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I read your comment soon after you wrote it, Sue, and took it in with much love and thanks. Finally able to comment back. Thank you for understanding every nuance in this post. I have firm memories as a child of seeing things clearly, but being told that I couldn’t possibly see them. Finally, when we reach our pre-adolescence, most of us unfortunately believe what the “grown-ups” say. I listen very carefully to what my young grandchildren ‘see’ and say, and we make up wonderful fantastical stories based on their “sight.” It’s fun! Blessings to your neighbor – may she be surrounded now by the Light.
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Likewise as the child seeing, Our grandchildren’s imagination and’Sight seeing’, should be encouraged and strengthened.. Your Grandchildren are blessed in having you. ❤
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Beautiful, Pam. The circle of life, light, and sight!
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A beautiful circle indeed, Liesbet. xo
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Wow. So beautiful. Thank you so much
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Thank you for enjoying my in-SIGHT-ful post.
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Always a pleasure Pam 😊
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I see “the light” shining in between your words. Ahhh, the sadness of being conditioned into pre-approved cultural norms. Ahhhh, the joy when we can shake ourselves awake into the actuality of what’s actually here. xoxoxo
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So much easier, when we are a child, to NOT see the world through grown-up constraints. And so difficult for us, as grown ups, to see and understand as a child does. ❤
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I love your surprise endings, Pam! You spoil us.
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Thanks for reading and enjoying my SIGHT.
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Amazing story
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Thanks for visiting and enjoying my story about The SIGHT, Alison.
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Loved this Pam! I do hope Charlie realizes his power and hangs on to it tighter than his grandma. So glad she got to share with him before she left for the next world. ❤
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May we learn to listen to the “Charlie’s” of the world. The young ones who see what we are unable (or unwilling) to see. xo
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Amen. ❤
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Very special, Pamela. Beautifully written.
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Many thanks, Debra. xo
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This one crept up on me and squeezed …
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Yes, my writing paper was wet when my pen came to the end…
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I read this last night, Pam. Tears streaming down my face, I could not see the keys to type. Children lead a more unfiltered life than we do. They are closer to the before and the after. We have had a few surreal experiences with one of our granddaughters. She seems to pick up on a certain energy, light. You wrote the words “fictionalized truth” in a comment. Is this something you have experienced, or do you just know it to be true? A very beautiful story that reads like a poem. A poignant and timely story. My husband’s sister passed away two weeks ago and we are heading to her Celebration of Life. Our 1 year old grandson is named Charlie. Thank you. ❤️
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Oh my, we share so many ‘coincidences’ from this, Erica. Reading your comment gave ME goosebumps. Yes, this is fictionalized truth. The first part is my experience as a child – all real, but fictionalized from my adult memory. The second part, about elderly Gertie, I use my mom as a role model. (“Charlie” is my grandson – seen in the photo.) She is in deep dementia yet every once in a while she looks behind my shoulder and sees someone, like her sister (who has predeceased her). My mom’s memory is gone – she doesn’t remember me, even, and we’re very close, but every once in a while a spark lights in her eyes, and I know she’s in there, and she feels my love. I send you deep sympathy on the death of your sister-in-law. May her spirit always be felt within and around you. ❤
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What a beautiful post, Pam. It made me all teary, as you can imagine. I read through all the comments to see if your mom has passed on. My heart is with you either way and full of love. I’ve heard so many stories from children (and from adults recounting their childhoods) where spirit is something fully present. Colors, angels, music, strange rescues from harm, and whispered voices. It’s so sad that these experiences are dismissed as flights of imagination and that we learn to shut them down. Three cheers for Charlie for reminding Gertie that they are real. ❤
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Thank you for drinking in my post and understanding every liquid drop. I suppose I should have had a disclaimer or something at the end of it. My mom is still alive; I recently visited her and so saddened that her memory has lessened to the point of not knowing me at all. My past experiences merged into this post. My wish for her is to see the Light that will help her leave her world of darkness and shadows and find peace. Many thanks for your words of comfort; I hug them in, and send them back to you doubled. ❤
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Beautiful, Pam. To the light within ❤
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YES! And I know your light shines bright, Jane.
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That’s brilliant and beautiful Pam.
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Reblogged this on Back On The Rock and commented:
What a lovely piece of flash fiction by my author friend Pamela Wight.
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So nice of you to reblog this post, Roy. Wow, I’m honored!
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https://ashokwahi.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/sunshine-blogger-award/
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Pam, this is such a precious story that has touched me to the core … I feel slightly shaken! In such a short piece you traverse life, its passing, how we never really leave, the insight some have of us all, how this is passed on in the next generations. A humbling and poignant piece – and one I guess is partly based on events in your own life.
After reading the stories a few times, I was touched by all the wonderful and heartfelt comments – a compliment to you both as a writer and person. hugs xx ❤️
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I so appreciate readers’ comments on our posts, Annika, as I know you do. To think that our story, our muse, our creative thinking, touches others is an amazing gift. Your description of what you felt as you read this post made me think of Kate Atkinson’s masterpiece Life After Life. Not sure if you’ve read it, but it’s quite special. Many thanks for your praise – it means a lot. ❤
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I’ve actually got Life After Life on my kindle but never read it yet … thank you for the reminder! With such praise this will be a special book to read in the peace of Sweden! Xx
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Such a beautiful story. I loved the way it was told.
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Thank you, Kevin. I’m so glad you popped over here and read about the Sight.
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It was a pleasure, will pop back more often.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Kate. xo
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Beautifully written and deeply soulful!
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So glad we found each other’s blogs. Thank you for stopping by here, reading, and commenting. ❤
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Love this piece. I’ve always wondered if I have just the slightest ability with the sight.
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If you wonder, you do. Allow it in!
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Will do. If I have any ability–it’s definitely on the light side.
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Truly heartwarming! I’d love if you’d guest blog post for my site. if you’re so inclined, here’s a link to general guidelines:
https://happinessbetweentails.com/2018/01/29/got-1-to-3-great-photos-or-illustrations-an-article-300-words-or-less-that-youd-like-published-on-happiness-between-tails/
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I’d be honored to be a guest. Is this the blog post you’d like me to post? I’ll ‘talk’ on your link, also. 🙂
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