The weather the Philadelphia region is pretty lousy at the moment. However, instead of staying safely tucked in at home, Scott and I drove to Harrisburg earlier today (moving slowly and deliberately over wet and sometimes icy roads). I’m doing a handful of canning demos at the Pennsylvania Farm Show tomorrow and Tuesday in conjunction with Fillmore Container and Scott came with me to help haul and sell books. Neither of us have ever been to the Farm Show, so we’re curious to see what we’re in for tomorrow morning.
* * * * * * *
Back in October, my Uncle Wallace died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack. He was my mom’s older brother and he is greatly missed. I’ve not been able to participate in any of the memorial events for him, as they’ve been all held around his home in Hawaii. However, I had a dream last night that very much felt like a gift of a goodbye.
In it, I was standing at a concert or gathering of some kind, talking to a my friend Harfijah (who I don’t think I’ve seen since her wedding 9 1/2 years ago). As we stood there talking, I looked up and Uncle Wallace was standing off to the right, smiling widely at me.
I stopped the conversation by saying, “Excuse me, but my Uncle Wallace is standing over there. He died recently, so I don’t want to miss an opportunity to see him. I’ll be right back.”
I walked over, he opened his arms, and we had a long, loving hug. There was some good, joy-filled eye contact, but no words. Then it was over and he was gone.
There was nothing weird about it. It felt totally normal to see him, though in the dream, I knew the opportunity was fleeting.
It was such a rare and lovely chance to get to say farewell like that.
What a gift you were given to say goodbye to your Uncle like that. Thank you for sharing.
I am so sorry about your Uncle Wallace. Please accept my condolences.
You will LOVELOVELOVE the Farm Show! It is awesome. We almost went on Saturday, but I have a bum knee and can’t walk that much. 🙁 Very sad. Wanted to see Nadia G from Bitchin’ Kitchen. It is amazing and I recommend it to everyone, not just farm friends I have.
Thanks so much for resurrecting this blog! I love reading about your thoughts and escapades.
Thank you so much, Rose.
And I hear Nadia G. was super fun yesterday! We hunkered down in the hotel room last night to avoid slippery roads, so I missed it as well.
I second the thanks for coming back to personal blogging. Followed you and Scott for a lot time, but always preferred your writing. 🙂
I love those fleeting dreams. My dad passed away 4 years ago, and every time he pops up in a dream, my brain goes “he’s here, better get my dad hugs while I can.” And then I chastise the dream family for ignoring him and not treating it as momentous that he’s returned to us from beyond if only for a short while.
Thank you, Lisa! That’s so nice of you to say!
And what a gift it must be to get those hugs from your dad in your dreams.
I’ve had a few of those dream experiences and I rarely share them – I’m always convinced people will think I’m slightly nuts. I find I have those dreams particularly when I’m going through difficult times – a few years ago I went through some scary health issues and it seemed everyone I had been close to in my life that has passed on came back to comfort me.
What a wonderful thing that your family and friends came to visit in your dreams when you were struggling.