27 Years

It was around this time 27 years ago that I last heard your voice.

A quick phone call to let you know that I was taking the kids to Key’s Stadium to watch a baseball game that evening.

Your plans were going to dinner with Aunt Mary and Pop.

The last thing you said was that we would talk later that night like we had done almost every night since I can remember.

We each said “I love you” before hanging up.

I never did get to say goodbye to Pop.

The boys had been chosen to compete in a competition for fun while the team took a break.

We were all excited and they couldn’t wait to get on the field.

Over the intercom I heard my name asking me to meet someone in the parking lot.

I don’t know why but my blood turned to ice.

When I walked out into the lot I saw you and mom waiting for me and I knew if you they were there together the news wouldn’t be good.

The only thing that dad could say was that you and Pop were gone. I stared blankly at him. There was nothing I could think of to say. My world was collapsing. I couldn’t breathe.

Mom told she was going to get the kids. I was going with dad and his brother-in-law. We would meet at the house where mom and I lived.

Mom told me that at the kids were silent for a mile or two after leaving the stadium.

Suddenly my oldest son threw himself between the front seats begging mom to take them to the hospital. “They can’t be dead, Granma,” he yelled at her.

The car with my dad was silent. I asked no questions and dad offered no explanations. We were both lost in our own thoughts.

In a flash I saw you and Pop sitting on a cloud. You were bitching at him, like you were prone to do. “You couldn’t have waited one more minute could you?”

I began to laugh.

Dad turned around and looked at me like he thought I was losing my mind.

I told him what I had just envisioned, and he actually smiled. He could see it too.

The following weeks were complete chaos. Since Aunt Mary hadn’t survived either the family had two viewings and two graveside services to get through.

Somehow everything fell into place. When the chaos was over the family started the process of healing.

I know that you and Pop are watching right now. Reading this words as I type them.

Just know that we all love and miss you both. The hole inside of each of us will always be empty until we’re all together again.

29 May 2024 (1:30 PM)