I saw my old, sweet friend, Richard, last night in a dream. His birthday is next Saturday. He’d be 61 except that he’s been gone for 27 years.
I see Richard in my dreams regularly. Of course, it can never be enough. Often, he’s the age when he died. Occasionally, he’s the age he’d be now which is entertaining. How would I know what he’d look like? Our minds are incredibly inventive.
Last night, he was a young but modern Richard. He was mostly bald but vigorous. He was hip in a way I’d never seen him. He was still his gentle self with a sparkling smile. In the dream, Ronnie and I went to visit him annually for a week. I was painfully aware the week would zip by too soon and I’d have to say goodbye. Even in my dreams, saying goodbye to Richard is too soon. Something happened in the dream to cut our visit short. I was doubly sad knowing I’d have to wait another year for our visit.
The dream was complicated as always. After leaving Richard, more drama elements appeared involving my mother and a young girl. In the last section, I was told there was an impromptu party on our dock on the lake. I looked out the window to see my friend, Anu, with several others.
I yelled out to Anu, “Wait for me. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” By the time I got down there, I was able to hug Anu before she had to leave.
My friend, Anu, has elements of Richard. She’s gentle and loving. My fondness for her is immense. Unlike him, she has an underlying fierce strength. One may think she can be bullied but they’d be wrong. Perhaps, Richard would have honed such a skill had he lived.
The point here is there are always those in our lives to notice and love dearly. The loving and noticing part is key. Anyone can pass at any time. I don’t want to be appreciating their presence only in my dreams. Also, Anu’s birthday is on Thursday. I won’t miss it.
To Life.
Joceile
7.10.21
[Picture of Anu in jeans jacket and Indian dress at our office. 2019]
My Richard story is at https://joceile7.blogspot.com/2018/07/rice-braden.html
