It was a dreamy evening, the other night…after dark…sitting on the deck, watching the lunar eclipse. It was called the blood moon. I learned, “a “Blood Moon” happens because the sunlight shining directly onto Earth passes through the atmosphere and is projected onto the moon–giving it a red tone during the eclipse.*” It was amazing to watch. I’ve always been fascinated by the moon……
This was happening after a long day. We had driven up north of Brainerd – and back home again – to attend my uncle’s memorial service.
Uncle Bob was 94 years old when he died, last December. I last saw him in August. He was in fairly good health (he drove us to his granddaughter’s cabin down the road a couple of miles), although his hearing had deteriorated a lot.
My uncle, my dad’s brother, was a kind and loving man. He was special to both Gary and I, and many others. His memorial service was well attended. They had a wonderful program and fun photos all around. During the luncheon afterwards, some of the grandchildren handed out a scrolled-up piece of paper with a ditty about…If you find a penny think of Bob. I dismissed it as cute…but not apropos.
Later, as I was sitting on the deck and going over the day’s events in my mind, I found myself lamenting the fact that I didn’t have an elder in my life to talk things over with anymore. I found myself talking to Uncle Bob a bit that night on the deck, in the dark, watching the moon disappear – and soon Gary came and joined me as we watched the lunar eclipse together.
When we went in for the night, I stepped into my closet for something and as I reached to turn out the light there was a penny on the closet floor. An unlikely place to find a penny.
It made me smile…
* NPR 05/16
Wow, that gave me chills Valerie! I often talk to family and friends who have passed. I really enjoy your posts!
Thanks Mary Jane.
I’ll be doing a lot more talking I think. 😉
Remarkable. Bob. Your love for him. The memorial service photo. And then finding that penny on your closet floor. What a gift, all of this, as you honor and celebrate your uncle.
You’re right, it was all a gift.
And it was all remarkable.
Thanks Audrey.
What a sweet story! I know he was precious to you. I love the photo of him in Norway! I’d like to see one of you in a similar setting! That would be so cool!
I’d like that too! Maybe I’ll have a chance for some good photos.
I do have one of me and a horse in a field in Norway…
I am sitting here smiling at this story. What a lovely experience for you to have. Our lives are full of delightful little treats like that. We just need to be paying attention. Thanks for sharing, Valerie!
I like your words “delightful little treats”. It is fun to notice them…