Special Angel

[rustybroadspear]

Special Angel


In remission, feeling OK, out of the oxygen tent.
Mum was at work, so Dad paid a visit.
Robert, eight years old, asked Dad to hold him.
Dad was overcome to see him so much better.

Robert held tightly around Dad’s neck,
His pyjama legs encircled Dad’s waist.
He kissed Dad, then buried his face between neck and shoulder.
Peripheral sights and sounds in the ward
Rapidly panned out into the distance.
Streaks of morning sunlight through the third floor window
Held them both in the stillness of the moment.

Dad whispered to Robert how much we all loved him
And how we all wanted him home as soon as possible.
He told him how much his younger brother needed him.
Robert lifted his head and was face to face, up close, with Dad.
Robert’s brown eyes shone, deeply, spiritually,
Boring to the very centre of Dad’s soul.

Tell everyone not to be sad for me Dad.
Jesus came to me last night and said He needs me,
And not to be afraid. Tell everyone how much I love them,
And that I will be watching over you all.

A pigeon landed on the window sill
Head cocked to one side then the other,
As if listening and waiting.
A nurse passed by and silently mouthed to Dad
- Is Robert alright? –
Dad nodded and she left.

I think Jesus wants me to be a special Angel.

Robert hugged Dad, closely
And once again buried his face into Dad’s shoulder.
Dad rocked gently side to side
Rubbing gently on Robert’s back and stroking his hair.

Tears fell onto Robert’s pyjamas,
Dad knew Robert had passed over
Into a heavenly world of light.

The pigeon pecked twice on the window pane,
Ruffled it’s feathers and flew towards the Sun.

[rrw]

Rusty, like your storytelling structure. Works well... nice flavors here and there. Good work overall.

[purplespirit]

This is so beautiful and despite the sad story it conveys so very much trust in our fate which is guided and watched over from above. A sensitive and emotional work Rusty, thank you. Ulla xx

[michaelgallatin]

After spending so many years in Social Work and Health Care plus having three children of my own and two grandsons, I feel that the loss of a child is the worst pain any parent can experience. But you gave a spiritually to this sad event that lessened the pain to a degree. Sadness was still present but so was acceptance, gentleness and an awful lot of love. Brilliantly done!

Take care,
Mike