Dear Rita,
I remember learning in school, that in some ancient societies when people died, they believed there were three heavens. One for the body, one for the soul and one for the personality. The body was taken care of by burying the people with their things. Worldly goods. The soul was thought to fly above and become part of what the person’s soul most dreamed of...and the personality? Well, that was up for interpretation.
I suppose your letter, particularly the part about Charlie under the mistletoe, made me think about this. You are still alive, Rita. And you can feel safe building a life around you that feels wonderfully solid—because all who know you, know that your Sal is the person who exists in the heaven for your soul. He’s with you. You will be with him again. But I have to believe that when we die, we are able to see things clearer. Free from all the burdens of what society thinks are right and wrong.
Are you pure of heart? Of course you are!
Finally, I think I can say the same of myself. Sometimes, Robbie asks for Levi. He’s clever, though. Like his father. He only asks me. He only asks in a whisper. “Where is Levi?”
And I tell him, “Levi was here to help us when we were so, so worried about Daddy. He was our war angel. Now he’s gone to have his own wife and maybe his very own little boy someday.”
My son seems to accept that. And I accept it, too. Even though I know it’s far too simplistic a way to explain what really happened here, time lets us lie a little to ourselves. Time does indeed heal.
Our holidays were lovely. And thank you so, so much for the Christmas package. It arrived on New Year’s Day and the children had another Christmas. What a gift, truly.
On New Year’s Eve, I must admit... I had a moment. Thinking about all that has transpired in the course of one small year. It takes my breath away.
And you. Helping those lost souls. I can only hope Sal and Robert found the same kindness when they were overseas.
Happy New Year, my friend.
Love,
Glory
P.S. Can we begin to plan our meeting? I find myself daydreaming of it all the time.