My Newest Guardian Angel

My Dad called today, and as soon as I heard his voice I knew that my grandmother Mimi had died. I had asked about her not even a week before, and he’d told me that even though her mind was slipping further and further from reality, her body was still very healthy. But she’d been on my mind all week, and I just had a feeling that she wasn’t long for this world.

My grandfather Papa (her husband) died about 9 years ago. Since his death, I often dream of him. Most of the time I know they’re just dreams, because he looks sickly or strange. But then there are the dreams that I know are something more.

One in particular stands out. Papa and I were sitting outside at a patio table, and on his face was that shit-eating grin that I remember so well. But y’all, he was glowing. Gorgeous white light surrounded him, and I was filled with so much joy and peace. When I woke up, I was overcome with emotion, knowing that it wasn’t just a dream. And since then, I’ve known that he’s always with me when I need him. And that brings me so much comfort.

But this week I had a dream in which a bunch of my family members came over for a fun get-together. I was a bit taken aback when my dead Aunt Carol walked in the door, but someone at the party told me that wasn’t Carol, that she just looked exactly like her. OK, no biggie, I thought.

Papa was there, and I recognized him as the real Papa and not just the dream version. I gave him a big hug, and I was very happy to be at this gathering with all of the folks. Mimi was there, which was unusual, because I don’t dream about her that often. But she was just as bright and vivid and happy as she always was (before she went into the nursing home), and so I didn’t think anything of it.

But now I recognize it for what it was, a preparation for today. They were letting me know that she’d be going soon, and that there were going to be lots of people there welcoming her, and celebrating her arrival.

Of course I’m sad. But when I think of my Mimi and Papa together again, and the utter joy they must have felt today upon being reunited, I feel that same joy, and I want to celebrate. And that’s precisely what I’m going to do.

I’ll be headed to Oklahoma City for the funeral, and I’m very excited to see all of the family that I’ve missed seeing for so many years. This is the family gathering from my dream. Mimi and Papa will be there, smiling down at the huge clan that the two of them created.

And the best part is that I have a new guardian angel.

Hi Mimi! It’s good to have you back. 🙂