Heaven Calling

I woke up at 5:30 the other morning and two words came to mind. Those words were "conch chowder." I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and ran my hands through my short hair that stood up like a Halloween cat. I thought of the dream again and then the message came through clear as a bell. The conch chowder was enjoyed in the Bahamas when my friend Tamera Sue and I visited my Aunt Darlene. She had invited us to the island and wanted to share her favorite things with us. There was the beautiful turquoise water, the wonderful outdoor shopping kiosks, the fabulous hotel. There was room service, exotic coffee, beautiful jewelry, and a cafe next door that served conch chowder. My friend and I said no thanks, but Aunt Darlene insisted. Because she was such a lovely hostess and her eyes danced while pleading with us, we said yes. It was like seafood chowder, rich, yummy and full of pieces of conch meat. Now think of a large conch shell at the beach, or one in a local souvenir store. Inside that shell is the meat that makes the chowder. I have not thought of that meal for over 12 years, but the dream said it all.

Later that same day I was in Target and I looked up to see a tall, attractive woman with platinum blonde hair. Her posture was excellent, her smile was wide, and she looked too darn sophisticated to shop at this location. Her eyes were dancing and she reminded me oh-so-much of my Aunt Darlene.

Later that same night I was watching a reality TV show (Say Yes to the Dress) when I heard one of the ladies in the wedding party was Aunt Darlene. Oh yes. Now I get it. Oh yes. Now I see.

My aunt passed away last October due to brain cancer. I think of her each day when I say my prayers and believe she's in Heaven sitting with her Mama, Daddy and big sister Delores. On her lap is her beloved dog Maxx. I have that picture in my mind and no one will change my view.

But now I know, now I believe that there is life after death. The body is laid to rest, but the soul is free. She is with me, with us, in spirit and I enjoy knowing that she's thinking of me too. Call me an old fool, but I don't believe in coincidences and Aunt Dar spoke to me in her own way just the other day.