Yesterday, Joey asked me: "When I'm daddy's age, will daddy still be alive?" I gave it some thought. John was 33 when Joey was born so when our 7-year-old is 40, like his daddy, John will be 73.
I don't really know if he'll be alive then—who can tell what might happen in a span of so many years—but I sure am counting on John being around, so I said: "Yep, he'll still be alive."
"So, I've got like a million years to spend with him then, right?" replied Joey.
"You've got lots of time," I assured him. And then he told me about his grand dream.
"I wish I could do magic and make everyone I know who is dead come back to life," Joey told me. "Then they would never die again, and I would get to see them. But if they wanted to go back to being dead, I'd let them go back. You know who would definitely want to go back?"
"Who?" I asked.
"Riley, because Riley never really liked kids." Riley was my mom's dog. He died several years ago. Joey is right—Riley didn’t seem to like kids.
I like Joey's dream. I like that he'd get to see his great grandma again—he only knew her for a short two and a half years. He'd get to meet John's dad too, his grandfather who died two years before he was born. And yes, he could see Riley again. Maybe Riley would like Joey better, now that he's a bigger guy.
Such a simple idea—just bring back the people we miss and keep them alive forever, unless they want to go back—from a simple little boy who has no idea just how complicated life can be, a little boy who just wants to spend time with the people who belong to him, forever. I like how he thinks.
Photo: Joey, a million years ago.
Hey, Jackie. I tried to find an email for you but couldn’t, so I apologize for contacting you in your comments! I just wanted to tell you that I came across your blog today and have really enjoyed your thoughtful insights and the way you share your stories, experiences and struggles (not to mention your fabulous new tummy!! WOW you look amazing!!!)
I was born in Gainesville and lived there my entire life until I graduated from GHS in 2000 and moved down to Orlando to attend college at UCF. Since graduating, I’ve been working for The Asbetos and Mesothelioma Center, an organization that provides free counseling and services to individuals affected by asbestos-related cancers (most people don’t know but it affects a lot of people!)
I do a lot of research for cancer sites but also find myself spending time on Breast Cancer blogs, as my Mom’s best friend for over 50 years was recently diagnosed (which is how I found you!). I am actually writing to ask a favor of you… although my organization’s site is not related directly to breast cancer, we have tons of information regarding the latest medical breakthroughs in cancer treatments, alternative healing, and other valuable information (all overseen by a medical doctor and HON certified.) I was wondering if you might be willing to include a link to my site and some information about The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center in a post on your blog? We are a very small (10 person) operation, but the Internet has been wonderful for us as a means to promote our free information and services. We’ve been very fortunate to have the support of bloggers, safety organizations, and cancer sites all over the Web and, if you are comfortable sharing my information with your visitors, I’d be really grateful to have your support too!
Again, I’m sorry to reach you through your comment box! Please email me or call me if you think you might be able to help me out or if you would just like some additional information. My number is 321-303-6511 and my email is Kaylen@asbestos.com (Oh and my name is Kaylen, by the way
I wish you continued success and wellness and thanks for brightening the days of others with your great blog!! Hope to hear from you soon!
just stopped by and was reading your blog. I am sure alot of people who stop by and vist are helped alot by it. I wanted to share with you a book that I thought might be on interest to you or some of those who read your blog. It is called “Dance in the Rain: His Joy Comes in the Mourning. ” It is a journal and bible study on death and dying, and allows the reader to personalize their journey, either in facing death or dealing with the loss of someone already.
It can be found at:
barnesandnoble.com
amazon.com
tatepublishing.com
It was written by Angela A. Dockter-Harris.
I hope you take a look at it and are touched.
Blessings.