Some of you may remember reading a post in the Marmelade Gypsy about the death
of my friend, Mike Lewis, in late January. Mike was one of these people that everyone loved.
At his memorial, everyone had a story to share -- it was the
sort of thing that when one left, those who knew him
less than others did wish they'd known him more.
I've thought of Mike off and on in this interim -- his birthday popped
upon Facebook and -- because I think we all miss him
and know how much he loved birthdays -- wrote wonderful things on his wall.
When I posted a photo from an event that I'd put up
before and that he'd "liked," his name showed up again.
Mike was a large man, his girth matched only by the size of his heart.
We'd had many discussions over the years about weight.
He'd tried lots of things without success. I suspect he felt -- as I -- that when one carries the
extra weight, doing the exercise that so helps is
all the more difficult, painful even. So, it doesn't happen.
But there was always his vision -- not to be skinny, but just to be "less"
and certainly more healthy. It's a dream we shared. When his heart gave out,
it's more than likely his weight was a factor and it certainly was a wake-up call for me.
The other night I woke up with a start. I had seen Mike Lewis. I don't often remember dreams,
just bits and pieces that make no sense in the clear light of day.
But this dream was so intense, so real, I was almost surprised
to find myself awake and in bed, Lizzie curled up at my feet.
Mike opened a door and stood in the doorway. He didn't say a word,
but I looked at him -- surprised that he was there.
And the thing is, he looked just like he always wanted to look.
He was trimmed down, casually but nicely dressed. Yes. Just like he always wanted to look.
"How are you?" I asked, delighted to see him.
"I'm. Just. Great." Three words. Deliberately spaced for emphasis.
And he smiled and slipped out the door.
And I woke up.
I've thought about this a lot in the days since and have shared it with only a
few people, including my wonderful massage therapist, Sarah.
She said what I had thought but really hadn't dared to say aloud.
"He's sending you a message," she said. "That he's all right."
I think she's right. I'm not the only person who has thought of Mike in recent days.
Far from it. And as Sarah said, "Don't you think the other people who
cared about him would like to know that?"
And so I write. And maybe it was just a dream. Maybe it was something funky I had for dinner.
But I don't think so.
I needed to know Mike was OK -- and I think now, I do.
Here's to you, Mike. And thanks for stopping by.
27 comments:
Wow. This post brought tears to my eyes. What a gift to have him visit you in your dream. I agree with your massage therapist that this was his way of telling you he is alright. It's always tough to lose a loved one but even more difficult when they are yanked from your life so abruptly that you don't get a chance to say goodbye to them. So what a gift to have a glimpse of Mike like that and to have some reassurance that he is OK.
I think your dream was a gift from Mike. Enjoy and appreciate all the comfort it gave you. Maybe he chose you knowing you would be open to his message.
How wonderful to feel the comfort of his dream visit.
Aww this did touch me . Conformation that things are well with Mike , I would ay indeed.
This brought tears to my eyes. I remember your post about Mike. I agree that he was letting you know he was OK. After my dad died, I was very angry and bitter. I had a dream where I saw him, and he had dark hair--as he did when he was young--and looked so good. I said, Long time no see. REAL long time no see. He didn't say anything and then I woke up. But I felt comforted. I hope you feel that same comfort.
It's nice when they show up in our dreams. I hope it comforted you. I remember when you wrote about Mike. It's so hard to lose a great friend.
I'm so glad you were able to see Mike again. What comfort those night time sightings and visits bring us. I'm always surprised to see Julie in my dreams. She always brings me insight and a glimpse of joy because I saw her again. I think that is what Mike did for you too.
This reminds me of the union song:
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night
Alive as you or me
Says I, But Joe, you're ten years dead
I never died, says he
I never died, says he
The point of that song is that Joe Hill lived on because his work, influence, and ideals lived on.
Same here.
I really believe that Mike's visit was real -- to reassure and comfort you. How wonderful that he looked as he would have wished to look. When I was grieving for my mother, several years after her sudden death, I had a very vivid dream where she told me that if I truly loved her, I would let her go. I woke up with tears running down my cheeks, but it was a turning point. I hope that Mike's visit is similarly healing for you.
Dear Jeanie,
I hope Mike's visit in your dream gave you comfort. I remember very well the post you had for Mike.
I am sure he watches over you.
Thank you so much dear friend for your constant encouragement and kind thoughts.. I am so happy you enjoyed Bernard.
blessings,
Penny
Lovely, and sweet; I'm so glad this vision came to you.
Dear Jeanie...I had a similar dream after my mother passed away. It was SO similar to what you are sharing here. I do remember my dreams very well, but THIS ONE was so intense that to this day, 30 years later, I can still see the colors in the dream. In this dream, I was sitting at my desk at the office where I worked. I saw my mother walk by through the glass window separating my office from the corridor. She passed by, looking at me, smiling.
I ran out to follow her to the elevator in which she entered. Not entering into the elevator, but rather standing on the "other side", I reached out my hand to her and joyfully (I can remember the feeling of elation) said, "MOMMA!" She looked beautiful, cancer-free with all her hair. She smiled like she did when she was young and looked at me with an intense love and joy. Then, the elevator doors slapped shut, AND I WOKE UP.
Love even comes to us in our dreams.
Thank you for sharing Mike with us along with the wonderful touch of spirit you experienced with him...
I truly believe it was much more than a "dream" ♥
oxo
It is sad when loved ones pass away.
It is so wonderful that Mike was able to tell you he is okay. He came to you while you were in a dreaming place, but it was real.
What a beautiful post, Jeanie, and what a wonderful dream to have had. So very comforting for you and those who love Mike. Thank you so much for sharing. Love and hugs!
Oh, Jeanie... how wonderful this visit you had from Mike! :o) Our loved ones do come back to let us know they are OK. And in that way, we feel OK too. It's a beautiful thing. I've experience such visitation many times. It's lovely having this happen rather soon after someone we love/care for passes--it helps to know they are all right. Then we can experience peace in that... I quite agree with Mae's comment above--spirits live on. :o) ((HUGS))
sweet:)
the power of dreaming!
-Jennifer
I love this so much. Thanks for sharing this more widely. XOXOX
Since others have recounted their "visits" from dear ones, I'd like to add mine.
In the dream, I am walking down a corridor in a large building. A handsome man is walking toward me. I realize it's my Dad and give him a big smile. He walks right past me --what?!-- and I turn in dismay, only to see him grinning at me like, "Ha ha, gotcha sweetie!"
Thank you for sharing. I put a post on Michael's FB page on 4/24. For some reason he was just ever present on my mind.... Your post and dream provide great comfort. I believe, like others that Michael wanted all of us to know that he is doing GREAT! And from his presence to you in his dreams, to your words in this blog--let the healing begin. Miss you Michael.
Clem Town, Baby!
I remember your touching post when he died. I'm not at all surprised by your dream. A dear friend, Charlotte, whose poem I included in that volume Diana edited, came to visit me in a dream one night, years after her death. I've still got that as a piece to be written. It was such a remarkable experience, and so comforting.
There's no doubt in my mind that Mike came to reassure you. As Horatio found out, there truly is more in heaven and earth than is dreamt of in our philosophies.
Oh Jeanie, What a gift your friend Mike gave you. You are so very fortunate.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your kind words. Have a lovely day.
From what you have said about Mike, I think that if anyone would want to comfort his friends, he'd be the person. If anyone would want to let people know he was all right, he'd be the person who would work to get that message across.
Thank you for sharing him with those of us who weren't lucky enough to know him in person.
I loved this, Jeanie. To see a friend or departed loved one in a dream is a gift. I think Mike gave you a special present.
That's a lovely dream and certainly a message of encouragement. It's our wedding anniversary today and I was thinking that two of the people there are no longer w/ us. Bittersweet memories.
I am a bit late in seeing this, and I just wanted to thank you for sharing it with us.
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