This happened the other night. I am still trying to figure out what happened or who it was. I know the figure was as tall as my oldest son. I thought it was one of my lost twin daughters. Whether real or not, it's fun to dream and hope that the people you love are somehow a part of you, even when they are gone. I just wanted to write about it.
One of the great things about acting is that I could be someone else briefly. And if you don't act, we can get lost in the movie. I could be Jack on the Titanic (but stay alive in the end) or a goofy anchorman in a San Diego news television studio who can play the wicked jazz flute or pick a Star Wars character, any character, and forget about life for a while. And if movies aren't your thing, being a police officer allows having many careers encapsulated in one. Vice, K9, marine unit, aviation unit, and detective. It's endless.
I never became an actor, although I tried, and I have done one or 2 cool things as a police officer. Since I'm not an actor, I tend to get lost in my dreams. After all, dreams are windows of opportunities that can inspire you to chase them or encourage you to get lost in them, and you may be living your dream.
One night, tired and exhausted, I wobbly walked to my bedroom. I was in a daze. The sleeping aid was doing its job by sending me into the deep sleep I longed for. I made my way toward my bed and rested my weary body on my soft yet firm mattress. I fell asleep quickly.
I didn't check the time when I went to bed. But when I woke up, I knew it was still in the middle of the night. I sat up, but I was still lightheaded. I looked around my room. The faint light of the clock and Wi-Fi lights illuminated the otherwise dark room with green hues. My eyes focused on a small figure standing in my open doorway.
"Nico?" I asked.
The person didn't say anything in response.
"Christopher, is that you?"
Still waiting for a response from whoever the person was.
"Do you want to lay in bed with me?" I figured it was one of my kids having a restless night's sleep.
"Come on," I said, waving my arms.
The figure slowly walked toward me. Then sped up the pace. I leaned over the side of the bed and reached out for him. He ran into my waiting arms. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him in, hugging him. But whatever it was vanished. The green light in my room highlighted the vanishing soul leaving in all directions of the room. I fell back into my pillow and rolled over. I was still so very tired. I rolled onto my left side and closed my eyes. I felt warmth settle into my body, which gave me a slight chill. I shivered but felt relief.
I went back to sleep. When I opened my eyes again, the light from the sun had brightened my room. I lay in bed wondering if what happened that night was just a dream, reality, or a fabulous acting job from me. I concluded that I didn't care what it was. I enjoyed the peace it brought me. I only hope I can get lost in whatever it was again.
588 words
Christopher,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blogs since you first began. As I read this tonight, I am moved to write and tell you that I believe 100 percent that you had the gift of having Sophia or Gabriella; or perhaps both as one, run to you. I believe with all of my heart that the energy never leaves completely but I believe that souls that are open and looking are the ones that see. I always wish you and your lovely boys the best. I have always been touched by your literary ability to convey the tough stuff, the sad, the funny in a way that I am moved by your stories. Your candor is refreshing. I admire you and applaud you. My eyes filled with tears when I read this story. It is a precious and beautiful gift for a beautiful and giving father.
Take care and keep writing. It is medicine for your soul and a gift to Mimi and your children.
I believe she knows. <3
Thank you Reneta I appreciate all those kind words it meant a lot! - cf
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