Knocking On Heavens Door

Despite the delightful crisp Spring freshness that pervaded the air, there was a sad whisper amongst birds this morning. Even the leaves refrained from crackling in the wind....they slowly swayed as if being dragged.

  The passing of the Pope, and Terri have blanketed the news......and I knew too well, there were others this week...many, many others. "My" I muttered ...."it must be a busy day at Heavens door.".......   My mind took a momentary but horrible view of the many that I may have yet to mourn. I prayed for mercy.

   I could do nothing but fill my day with mindless chores. Rake leaves, clean the pool filter, wash the car and the dogs, organize the laundry area, ...........  dusk was approaching, and I applauded my small but neccessary accomplishments. "It's been a good day, afterall" I thought. As I was reeling the hose back on its rack ,my son came from the house with the phone in his hand..."for you" he said.  It was a woman from work......she was calling to tell me that my dear friend and co worker of 22 years had just passed away from a heart attack. He was 49.  We were like brothers. Because we argued so often, many thought we were husband and wife.

     22 years ago he came here from Turkey.....spoke no English . He was a hard worker, fast learner...we hit  it off immediately. I taught him the trade..and he progressed...He followed my every move...he heard my deepest woes, he shared in my greatest joys. We shared our lunches.....the holiday meals from our homes... I would interpret and explain matters and customs of this land that was so strange to him.. His greatest desire, was to save enough airfare to vist Turkey so he could visit his daughter..It was a lousey economy and the shifting of American manufacturing to overseas that stunted his plans.

      I am still in shock....the shock prevents the sadness from entering and shutting me down. More pain will set in as I will have to tell his co workers in the morning , that he is no longer with us.

    I am glad to say he put his heart to good use...he loved and cared for so many...always willing to please....He never liked waiting on lines (he died while waiting on line at Home Depot)....Richard,....I can tell, the line at Heavens Door is long.....you will be in excellent company.....I miss you already.....your "brother" Marc