In my 42 years, I've experienced the loss of family and friends and I've also experienced things that can't be explained. Things that I like to think are signs that they are still hanging around, still involved in my life. Often, these signs come just when I need them, often during moments of utter despair. My brother is famous for sending me signs. Typically, it's the song "Free Falling" and just like magic, when I need a pick me up, it comes on the radio. When Emily was contemplating getting a tattoo (and in the car headed to the tattoo parlor) to honor her Uncle Bumper, Free Falling comes on the radio. Every September 11th and November 1st at some point, I know I will either hear John Mayer or Tom Petty singing our song.
This past week, as Trouper and I flew home to say goodbye to our favorite little guy Jackson, we were marveling at the beautiful cloud formations. Then, Trouper spotted an elephant cloud, complete with a curled trunk and big, floppy ears. It was precious, but didn't really mean too much until on Saturday, when my sister mentioned (without knowing we had seen the elephant cloud) that elephants had become Jackson's theme. People had sent them stuffed elephants, picture frames with elephants, flower arrangements with elephants and a host of other things. It hit Trouper and I at the same time, our baby Jackson was sending a sign, a sign letting us know he will always be near us, watching and waiting until we are all together again. We both cried at the sweet reminder that life is precious and often, way too short. It reminded me of my favorite, silly 'ole Bear, Pooh: "If ever there comes a day that we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I will stay there forever"
No need to worry baby Jax, you will be in my heart until I take my last breath, and then, we will be together forever!
