Bobby's Farewell

Submitted by Vickie Gagnon

When I was in my twenties and a senior in High School, one of my brothers got killed while riding his motorcycle. It was hard for me, because he and I had gotten into an argument the night before and I felt awful about his going away before I could say I was sorry. During the following days and hours, we all experienced trying to come to terms with his loss.

One night I was listening to music on some audio tapes I had recorded. Then all at once I heard Bobby start talking. The mike had picked him up clearly. I listened to the silly argument between us and began to cry saying, "I'm sorry! I love you!" I went to bed and cried myself to sleep.

The next morning an early thunderstorm woke me. I could hear the rain on the house, smell it, but was still somewhere between awake and asleep. At that moment, I heard someone in the room. Someone came to the bed, leaned over and kissed my cheek then moved away. I managed to open my eyes in time to see Bobby, wearing his favorite jacket and boots walking away down the hall. I could actually hear his steps. I jumped out of bed and ran to my door in time to see him fade away very quickly. I realized that he had heard me and the kiss was his way of saying, "It's OK sis, I love you too."

He remained with us for some time. Mom woke from a nap to see him standing beside her. Al, the next brother, said he kept seeing him in Mom and Dad's room. My sister said he rode to work with her once. In the months following his death, his Spirit came several times to comfort us. Then he slowly left us.

Sometimes, in the loss of someone dear, they remain for a while to reassure and soothe. I can honestly say that the period of haunting we experienced was one of those.