James
Memories
A year has gone by, but the events of last New Years are still a vibrant memory in my mind. The conversation I had with James the night before he died has gotten me through the time without him, and Gregory and my Mom have been my support system. When I look back on my last visit with him, I feel ridiculous for not realizing that James knew he was dying. I sensed there was something more he wanted to say to me, and I wish I would have acted on my thoughts.
“‘Just… please know that I’ll be around to help you when you need it, okay? Talk to me whenever you have a problem.’”
I wrote down the last of his words in my diary. I didn’t want to forget them too quickly. I finished the entry off with a short note to him:
...I’m taking you up on that request now, big brother. Wherever you are, I need your help. Life’s been rough without you, and I miss you. If you’re always here, I just want to know if you’re with me...
I finished the journal entry and decided to walk around the town for a little while. Before I knew it, I was at my old elementary school staring through the gate while the children played on the playground. I looked closer and noticed two things, or rather, two people. As I watched the two children, I didn’t’ know whether to laugh or cry. There, off to one side, was a little boy with a shovel and a girl with an open napkin. The boy was digging up worms.
“‘Just… please know that I’ll be around to help you when you need it, okay? Talk to me whenever you have a problem.’”
I wrote down the last of his words in my diary. I didn’t want to forget them too quickly. I finished the entry off with a short note to him:
...I’m taking you up on that request now, big brother. Wherever you are, I need your help. Life’s been rough without you, and I miss you. If you’re always here, I just want to know if you’re with me...
I finished the journal entry and decided to walk around the town for a little while. Before I knew it, I was at my old elementary school staring through the gate while the children played on the playground. I looked closer and noticed two things, or rather, two people. As I watched the two children, I didn’t’ know whether to laugh or cry. There, off to one side, was a little boy with a shovel and a girl with an open napkin. The boy was digging up worms.