A Proper

Yesterday I said a belated goodbye

It has been two years since my younger sister took her last trip.

Mary Elizabeth’s ticket was stamped by Covid and she had no time to pack.

Covid had covered most of our country like a tight corset restricting movement and travel.

Consequently none of the normal formalities of death were observed when she boarded the ferry crossing the River Styx.

However, I must confess neither my husband and I ever believed in the traditional manner of grieving.

Or so I thought!

Not long afterwards, David Ray, also quietly departed our world. David left firmly believing he would rejoin his wife who was also my sister. Before embarking he bequeathed his final painting to me.

Although delighted I was also dubious when I learned that the beautiful canvas was huge. My current residence is quite small.

Still I knew the unexpected gift was a treasure. Immediately after its arrival, I arranged to have it stretched and framed.

Yesterday David’s final painting was hung in my apartment,

I knew instantly why it was mine.

I also knew exactly what I needed; the crumpled recipe for my sister’s favorite apple cake.

It didn’t take long for me to find it hidden in the top drawer of my blue desk.

Soon the familiar and comforting odor of cinnamon and sugar flooded the small apartment.

And as the cake continued baking. I quickly dispatched several emails inviting other pilgrims to join me for apple cake and coffee.

I did not reveal the invitation included a memory of David and Mary Elizabeth along with the yesterdays of my life.

However it did, and I admit the time shared with coffee, apple cake and kindred souls was not a traditional goodbye to a loved one.

However I choose to believe both Mary and David understand.

Because sometimes, it takes a long time to say goodbye properly.

However, A beautiful painting showed me how to do it.