Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds
An image in a mirror
I had a rare glimpse of a long lost friend in a side view mirror this morning.
Although deceased several years ago, I have vivid memories of her. It was just a split second as I pulled up to the stop light the driver glanced back and our eyes met. I could have sworn it was Linda Ady. Fond memories rushed back as the car in front of me turned right and pulled away.
Completely caffeinated, (I wonder if it had anything to do with it?) I felt a sea of emotions of highs and lows, culminating in sorrow for the loss of such a cool person in my life. The facial recognition program running idly in my head instantly kicked into full gear and tricked me good this time.
At the moment of recognition, the memories blossomed and I instinctively wanted to catch up with her, I refrained but my mind was racing, multitasking, the synapses were firing on all cylinders. A PET scan at that second would have lit up!
Rushing About
I felt myself rushing back in time to those favorite fun times we had, then another memory, and another, I was on a roll. It was the good old days of EMS (Emergency Medical System) in Idaho, the early ’80’s, I was just a kid. She was the matriarch of the state wide EMS system with a cast of men like Gary Trimble, Bruce Fewkes, Ray York, and many others that were movers and shakers. We were at the epicenter of pioneering and figuring things out, creating a world class EMS system on the fly, desperately reaching for the shirt tails of Paul Anderson our dynamic visionary and fearless leader.
All Lit Up
Could she be trying to connect with me about something? I had a poignant drive thinking about what I would catch her up on, if she were here.
The whole thing only lasted about 15 minutes, as I arrived at my destination I felt relaxed and calm, I was focused, and centered. I went about my productive day and reflected upon how happy I was to run into an old friend.
Reflecting
I often think about keeping the memories alive of lost friends and family that have gone before me. I even occasionally exercise my imagination this way. I realized that funerals are filled with jibber-jabber about it. Why not practice it from time to time? Whether this was a coincidence or not is anyone’s guess, it just happened this way this time, in broad daylight, out of the blue.
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Wow, Joe! I am so happy that you wrote this blog today. I have the exact same type of thing happened to me about a year ago at whole foods. A guy in there was walking down the aisle and I was in line waiting to purchase my food. He looked over at me and gave me a smile that absolutely knocked me down. He looked and smiled exactly like a buddy of mine who had died a couple of years previously named Kevin. He was that Cyclist was killed on Hill Rd. Bean knew the kid involved. Anyway great job describing your emotions after going through something like that. I felt the exact same way!
My hunch is that it happens more often than we think, I can’t wait until it happens again!
Joe, perhaps this “coincidental” moment was an experience meant to show you an expanded reality. Those feelings and thoughts that flooded you were as real as the pressure of the seat that you were sitting on. Physics is now finding that our world contains so much more than our five senses have become accustomed to.
It was a real mind blower, I suppose my super caffeinated state brought me closer to being hyper aware. It was a fun ride while it lasted.
I think Linda did visit you and washed you with her presence. I agree with Wanda that the experience was meant to show you an expanded reality. Keep your heart and mind open you never know who might show up next.
I appreciate your sensitivity and awe inspiring angles to my situation. I will do just that, I can think of a mess of old friends and family members that I wouldn’t mind running into around the campfire, as an example.
Hi Joe,
It’s a small world meeting you at the Albertson store recently and thank you for your suggestions on talking to the customers about Marti’s salsa. I especially appreciate you referring us to Bob Young, looking forward to talking to him. Feel free to call me or email me anytime you have any questions about sediment and erosion control.
Marti I will, I enjoyed your product very much and actually went back and bought more that evening.I look forward to getting to know you better and wish you all kinds of success!