October 29, 2004

The Mystery of the Missing Coat

The fragility of the shells in which our souls dwell is frightening. I exercise only to maintain cardiovascular health; death by heart attack does not appeal to me. Proper consumption of food wards off obesity and all the nasty little things that come with it; diabetes is not a very pretty disease. I watched my grandmother waste away, her face contorted in constant pain due to colon cancer that eventually spread through the rest of her body. My other grandmother died at 93, alone. Her dementia made her naturally cranky self completely unbearable. In 2002 my beloved father-in-law suffered a stroke on Father's Day. The right side of his body was paralyzed and his mental faculties left lacking. I have missed him terribly.

This week as the temperature became colder and we all began to reach for our sweaters and jackets and thick socks the closet was found wanting of my coat. This is not just any coat. You see, this coat was the last Christmas gift I received from my father-in-law, the time when he was actually involved in the choosing and the buying and the wrapping and the opening of the gifts rather than sitting quietly in the leather wing-back with a blanket over his lap. The coat: black, down, quilted ski jacket with fur-trimmed hood. My father-in-law and I once shared an eye for fashion and this coat was beautiful and ahead of the game. Everywhere I went compliments abounded. Alas, the coat is missing. I am devastated. Sitting on the edge of my bed tonight, I cried as I told R that the coat cannot be found.

(Typed with love via telephone line 1100 miles away by the best friend. Thank you, Mr. Graham Bell.)

Posted by Rae at October 29, 2004 07:33 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Rae, I am so sorry to hear about this and pray that the coat is found soon.

Posted by: Randy at October 29, 2004 09:38 PM

Thank you so much, Randy.

Posted by: Rae at October 30, 2004 11:33 AM

I can understand. I have a blue jacket my grandma gave to me that, although is not as trendy and nice as yours, it holds a deep sense of warmth for me. It was one of the last things she ever gave me. I will keep it until I pass on. I will pray that it will be found.

Posted by: Amy at October 30, 2004 05:55 PM

I completly understand the feeling of something lost but still loved. I truly hope you find your coat. In my prayers and in my heart, love to all!

Posted by: Sally at October 30, 2004 06:14 PM

Dear St. Anthony, please come around, Rae's lost something that can't be found. :-) It'll turn up.

Posted by: Nicole Prescott at October 31, 2004 11:46 AM

Sorry about the coat! I love that coat! It was what you were wearing the first time we met. It makes me sad...

So does being able to communicate over the internet with you. It is a great thing! Nick keeps saying how he wishes he could see you guys soon. It makes me want to see you too! I love you Rae!!!!

Posted by: Ann at October 31, 2004 09:24 PM

O.K. I could swear that I commented on here earlier today....

Thank you, Amy and Sally.

Nicole- thanks for commenting and stopping by :D And for the prayer, too.

Ann, I remember that! I miss my brother, too and wish that I could be with him more often. And with you, too. Awww-love you, too :D

Posted by: Rae at November 1, 2004 03:14 PM

I attempted to leave the same prayer as Nicole. In fact, I thought I had until reading the comments later. For the record, dear little sister Nicole, The prayer goes like this: Dear St. Anthony, please come around. Something's lost and can't be found. However, personalizing it for Rae was a nice touch. You single gals can say similar type of prayer to help find a husband: St. Anne, St. Anne, find me a man, as fast as you can.

Oh, and Rae, the prayer to St. Anthony? It works. I promise. It works more frequently than the shopping mall prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace, help me find a parking place. You laugh. You mock, but I dare you...

Posted by: Patrick at November 1, 2004 03:20 PM
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