Surprise
At 102 years old, the best part of her day was sitting on the warm wooden bench, in the sun, watching the wind ruffle the water’s surface and rustle through the oak and willow trees. Her sons and their wives, now in their 70’s, joined her a couple of times a week at the water’s edge. If she was lucky her grandkids and great grandkids gathered for croquet on the lawn. The assisted living center was family friendly, as they understood family visits kept their residents satisfied.
When the virus hit, it took her quickly, but she was blessed to be able to say goodbye to every one.
As she closed her eyes and her last labored breath was exhaled, she fell into a dream. She was floating in silver-golden sparkles and rising, rising, up towards the clouds. Her body was carried along in a sparkling funnel opening to the heavens, swirling in a giant arc, ever upward.
She didn’t know how long she’d floated but at some point a golden, shimmery light surrounded her – and she understood. Everything. She was one with The Source. She always knew she would rejoin the Mysterious Mother.
She was suspended for an eternity in the light that at the same time felt only like a moment – when the light flicked off like a light switch. Her eyes were closed and she felt the strength of the universe in her limbs. She opened her eyes and was overcome with the realization that she was now a tree. Not just any tree though; she was the very oak tree she had spent so much time enjoying the presence of while sitting on the warm wooden bench.
She was surprised as she realized she shared her form with so many others. How could she have ever guessed that heaven resided within trees?
Sadje is the host of What do you see?
Tao Talk 
Who would have thought indeed! Great take on the prompt, Jade.
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Thank you :)
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♥️
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Nice story JadeLi. Every time I see a tree I will now treat it like a long lost relative…….that could be good or bad.
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:) Thank you, Len.
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Good information, but I think that I will come back as a great white whale.
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Just stay away from Captain Ahab and you’ll be all set.
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A brilliant story Li. Thanks for joining in the challenge.
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:) Thank you, thanks for the good prompt picture!
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Always a pleasure
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That photo is creepy! But your story was so wonderful. :)
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:) Glad you liked it.
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Wonderful story Lisa.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The Lorax
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<3 I love that story, as it plants an idea in a child's mind. Thank you, and glad you liked the story.
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I like that idea. (K)
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Awesome story! Loved it. My supervisor once told me that you can have a tree planted in your name after you die. We were chatting about how expensive it can be to pay for coffins and ceremonies and such.
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Thanks, Sa. I would much rather have the tree remain standing instead of cut down and made into a coffin. Plant me under the tree!
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That’s one intense experience
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Yes, it was, and a happy ending to boot.
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Oh what a lovely thought! To return as a tree in a beautiful place with happy memories. Made me smile :)
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I’m happy to have made you smile, Chris :)
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