Songs & Butterflies....

Ran over to the Rec Center today to drop something off.  Ran into a former colleague who had retired several years ago.  Haven't seen her in awhile.  She is also a bereaved parent.  We got to talking about different things and she said, "How are you doing?"  And I responded "Ok."

Then she said "No, how are you REALLY doing?"
(That doesn't happen often. )

The next thing she said was "Today it is 23 years since my son died."  (he was killed in a car accident).

A serendipitous meeting, I think.  23 years later, and I'm sure that it has been on her mind today, but how (and WHO) do you talk to about this?  I'm guessing she wouldn't bring this up to just anybody.
We had a nice talk and agreed to be "friends" on facebook to keep in touch.

Driving home, thinking about her son, and thinking about and missing Melissa, I started crying. (I do that A LOT in the car).  The next song on the radio was "Reach out, I'll be there" by the Four Tops.
Interestingly enough, this is the third time in the last few weeks this has happened.  This is the "new" song she is sending me.  (I tend to listen to lyrics a lot more closely in the last 4 years...) I just know it's her telling me she's always here for me...
                                 

                 REACH OUT, I'LL BE THERE by  The Four Tops

Now if you feel that you can't go on (can't go on)
Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)
And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion)
Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion)
And your world around is crumbling down, darlin
Reach out come on girl reach on out for me
Reach out reach out for me
I'll be there with a love that will shelter you
I'll be there with a love that will see you through

When you feel lost and about to give up (to give up)
Cause your life just ain't good enough (just ain't good enough)
And your feel the world has grown cold (has grown cold)
And your drifting out all on your own (drifting out on your own)
And you need a hand to hold, darlin
Reach out come on girl reach out for me
Reach out reach out for me
I'll be there to love and comfort you
And I'll be there to cherish and care for you

I'll be there to always see you through
I'll be there to love and comfort you
I can tell the way you hang your head (hang your head)
Your not in love now, now your afraid (you're afraid)
And through the tears you look around (look around)
But there's no piece of mind to be found (no piece of mind to be found)
I know what your thinking,
You're alone now, no love of your own, but darling
Reach out come on girl reach out for me
Reach out reach out.......... just look over your shoulder
I'll be there to give you all the love you need
And I'll be there you can always depend on me
I'll be there to always see you through
I'll be there to love and comfort you

***

Then I was sitting at a red light, and a butterfly flew right in front of my windshield.  I had to smile.  She is always with me...and I LOVE the reminders.