Walk in the park

As he rode his bike around the park near his home, Ivan was thinking - "Why don’t I find a friend to keep me company? Everybody avoids me, and when they are around they flee from me! Why, Lord?!... Why?" 

And so, Ivan became increasingly sad and upset! In his prayers, the boy asked Jesus to help him, sending him a friend, someone with whom to talk, share his toys and go for walks, as he liked to do. 

Then, Ivan saw a boy who looked his age, coming from the opposite direction; the boy smiled and Ivan smiled back, pleased. And when the boy was near him, he said: 

- I'm Maurice. Do you live around here, Ivan? 

- Yes. My house is on the other side of the park. Since we're alone, shall we ride together? 

Cheerfully, they began to cycle while talking. Thus, Ivan learned that Maurice had lost his younger brother and felt sorry for him, considering: 

- But, Maurice, no one dies! We all continue to live in a new reality. Your brother also remains more alive than ever, just like before. 

The boy looked at Ivan, surprised with those words: 

- Could it be? I know my brother is alive, but together with other children and can’t leave the place where he is! 

- What do you mean, Maurice? Do you mean that God, our Father, would have created spirits to remain always in the same condition and place? 

- Well, that's what my parents told me - Maurice said. 

When they passed by Maurice's house, he invited his new friend to meet his family: his parents and his older sister. 

Ivan gladly accepted. Maurice opened the gate, and they took their bikes to the garage. Then they got on the elevator and went to Maurice’s apartment. 

His mother came from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron: 

- Hello! I see you got a new friend!  - Yes, mom. Ivan lives across the park and we were riding our bikes together.  - Great! I'm glad you made a friend, Maurice! After all, you need to move on from your brother’s departure.  - I know that, Mom! But I can’t let go!...

Then Ivan smiled and asked: 

- Or is it that you can’t move on from yourself? After all, it's been over five years since Bob left and you're still attached to him! 

At that moment, Maurice said: 

- How do you know the name of my dead little brother... I did not tell you his name! 

And Ivan said with sincerity: 

- It's just that sometimes I see spirits who have gone to the spirit world. Today it happened again! 

- Do you mean you saw my little brother?… - Maurice asked. 

- Yes... I see a child who is about six years-old, with light curly hair, a brown spot on his skin, making it easy to recognise him. He is next to a man wearing a brown plaid suit, and he is very happy and smily! Oh, I also see a lady with white hair, sweet smile and blue eyes; she is called Juliet and says she is your grandmother, Maurice! 

With tears in his eyes, Maurice smiled and looked at his parents, who were moved and very happy with Ivan’s words. The mother asked: 

- Ivan, you are still so young! How can you see these people who are gone so clearly? 

And the boy said: 

- I don’t know, Aunt Marlene! What I know is what I see! It doesn’t happen all the time or everywhere, but when I see them I know it's important to say it because it will make people who are suffering the loss of someone happy! 

Maurice's mother said, getting closer to him: 

- Can I give you a hug, Ivan? I was really happy to hear you speak because what you said is true. Thank you, honey! I would like to meet your parents, so I could have more information on this subject. 

Ivan gave them his address and said: 

- Now I have to go because my mother gets worried when I take too long to get back. Come visit whenever you want, aunt Marlene. Mom will be happy! 

Then Ivan went away knowing that Maurice's mother would come looking for his parents to talk about this issue that is so important but at the same time unknown to many people. 

Feeling fortunate to have been able to help a family Ivan thanked Jesus through a prayer. 

MEIMEI 

Psychographed by Celia X. de Camargo on 14/12/2015.