I'D LIKE TO THINK

During the course of my years in hospice, I have heard many stories about copper pennies. Many feel that finding a copper penny is a message from a loved one who has died letting folks know they are doing okay and just saying “Hi”.

A new patient was opened to hospice just a few days ago. “Myra” was a fifty-one year old African-American woman who suffered from leukemia. Myra lived with her devoted daughter, “Sandra” and Sandra’s seven month old son. Sandra told me that her mother always wanted a grandchild, which I thought was cute.

Myra died suddenly and the family asked me to come out for support. I had not met any of the family yet and walked into a house full of grieving family members. I started counseling them on grief and loss while offering condolences. It was apparent that they were still numb and in shock from Myra’s sudden death.

Myra’s mother stood next to me and didn’t say much, although admitted that losing a daughter is out of order. She said her strong faith in God will help her through. During the course of my visit, I shared that Myra will show them, in a way they will understand, that she is okay. I then told a story about a another family who found solace in finding six copper pennies in front of their home and how they believed it was their loved one.

I truly believe that loved ones continue to communicate with us, although it is only my perception and trust. None of this can be proven, but with my strong belief in the afterlife, it somehow makes a lot of sense to me. Myra’s family, being of a strong Christian faith, did believe in the afterlife. They spoke of relief knowing that she is no longer suffering. I believe they will be okay due to the family support and their strong ties to their church community.

Myra lived in a large apartment building with limited parking for guests. I had to park across a thoroughfare in a shopping center parking lot. Sandra walked me out halfway to my car. When we parted, I walked a few more steps and looked down and spotted two coins partially buried in mud near a flower bush. I was wondering if the coins were a message from Myra. When I cleaned off the mud, I noticed one of the coins was from Zambia, a country in South Africa. It made me wonder if Myra’s family ancestry is from South Africa. Maybe I will just have to ask Sandra, but somehow I wouldn’t be surprised.

ADDENDUM: Today, one week later, I spoke with Sandra. During the course of our conversation, I shared the story of the two coins. She said she was going to call me to thank me for bringing up copper pennies with the family. She shared that family were finding pennies all over the place. Her aunt found a penny in the shower and had some doubts about it being from Myra. She then turned around and found another one. Sandra didn't know if their family history included Zambia, but she will definitely try to find out.


I'D LIKE TO THINK

I’d like to think she heard me share
the copper penny story with her family.
I’d like to think she left the coins
letting me know it was her.

Her family were still numb.
Her death only hours before.
They were holding on to some hope
that she was safely on the other side.

Their faith is strong.
They truly believe.
But a child dying before the mother,
is so out of order somehow.

Mom listened intently to my story.
She didn’t say a word.
But later when I was ready to leave,
she softly whispered, “Copper Pennies”.

On the sidewalk not far away,
I noticed a penny at my feet.
To my surprise; not one but two
held together by caked on dirt.

One coin from Zambia, the other from here.
Both copper and about the same size.
What was its meaning if any at all?
Family ancestors from a forgotten past?

I’d like to think she was letting them know
so they would clearly understand,
that she is still around; she’s doing okay
and made it safety to the other side.

I’d like to think….