FROGS

Fifty-eight year old “Pete” was on hospice for only about two weeks. He lived with his wife, “Margie” who was on leave from her job to care for Pete. Pete and Margie had a tremendous support system between family and friends. Folks were drawn to them by their genuine love for each other and for life.

Pete was diagnosed with cancer only two months before I met him. He totally accepted his situation without fears or anxiety. Even with his weakness, he would always give visitors this wonderful, warm smile.

The family started a web page documenting his progress and, within two months, there were over 16,000 hits. Pete was a elementary school teacher and, I know, touched so many young lives. The cards displayed all over his home were a testimony to him from so many admirers.

I called Margie today to check in on her and to see how she was doing. It has been about a month since Pete died. She became tearful, but so appropriate for what she is going through. She so easily was able to verbalize her emotions and process them as they came. It was during this phone call when she shared the story about the frog. She said that she has always loved frogs and finding the little frog in the maple plant was a sign to her from Pete. It gives her comfort.

Margie added that the same day she was plant shopping and discovered the little frog, another friend, had also been shopping.. She shared the frog story with her friend. Her friend then told her about her own experienced that day. Her friend was at a Home and Garden Show and was drawn to this whimsical frog that was sculptured in silver. She didn’t buy it as said she doesn’t even like frogs. She was surprised that she was even mesmerized by it. When she heard Margie’s story, she quickly went back to purchase the frog.

Both Margie, her friend and I, all believe it was Pete letting them know that he is okay and still around.

FROGS

　
Their love was so intense.
Their love was so true.
They were meant to be together.
They were soul mates.

He had no fears about dying.
He said he’s never been afraid of death.
He accepted it like everything else in life;
with a positive attitude and a genuine smile.

He’s been gone about a month now.
She sees reminders all around.
“I’m on the path to where I am suppose to be
seeing the magic, the gifts,
the blessings of each day.”

She was drawn to a maple plant while shopping.
Hidden inside the vase was a little frog.
It looked at her with mystical eyes.
She knew he was saying hello.

She loves her Native American Cards.
Each card a photo of an animal with an inspirational quote.
She went home and looked up the frog card.
She wasn’t surprised by what she read.

“Honor your tears.
They cleanse the soul.”
There was no doubt in her mind.
he was and always will be
her everlasting soul mate.