Christian was the one who send Pearl to join the Lanrete family for their Thanksgiving celebration. The fact Emma experienced such a visceral reaction to her presence was a bonus blessing. Pearl may be the secret to gaining a deeper connection with Emma. Pearl was an energetic young spirit who was quite ready to serve how best she could.
All of Emma’s above-team were committed and a pleasure to work with. Lewis recently made an unusual request however, he wanted Christian to petition the powers-that-be on his behalf for a possible pre-arrival marriage commitment. Which was basically asking to be engaged to a mortal. While it was not unheard of, it was very rare and Christian hesitated to put in the requisition. Lewis was reliable in every other assignment, so Christian supposed he would trust his intuition here as well and ask for permission for Lewis to pursue and follow his heart. Eternity was a long time to be partnerless.
Ben and May asked for a brief recess from their squad Emma duties. Their grandson Simon was arriving soon and they volunteered to be on the welcoming committee. He had lived a full life on earth, if not a long one. He wound be succumbing to his battle with cancer at the age of 57 soon. His family had already gathered at the hospital bedside and his parents had requested to be his escorts between the two realms. None of them knew the exact moment of entry. It was similar to birth on earth in that way, they knew about when he was due so needed to prepare, but the definite timing was not available for all.
An Import Room which resembled a Reception Center on earth had been reserved, but no decorations were needed. The natural decor would be more dazzling than anything Simon was exposed to below. Close friends and family were put on alert in case they wanted to join in on the welcome party. Feeling surrounded by those who cared always made the transition easier. It was surprising to realize how little difference there was as a person slipped from one world to the next.
A few family members would be assigned to stay behind on earth and comfort those Simon left there. That was the hardest part, watching those who loved him mourn his loss. If only they could be given a glimpse of where he went it would be so much easier, but that was part of life’s test.
It was most fun to assist in the arrival of a non-believer to this domain. Those souls that were sure death was the end of all existence. Many did process through this sphere and were allowed to remain if they desired. The shock and disbelief was humorous to witness as they worked through where they were and what they were witnessing. Most facilitating the transition were family members, but others could also be asked to be assigned. Lewis was a regular with these newbies. Simon while not fanatically religious had believed in a here-after so should not be more rattled than most of those received.
Ben’s relationship with Simon had been especially close and he was anxious to reconnect with this grandson. They had shared a love of sports on earth, Ben could get an update on how their favorite teams were doing these days, but that would not be a priority in this realm. There were physical outlets to enjoy in heaven, but most of them had a meaningful outcome or service associated with them rather than improving fitness and skill. Bodies here were perfectly fit and skills were already enhanced so when former sports stars scrimmaged together in heaven on a whim it was quite an exhibition. Even those who had not been athletes on earth were more talented, but usually chose to participate in things that held more interest.
May shared inspiring stories with Simon as a boy. She wondered if he would even remember. There would be time after the initial deluge of family to have a quiet catch-up with him and see how other family members on earth were doing. He may even have insights for their assignment with his niece Emma.
Simon’s family lived in a different part of the United States than his sister Maggie and had less communication than May would have wished. His children were also much older than Emma, but perhaps they at least exchanged Christmas cards or had an occasional earthly reunion.
Preparations for the Christmas celebration were also being made. Ever since the original event when angels heralded Christ’s arrival on earth it had become a celestial tradition. Choirs were organized to sing glorious music, some not yet written on earth but available to those inspired enough to tap into it. Each member of Emma’s team would participate in some way. Earth’s true remembrance of what took place in Bethlehem centuries ago would be over in seconds up above, but the celestial celebration would continue on for much longer like the commercial part of Christmas did below. It was unfortunate that the celebration styles were not switched on the mortal planet as well. The joy ringing through the heavens during this time rained down and fueled so much goodwill it was palpable even to non-believers.
This part of the rotation around the sun may be the best time for Christian to ask about Lewis’s appeal. He had summited the formal request, but needed to check in on it. He would enjoy entering another area of the kingdom for a change. Travel was instantaneous here, but he rarely took the opportunity to explore. His adventures on earth had satisfied that need for some time.
The government administration was centralized on this perfect planet. The building he entered was several stories high, but each floor was accessed individually without having to pass the others on his way up. The 33rd level dealt with relationships between those of different dimensions. Most of the time it concerned an infraction of an immortal spirit interacting with one living a mortal life in an appropriate manner. Not only exposing himself, but crossing the lines when there was no need or reason of assistance in doing so. A request for permanent relationship was so rare they knew exactly who Christian was speaking of.
The decision had been made. Lewis would be able to marry Lily only if she did not find a suitable mate while living and only if he did not cross the boundaries of life and death to influence her in any way. He needed to stay away unless assigned. He could no longer just loiter around her and interfere with her ability to live a full life. The decision would be hers when she arrived. She could choose him if she so desired, but was under no contractual agreement to do so. He would be given one last brief visit to say good-bye.
Lewis would be devastated about not spending as much time with Lily, but hopefully the fact that an exception had been made to allow a possible marriage outside of earth’s bounds would be worth the sacrifice. Earthliness went so quickly and hopefully he could wait patiently. Elated for his teammate, Christian decided to stop in to see his wife Abelard before returning to Emma’s post.
Abelard had her own assignments that kept her busy. There was a heavenly “Foster Care” system where some people who died as infants needed temporary tending. Most of these babies returned to their adult spirit form immediately upon their homecoming. A few however, chose to remain in their childhood state until their earth mothers also arrived, to give these often still grieving women the opportunity to raise them. It was never too long a wait. Once again this was an exception, but if the mother had been extremely devastated this kindness was occasionally allowed.
Since they were blessed with only one son during their earth days it was an enjoyable spot to be for both Christian and Abelard. There was something about babies that brought out a tender side in even the toughest warrior. Abelard was an amazing mother so this placement was a blessing for her and the infants she worked with. Christian engulfed the small woman in a bearhug embrace and spent an indeterminate amount of time in her presence. Time had a different accounting here. One did not worry about the past or future as much, but basked and dwelt more fully in the present. Time was fuller and more elastic. But after he had absorbed enough of it he said his goodbyes and exited. They would see each other again soon and they had forever.
He pondered all existence as he traveled back to the monitor screen to take a peek at what Emma was currently up to. Christian and each of the dwellers in this realm had the power and ability to accomplish whatever they desired with merely a thought if they chose. The powers he possessed never ceased to amaze him, but things were done with order to prevent chaos. He did not feel lessor or more important than anyone else. All worked together for a common good and that was the most powerful feeling.
Lewis was the first team-member Christian saw on his return. He had been waiting near the team sanctuary to hear the decision. He shifted back and forth impatiently as Christian prepared to share the details of the agreement.
“Christian don’t make me wait a minute longer. I have to know decision good or bad. Just spit it out.”
“Wouldn’t you like to guess my good man?” Christian teased.
“I do not have the emotional energy left to even attempt a guess. Just lay it on me, please.”
“Well, there is good news and bad news, which would you like first Lew?
“Surprise me”
“The powers that be have agreed to let you marry Lily if she does not find a mate while living on earth with a few conditions.”
“That is the most amazing news I have had in two centuries, but I am afraid to ask what it’s going to cost me in conditions.”
“My dear brother remember to keep your focus on the long term as you hear them. You cannot attempt influence her decision in any way. You will be allowed to say good-bye, but then you will need to stay away during the rest of Lily’s early sojourn. So sorry my good man.”
“Whoa, not sure how I will survive the separation, but at least there is hope. I will try to hang on to that. You will need to keep me really busy Chris. I know I should not wish for Lily’s swift demise, but that would make this more bearable. That last comment was mostly in jest, just mostly.”
“No, a death wish is not what I would call a romantic gesture. You have survived much worse, you have this Lewis.”
“Thanks for all your help and support Chris. I do appreciate you going to bat for me”
“Always and forever. Take all the time you need for your farewell my friend.”
It was better news than it might have been, but it was going to be traumatic to tell Lily goodbye. She would not understand why he was no longer near. Her heart had already been broken once and he was not sure he could cause her that much anguish again. He must look at the larger picture. What were a few short earth years compared to eternity, but he had to make this farewell epic. Somehow he needed her to know he was not gone forever.
Not wanting to drag out his misery, he left for Lily’s forest retreat. He felt her before he saw her. Her essence was the most enchanting thing about her. She was goodness personified. How could he abandon her? He had to leave her with something. Maybe their song? He knew she loved music, especially Hymns and old Religious Spirituals, but Lewis wanted to find one that magnified what he felt for her. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohan and “Mad World” by Tears for Fears were a few of her favorites, but neither of those seemed totally appropriate. What song should it be? Then he remembered she listened to the band Train and their perfect song came to his mind.
Softly he started singing in his best tenor the song…Marry Me
Forever can never be long enough for me
Feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say
Hello in this cafe (cabin)
Say you will
Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love you
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello…
Say you will
Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies
And marry me
Today and everyday…
As Lewis sang he felt every emotion of each word intensely. Lily felt them all too. Somehow she internalized the heavenly strains and began gently swaying around the room to the music. Perfection in motion. This would be their last dance until they met on the other side. He took her in his translucent arms and moved to the music as one with her. If anyone looked through her window Lily would look like she was dancing solo, but both of the dance partners knew otherwise.
As the words to the song ended, Lewis tried to tell Lily he would not be back, but he did not know how. Hopefully these melodic lyrics and memory of this last earth dance together would carry Lily along her allotted time on earth, until they met again where their worlds would not be so separate. And hopefully she would want him as much as he did her. It would not be heaven without her for Lewis.
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