The Cloud

I was walking the road of my life, enjoying the sun, enduring the rain when God sensed an emptiness there; and sent a silver cloud to me.

A ready smile, a lively tail, and sparkling eyes, the cloud warmed it's way into my heart and became part of me. The cloud was my companion on long walks along nameless sun-dappled paths; my playmate with ball, stick, and stuffed animal; my dance partner to music both lively and sedate.

Everywhere we went the cloud made friends and I made friends as well, enriching my life forever. And even on those darkest days when humans were at their worst, that ebullient greeting upon arriving home would raise my spirits and for a while, make the cold and the cruelty go away.

We shared the sun of long summer days; we shared a fireside on long winter nights; the cloud finding solace in my presence; myself finding a precious peace in the gentle white softness.

Those times when I needed to talk, the cloud listened. Those times when I preferred silence, the cloud understood. Although the cloud couldn't talk, the warm expressive eyes and the warm caress of an affectionate kiss spoke to me in the language of the heart.

For many years, the cloud and I walked the road of life together. The sun became more enjoyable; the rain more endurable. Then one day, God came and took my cloud with Him.  In the darkness of my uncomprehending sorrow I asked why. He helped me understand that the cloud still lived in my heart and would never really leave; He asked me to take the best parts of those golden memories into the future. In that way, I would never walk the road alone.

Since then, I have tried to be more cloud-like. To be a simple friend, without judgment or prejudice; giving unselfishly without expecting recompense; to be a companion who would know instinctively that there is a time for play and a time for rest; a time for talk, and a time for respectful silence. The joy I once shared with the cloud, I now share with others.

I still walk that road of life; enjoying the sun, and now finding benefit in the rain. I can't help but feel lonely at times, but when I look into the glorious blue of the sky I know I will find that silver cloud that will always be with me. And I remember the joy and know that I will never be alone again. For God sent me an angel; one with a curly tail and a forever smile.

****************************************************

To those who have loved and lost, I pray for the healing of your heart; and the eternity of your memories.

Respectfully,

Ralph Couey

Corpus Christi

(photo by Peggy Green)