I happen to be a firm believer that our loved ones who have passed through that door we call death, enter into another realm that is filled with love. This is a story of love that comes from beyond the grave or in this case beyond a loved one’s ashes. I hope you see this as a wonderful love story.
Following the passing of my dear wife Danielle, I thought my life as I knew it had ended. I could not imagine life without Danielle. And I never believed I could ever love again.
I need to go back to a week or two before Danielle died. She and I were sitting in our living room. Danielle on our couch and me in the chair facing the couch. Danielle said she had something to say to me. She said, “After I’m gone Ray, I want you to find another woman.”
I was flabbergasted. I replied that I could not even consider such a thing. I was in love with Danielle and the thought of another woman in my life was unthinkable, and I told her so. She then said, “Okay, if you won’t find someone, I’ll find someone for you!” I laughed and told her my only interest was in remaining with her, my true love.
Danielle passed away on Christmas Eve 2022 after a very brief encounter with Leukemia. For me my life was over. Now fast forward to a few months later.
I walked into a Starbuck’s coffee shop and saw this beautiful lady standing in line. Not just a beautiful lady but someone I had actually seen in my dreams. As I walked towards this lovely lady a connection occured as we looked into each others’ eyes. As I was standing in line to order I struck up a conversation. I introduced myself as Ray and she said her name was Diann. When we arruived at the counter to place our order, I ordered a hot chocolate for Diann and a Coffee Mocha for me. She thanked me and we took a table together. And that was the beginning of an amazing and loving relationship, although neither of knew it at the time. Diann explained that she was married but in the process of a separation. I explained my marital situation and we began what was to become a two and a half hour conversation.
We spoke of many things including each of our current living situations, the feelings and emotions attached to leaving these situations, and the fact that we each had difficulties seeing our futures. As Diann and I talked with each other it was if we had known each other our entire lives. We each were baring our souls of things I thought I was not ready to share with anyone, let alone a complete stranger.
I shared about Danielle and my love for her as well as some of our experiences. Diann shared about her marital circumstances and the need to leave a loveless marriage. She also spoke of John, a love lost to death but also the love of her life from years ago. I think that we were both experiencing similar feelings as we dealt with the end of our relationships and of our grief.
At one point in the conversaton when Diann was speaking of a not-so-nice experience in her past, Diann had spent a good part of her life being emotionally abused and used. As she was speaking of her abusive relationship I felt moved to reach across the table and place my hand on hers. It was such a special moment. I felt a deep compassion for her past life and let her know I was here for her. There was something magical in the twinkling of an eye moment. It was electrical. Having only met this lady and having the feelings I was feeling for her was most unusual.
I was living in Missouri and I was planning a trip to visit my brothers in Oregon and California. I had not seen my family in nearly 8 years and so this road trip was very special to me. On my way to the west coast I was planning to see parts of the United States as I traveled through various states on my journey. As Diann and I continued our conversation these next words came out of my mouth. There was no forethought, I to this day do not know where the words came from, but nevertheless out they came. I said, “I’m going on a road trip to California and I’m taking you with me!” And Diann immediately answered, “Yes, I’m going with you.” Later I walked Diann to her car and I did something that seemed so natural to me. I pulled her to me and kissed her. Not a long enduring kiss, just a short but meaningful kiss. We each departed and went our separate ways.
Two months later we did make that three week road trip, but before that happened, Diann and I spoke on the phone every day. Sometimes we spoke two or three times a day and each conversation lasted for at least 90 minutes or more. We shared all of our secrets, we spoke of so many things, we bared our feelings, and each day we fell more and more in love with each other.
Diann and I moved in with each other a few months later. As she moved through her divorce and I dealt with my grief, we continued to support each other.
One of the traditions that we established without realizing it was that each morning we would sit together and share special moments of conversation. Eventually we began reading spiritual, motivational, inspirational, or educational books together. Following our readings we continued a dialogue that lasted anywhere from 5 minutes to more than an hour. But the best part was that we really listened to each other. We shared our feelings and our deepest secrets. I told Diann things I had not told another human being. I was completely and totally transparent and I believe she has been the same with me. As a result a bond of love grew between us. A bond of love, friendship and mutual respect for one another. Today we still continue these mornings together where our spirits seem to touch and we feel a oneness in our relationship.
Today we have the opportunity to live our lives as one. Diann and I married on August 16, 2024 and our love continues to thrive. I never imagined I would ever be so happy again but today I am the happiest I have ever been. Our relationship is magical and for me often euphoric.. Not one angry word, not one fight, and only friendly disagreements from time to time. Our relationship is over the top. We speak of how special it is on a regular basis.
So, I’d like to think that Diann and John made it possible for the two of us to come together and that somehow they both remain intertwined in our lives. I know that somehow those two made sure we were at Stabucks on that wonderful day.
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