19 Comments
User's avatar
Erica Noelle's avatar

Crying. My heart is so tender. I can FEEL him hugging you!

Linda Thompson's avatar

This is a beautifully written story about someone who sounds like he was a special human being. I'm so glad he found you and completed his mission.

Karen Lunde's avatar

So am I, Linda. John was absolutely my person. And I was his.

Susan Harris Howell's avatar

Lovely piece. I like the idea of science we don't understand yet. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Rose's avatar

Ooh, what a gut punch! That energy hug. And that wonderful understanding of John and his military background, and how that shaped him. It's tear-your-heart-out territory.

Karen Lunde's avatar

Thanks for reading, Rose. John was a beautiful soul and I'm honored to share pieces of his story, and ours.

NancyEllen's avatar

Crying tears of the bereaved. Have experienced something similar.

Karen Lunde's avatar

I'm so sorry for you've been in similar territory. Please take good care of yourself, and let others care for you, too.

Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

This is such a heartbreakingly beautiful essay. I cried buckets through the last paragraphs.

Karen Lunde's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. 💕

Anne Arthur's avatar

I love your writing; you draw us into your wonderful story. That was a special kind of love, and obviously, it lasts beyond the veil of death. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings so eloquently. I experienced this "presence" too after my husband passed. It's amazing. Death is not the end.

Karen Lunde's avatar

It's so comforting to feel that presence, isn't it? I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anne Arthur's avatar

Thank you. Yes, it is.

Karen Lunde's avatar

Thank you so much!

LJ Hans's avatar

This is a truly beautiful story. Your writing is so touching. I can't wait to read more! My favorite line was this one "That realization is a punch to the chest—part regret, part empathy response, all love." Thank you for your heart warming love story. I don't know if this would be something you would like, but the book Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for working through Grief by Martha W. Hickman helped me a ton with my grief.

Karen Lunde's avatar

Thank you for your kind words!

LJ Hans's avatar

I found out about you when I was reading Shola Richards' post. Your comment on his post made me want to read your work. Keep writing!

Karen Lunde's avatar

I was born a writer, so I absolutely will. 😊