[HEAVEN: any place or state of great happiness] . . . .



I was more than confused at Bettes suggestion that I had misread the invitation because I never saw an invitation and was never invited to , to, to wherever it was I ended up. All I knew for certain was that every time I was near a beach, feeling the sand, the sun, hearing the gulls, smelling the air and the suntan lotion I felt as if I were in heaven. And standing next to Bette now gave me that feeling.

What do you mean, what invitation, I asked again as I watched her deal with person after person in such a commanding and caring manner, comforting each one, directing each one, welcoming each one.

The invitation to join all of us – here. She spread Her arms out and circled around showing me nothing but bright blinding lights and shadows of figures of people, hundred and hundreds of people. Youre just a little early.

As She continued her explanation I again looked around at the surroundings She pointed to and out of nowhere appeared my neighbors !! — Old Man Johnson and the Widow Jones! ( ~~~ HOLY *****~~~~)

Holy indeed, Beach, Bette smiled and laughed.

I ducked behind Bette hiding my head in my hands as if I were going to sneeze hoping not to be seen by those two who were walking arm in arm talking on the phone to each other.

(~~~ WHAT THE ***** IS GOING ON ?? ~~~~~)

Uh, Bette, do you know those two people? I asked as I peeked around her shoulder still hiding, still hoping to remain unseen. I think they are dead, Bette. In fact I know they are. I had a hand in their deaths, well kinda had a hand, well not actually, not really, but I know they are dead. What the heck are they doing talking on the phone to each other when they are walking together? I dont get it.

Of course I know them, Beach, I invited them. And they are having phone ***** – its their favorite thing in the world to do – its like heaven for them.

Still dazed and confused and feeling just a little nauseous, I stepped away from Bette and bent over at the waist trying to get some blood to my head, trying to keep from tossing the breakfast of donuts and Fruit Loops with chocolate milk I had just consumed. As I slowly stood back up and shook my head from side to side I saw them and the tears of joy and surprise that came to my eyes could not be stopped.

There was my mom talking to my cousins friend Trey – my mom had died of cancer while under the care of hospice three years ago and Trey died of Aids just this past summer. I watched them chatting and laughing and soon joined by another group of people – many of Treys friends who also died of Aids over the years as well as dozens of hospice patients. All of them laughing and chatting and appearing to share stories and jokes, appearing to be having the time of their lives, appearing to be happier than they had ever been.

My mom was smoking and holding hands her with long time companion while Trey, dressed in the most stunning drag outfit I had ever seen was preparing to sing for the crowd which had gathered. They all looked as is if they were in heaven, doing the things that made me the happiest.

I started to make my towards them when I felt Bette grab the back of my tank top and pull me back almost sending me to the ground.

Jesus, Bette, whats up with that? I asked a little perturbed at her actions.

One or the other will do, Beach, No need to call me both.

What the ***** are you talking about? I was really starting to get annoyed by now.

Jesus, or Bette, – one or the other, not necessary to call me both.

I looked at Her and She just smiled knowing I was finally beginning to get the picture.

You know my mom and Trey? I asked almost afraid to hear the answer. They are dead, too, you know.

Oh I know your mom, alright. Always interceding for you, asking for me to keep an eye on you – she is such a worrier. And Trey, isnt he just the sweetest, kindest person you have ever known? Of course I know them, Beach, I invited them.

You invited them? Here? To this place which is like heaven?

IS heaven Beach, IS.

I was stunned, shocked, scared shitless – -So, this is heaven,

It aint Iowa, girlfriend,

Right, this is heaven, these people are dead, You invited them, so , so, so lets see You must be God, Jesus, Allah, Buddah, whatever, whoever, and I must be dead too. Getting warmer, am I? But why do you look like Bette Porter to me?

God is goodness and takes many shapes and forms for many different people, Beach. To you Bette is God, and yes you are dead, but not for long. I dont want you here YET, you have work to do, things to accomplish, missions to go on . . .I need you, Beach and what I need you to do cannot be completed from up here. So take a good look around one last time and get back there and get busy.

Wait, Bette, you cant just send me back without any instructions. I need a plan, I need a sign, I need directions, I need help Bette. Please, what is it you want me to do?

For the love of L Beach, get back there and get busy. You will know what to do, the signs are there, just read them and make us all proud.

And with those words She touched my head and placed her hands over my eyes and whispered in my ear good luck.

As I opened my eyes to ask more questions, it wasnt Bette I saw on the other side of the glass outside the room. No it was K . . . .


TBC . . .