Page 58 of The Accidental Ghost

Then words popped into her head. Bruce Michael Henry, eighty-two, retired military, former police officer. Foster father to more than twenty children, who’d all gone on to lead successful, happy lives because of his love and guidance. Known for his volunteer work with the homeless and the mentally disabled, beloved by his community and his wife of forty years, Magda.

Oftentimes, Officer Bruce, as he was called, gave up a meal out, a vacation, so a child could have a new pair of sneakers or money for a field trip.

He’d been infamous for buying a homeless person a meal or a cup of coffee, bringing them blankets in the winter, socks, shoes, helping them pay for a vet visit for their pets, the one thing they held most dear as drifters.

Her heart swelled in her chest, tightening at this man’s life of service.

Gasping, Ralph saw his heart then. Everything else around her melted away as his life played out in snippets in her mind’s eye. She saw the memories he held so dear.

The babies he’d swung up in the air, showering them with the kisses they’d been denied by their birth parents.

The late-night feedings, the diaper changes. The time and care he’d taken to teach them how to stir a pot of spaghetti, ride a bike, read a book, trust, love…

The tears of frustration when he fought to keep from giving up on trying to reach a foster’s heart. The railing he’d done, advocating for a child. The pain he’d suffered when he lost a battle

And as those memories played like a movie before her eyes. Ralph’s heart felt the love his was filled with, full to brimming with kindness, with the joy he’d so generously given to everyone, the happy marriage he’d shared with his wife until three years ago, when she’d passed.

Take him now, Raphaela, so he can be with Magda, his one true love.

Even Michael’s presence couldn’t have stopped her from taking Bruce into the afterlife.

A burst of strength coursed through her veins, pulsing, pushing her to accomplish her goal.

“Get off me!” she roared at Michael, shoving him with all the strength she had, thinking of nothing other than getting Bruce where he belonged.

Somehow, she got him to budge, managing to slip from beneath his body. Ralph rolled to the right and pushed off with her hands, rising to her feet, where she was greeted by at least ten people gathered around Bruce’s bed, love in their eyes.

Bring him, Raphaela. He’s ready.

She took in the gathering, her breathing growing heavy as she made a decision.

Ignoring Michael’s hot breath behind her and the threat that he’d steal her power, leaving her in Hell, she looked at all these people with tears in their eyes, whispering words of love to Bruce, holding his hand, and the voice called to her again.

He was so loved, so dear to these children—all the children he’s raised over the years, loving him in gratitude until the end. He deserves the light. He’s earned the light, Raphaela.

She hesitated for only a moment, wondering if the people gathered here could see her, but instantly the voice in her head assured her they couldn’t.

Ralph floated to Bruce’s bed, sitting on the edge of it, taking his hand while his foster children continued to whisper their words of love. She almost wished she could tell them he was going somewhere wonderful, console them.

Instead she focused on the task at hand, she took Bruce’s hand, cradling it against her heart as she gazed upon the frail man, his weathered face peaceful, his veiny hand soft against hers.

“Bruce, my name is Raphaela. You’re a wonderful man, aren’t you? Wonderfully loving and giving. You’ve lived a life of kindness and generosity. So many of your fosters are here, sharing their love for you, remembering the helping hand you gave them, the love you offered, the family you made them a part of.”

I love them all…so much. My life was full. So full because of them…because of Magda. I’ll miss them…

Ralph smiled at him, running her knuckles over the soft, wrinkled skin of his cheek. “Bruce, I’m here to take you home, sweet man. Oh, it’s so very beautiful, and your lovely wife Magda is waiting. Would you like to go with me?”

The children…

“They’re all here, Bruce. They’re all safe and happy and want to be with you in your last moments. If you listen closely, you can hear them. Listen,” she whispered.

Words of gratitude floated throughout the room, words of thanks, sentiments like, You changed my life, Bruce. You gave me more than food and a bed to sleep in. You showed me how to be part of a family. I can’t ever repay you, Bruce. I love you, Bruce. I’ll miss you, but I’ll never forget you. Never. We’re all here and when you’re ready…

Bruce smiled, a beaming testament to their beautiful words.

Ready. I’m ready.

Suddenly, his hand gripped hers, tightening.

---