I was slow to marry. From an early age, my parents had told me to choose the person I would marry carefully. They said it was likely to be the most important decision I ever made and I took their advice to heart.
I was well into my forties before I found the girl who was to become my wife but she was definitely worth waiting for. The only downside was that by the time I found her both my parents had passed away. I often wish they had a chance to meet her and welcome her into our family.
Two years into our marriage, my wife surprised me with a portrait of my parents by the noted artist Simi Knox. Working from photographs my wife provided, Mr. Knox managed to capture their likeness as vividly as if they had been there to sit for the portrait. It was one of the best Christmas presents I have ever received.
This portrait has had a place of honor and prominence in every home we have owned. Our son, Will, born four years later, has grown up with it. It was always somewhere he could see it, making it easy for me to talk about them and try to describe who they were.
One morning when he was about four or five, Will surprised me by turning away from the television and looking hard at the portrait above the sofa where we were sitting.
He said, “You know, I knew your mother before I knew you.”
His comment seemed to come out of nowhere. It caught me by surprise.
“What do you mean”? I asked.
“We used to play together in heaven,” Will said, “before she picked me out for you.”
Tears flowed. Tears flow even now as I remember what he said and think of the implications.
Happy Easter!
I am still shivering..! Will must be the perfect son since he was chosen by your Mother. Happy Easter to you and your family. We , here in Greece , only celebrate on 1st May this year.
What a blessing for your family and Will and Angie have given you a bases loaded home run.Hugh
Blessings to you, Angie and Will. And hugs too! Dina
There are synchronicities, no real “coincidences” I met “the Love of my life, for the rest of my life,”
Gary Bradak, online at Catholic Singles. We lived 2,000 miles apart, but less than 3 weeks after that first contact, he had proposed. We just celebrated our 10th anniversary. Each of us in our card to one another said something like, “It’s been the quickest, most joyous 10 years of my life.”
Hello,
I was elated to see Angie this week. Please know that my prayers are with the both of you. May God bless you forever.! Dorothy Clowers, Principal.. William Paca Elementary School
Bill,
What an amazing experience for you and your son, that gave me the chills!
I’m so glad I found this web-site. My husband and I are bringing our children to DC this summer. Reflecting on my time at the Caring Institute and the ties my family has to Washington prompted me to google your name. The love and care you and Angie show for others changed my life. I hope you are well. Much love to you!
Julie (Moss) Gates
thank you for sharing this wonderful experience. you have a pure heart and an open mind making it possible to receive Will’s message. this too was a perfect gift. love from YaYa