The View From Van's Hill

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The View from Van’s Hill

(I Brought Lunch. They Brought the Silence)

Yesterday was the four-year anniversary of Van taking up permanent residence on the hill. I always decorate his grave, take his favorite food, and sit for a while, reflecting on the good years.

JoDee packed a picnic lunch to eat by the pond. From his spot, the water sparkles like it’s trying to show off. It’s peaceful, with trees and moving water—the kind of place where you can breathe in the cool February air and feel the world slow down.

I have a lot of old friends here. Not all of them, of course; some are still out there living their best lives, but the ones on the hill make for a full house. A quiet one, but full.

They didn’t have much to say, but you know me; I can fill in the silence and never know I’m alone. I don’t need anyone to carry on a conversation; I can handle both sides. And I’m sure they’ll talk about me when I leave:   

"Can you believe her? She’s been here an hour and we haven't even gotten a word in edgewise!"   

"She brought sandwiches again. Every time. Do we even like sandwiches?"   

"Did you hear that laugh? I think she woke up the back section of the cemetery today!"

"And that story about renting birds and getting a squirrel tossed in for $20.00. Unbelievable!" 🛴🐿️

"I know! Travis was so confused when she tried to explain they could rent a Byrd at the Gathering Place. He asked, 'How does that even work? You just point to one in the sky and say, That’s my bird for the next hour! Nobody feed it, it’s mine!'"

"And then Adam chimed in wanting to know if he could throw in a squirrel for another $20.00—'That's my squirrel!'"

"She actually thought we knew what a motorized scooter was. Does she forget how long some of us have been gone?"

"And she wandered off after dessert like she didn’t just hold court over us for an hour."

"Well, there she goes. She always takes the best energy with her when she leaves."


"Even if I’m just a small breeze, I want to be someone who makes you smile." — J-Hope

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