The View From Van's Hill



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 Van’s grave, take his favorite food and sit for a while, reflecting on the good years. 


From his spot, the pond below 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 more people in that cemetery than I want to admit.


The Roll Call at Van’s Hill

  • Bob and Elvira — Van’s parents, who anchored this family and are the reason we have this beautiful place to gather.

  • Elba and Inez — Van’s grandparents, resting right alongside them.

  • Donna Chapman — My best friend from the very beginning.

  • Lawana Chapman — Donna’s older sister, taken exactly nine months to the day after Donna.

  • Leroy Chapman — The big brother I always had but never wanted, who kept all us girls safe.

  • Randall and Gayle — Van’s best friend, and Gayle, the one who held my hand when I brought my babies into the world.

  • Brittanie — Their daughter, whom I babysat more times than I can count.

  • Louis and Myrtle Wright — Who truly adopted me as their own when I moved to Oklahoma, so far from my family.

  • Ron, Uncle Kenneth, and Aunt Charlotte — Van’s cousin and his parents, all part of the history here.

They all have such a beautiful view, looking out over that moving water.


So I sat there visiting with so many of my old friends.


Some were missing — they’re still living their best life — but plenty were there today.


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. Yes, I do talk a lot. 


And I’m sure they’ll talk about me when I leave.


“Can you believe her? Talks enough for the whole cemetery and still forgot our flowers.”


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


“Does she always have to throw her head back when she laughs? Some of us have been dead for decades, and it’s still shocking.”


“Oh great, here comes the one who comments on every bird and squirrel. Brace yourselves — another story is coming.”


“Wanders off after dessert like she didn’t just hold court over us for an hour.”


“And who packed the pickles? Pickles are never welcome.”


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