Who is Urspo?

Dear Spo,

Over many, many months I’ve enjoyed your blog (I started to write the word “column” because it’s as entertaining as any that I read in the major newspapers.)

I had a dream two nights ago — and, no, I’m not going to impose upon you for your interpretation, but I thought that you might find it interesting. I’ve never had a dream like this before.

First, I need to tell you that I’m 60 years old, and that my mom passed away three months ago. She was the light of my life, and I’m taking her death as hard as anybody who’s lost someone they love very much.

In the dream I’ve just turned away some “bad men” who came to my front door saying I owed them money. And just to get them gone, I put in one man’s hand about four or five quarters that I just picked up from the carpet in my living room. Surprisingly, the bad men are delighted to get that little bit of loose change, and away they go.

Then I close the door and turn around to see that my father is standing in my living room, and I’m aware that he’s come here from the afterlife. Dad died 30 years ago. And now here he is: well dressed, he looks neither happy nor unhappy; he looks younger than when he died at 73.

Our relationship when he was living was kind of awkward. I know he loved me, and I loved him, but I can’t remember him ever putting his arm around me.

In the dream my father doesn’t say a word, but slowly walks around the room, taking it in. He stops when he sees my cat at his feet. He looks a little puzzled. “This is Casper,” I say. And because I sense that he came here for a reason, I ask, “Daddy, is there something you want to tell me?” But he doesn’t answer.

Then he leaves through the front door and approaches my sister Anita, who is gardening outside. He stands a few feet in front of her, but Anita looks right through him. I take hold of my father’s right arm, and I’m feeling very excited, and I say, “Anita, Daddy’s here!” And that’s how the dream ends.

Recently when she interviewed Whitney Houston’s daughter, Oprah used the word “visitation” in this same context as my experience. I’ve heard about visitations before, but never experienced one until now.

Thanks so much for reading my note.

I wish you well in all your endeavors.

John

I found this page looking up Hot Puppies! Can I send you a pdf of my book Life Seemed Good, But… A collection of short quirky stories. (?) I think you’d enjoy it.