#5H Her

Seeing her great, great grandmother before her looking so alive and well started Mandy's mind racing. Where were her grandmothers, both passed away within a few years of each other? Where was Grampa Joe, her paternal grandfather, also passed away? There were so many questions that needed answering.

Claire guided Mandy to one of the rockers on the porch and sat herself in the one beside it.

"I know it's pretty overwhelming right now but as you learn the ropes around here and see how everything fits you'll feel better".

Mandy held tightly to Claire's hands and stared deeply into her eyes, seeing only kindness looking back at her.

"Why did you choose to stay here rather than go on to the other places I've heard about?, asked Mandy intently.

"Think of this phase of your "life" as eternal. There's no need to rush into anything and you can take all the time you want doing whatever you want", said Claire. "I like it here because I get to see the new arrivals and often, as in this case, get to introduce them to eternity".

"Eternity!", gasped Mandy. "It's almost frightening to consider but I know I'm in good hands here".

John had stood by quietly as Claire and Mandy talked but now he reached forward and hugged each lady in turn. "I have other work to do so I'll leave you ladies to carry on". He trotted down the stairs and Mandy watched as his long, lean figure disappeared down the street.

Mandy turned to Claire and said respectfully, "I don't remember exactly how you died. Can you tell me a little bit about it and how you managed when you came here?.

"I had that dreaded cancer and suffered badly for about 6 months until my earthly body just gave up. I don't remember too much about the actual passing but it seemed the moment my body died I was soaring through the most beautiful colors toward the proverbial light. It wasn't long before I found myself walking along a country road wondering where the heck I was", she laughed.

"In the same fashion that you were met by John I was welcomed by my friend, Erna". Claire's eyes softened as she remembered how happy she'd been to see her old friend again for the first time in many years. "Erna looked so beautiful and healthy that it made me cry to see her. And, yes, we can still cry, although they're always happy tears", she said with a grin.

"How long have you been here?", asked Mandy.

Claire paused for just a moment and then answered, "It's been twenty-five years now but seems only like months. I guess I'll move on when the time starts to drag", she joked.

Mandy leaned back and looked around her...at the lush and colorful garden...at the beautiful homes nearby. She listened to the sounds of twittering birds and laughter in the distance and thought, "This is a fine place to bide my time for a while, or maybe even forever".