At the Gates of Heaven

I’m sure I’ve been here before – maybe in a dream.

“Hello, Amy.” He said.

 I look up at the tall brass gate by the old oak tree.  It’s Spring.  The sun is out and the path through here is worn and very pretty, “Hi.” I look at the man dressed in a nice suit, “Have I been here before?”

“Yes.” He nodded, “But not in the capacity you are now.” He turned and there was a park bench nearby, “Would you like to take a seat?”

I walk to the bench and sit down as he sits next to me, “This is a very nice place; but why don’t I recognise it?”

He avoids my question, “Do you remember how you got here?”

“No.” I look at my hands and find I still have my watch and I’m dressed in my favourite clothes and shoes, “The last thing I remember is going to my volunteer work by car.”

He smiles, “You love to drive don’t you?”

I nod, “Yes.”

He reaches out and touches my shoulder, making sure I’m looking at him, “You know it wasn’t your fault.”

I turn back to where I came from, “Fault?”

“You know where you are, don’t you?”

“No.” I wonder if I’m supposed to remember something.  Did I close up the living room window?  Was my bird fed? Did I leave something on the stove, like the pot of porridge by… “accident.” Tears well in my eyes as I look back at him and I try to stand up, “Holy… I was in an accident.”

He nods, “Now, Amy it’s okay.”

“No it’s not.” I walk away from him. 

Away from the gate, the tree and the path and pretty scene with the Springtime sunlight.  I’m trying to find my way back to where I was before!

“Amy!” he calls out, “You booked a one way ticket here!”

Suddenly his voice is in front of me and I’m walking up to the back of the park bench where he’s waiting for me, “Let me out!”

He stands, “I’m not allowed to.  I’m your guide.  Today was the day you were destined to die.”

“But my bird.  My niece… my family needs me!” I scream.  As my voice echoes around the silence, birds take flight from the oak tree, startled at the sound of my anger, “I had so much to do!”

Holding his hand up, he snaps his fingers and...

...we’re suddenly at a funeral setting.  My family are sitting at the front rows looking at the floor, “They can’t see us.  It’s been a week.”

The pastor looked up from the readings and invited people up to talk about my life and how they knew me.  This man and I stood at the back of the service and listened to people who knew me from all kinds of sources telling stories about me.  There were some stories my family knew about and some that shocked them, but they still thought were hilarious and had them laughing as they shook their heads. 

We stayed until the burial.  Then there was the wake afterwards.  It was lovely… just as I had asked.  Music I loved played as everyone walked around and enjoyed my favourite food and chatted.

“Amy it’s time to go.” He whispered.

“Wait a second.” I spotted my niece who was sitting on her own.  I knew how all this worked as I had been in touch with the dead myself for a while, and so I just wished to be next to her and a moment later, I was.  I took my time, raised my hand and rested it on her shoulder gently, “I hope this works…” leaning down to her ear, I whispered, “I’m sorry I left you alone, but I’m always here for you.”

She raised her hand to mine and turned her head as though she heard me as tears pricked her eyes, “I know.” She whispered back.

“Amy it’s time.” He said touching me, making me let go, “You can’t stay here, your presence is hurting these people.”

“Okay.”

We arrived back at the tall brass gate, oak tree and park bench just as the sun was shining through the branches of the tree.  But there was somebody waiting for us; and they didn’t look pleased as they stood from the bench.

“Gabriel, it’s against regulations to take her back.” He said.

“I’m an Archangel, she was under my protection.  Besides, we have to wait until they to walk through.” The man who was with me said.

“Archangel?” I asked, “Are you tethered to me?”

He smiled, “Always have been since the day you were born.” He walked me to the bench, “Now, do you remember this place?”

“Not really.” I said, “It’s as though I do in a dream.”

Gabriel grinned, “Good.  You do remember it.” He clapped his hands together, “You are an Angel, but on Earth you were known as a Sensitive; somebody who could communicate with people who had already crossed over or who were on their way to crossing over.  And you tethered yourself to your niece when we went back.”

“Oh… God.” I looked down, “But I did so many bad things.  I’d be a bad example.”

The other man laughed, “Those things weren’t bad, they were just rebellious… you were okay; and you’re going to be okay now.”

“Why was I killed off?”

“You weren’t.” Gabriel smiled, “The big boss needed your services; and he needed you now.  The fact your life was cut short is just co-incidence.” He turned and pushed the brass gate open for me, guiding me through, “You’ll be fine.  I’ll be here for you.”

As the gate latched, I turned back and looked at him.  He was right about one thing, he was by my side, “If you’re here for me, are you my soulmate?”

He smiled, “It’s the reason why no man on Earth was ever good enough for you.  When your Dad told you that you were a little angel, he was right in more ways than one.”