Amazing Grace

Chapter 22

On Tuesday at lunchtime, while Grace was making herself a sandwich before going out to another house viewing, her mobile rang and she saw Ruth’s number displayed.

‘Hey, Ruth, how are you?’ she asked. ‘How did it go?’ There was a very strange noise coming from the other end of the phone. ‘Ruth? Ruth?’

‘Oh, Grace,’ she sobbed. She sounded so upset.

‘Where are you? I’m coming to you. Just tell me where you are.’

‘I’m at the shop. I can’t face going home right now.’ It was difficult to decipher what Ruth was saying, and her tone of voice was strangely muted.

‘I’m on my way,’ Grace said, feeling concerned.

When she arrived at the café, it was in darkness, but there was a light coming from the staff room at the back. The door was locked so Grace hammered on it. Ruth appeared, her face blotchy, looking like she’d been crying for a week.

When she opened the door, Grace slammed it behind her and turned the lock again. She led Ruth back into the staff room.

‘What happened, darling?’ she asked.

‘Oh, Grace,’ she sobbed. ‘I spoke to Meredith through Michelle. It was incredible.’

Grace’s body tingled from her toes to the top of her head as Ruth recalled her session.

‘When I arrived at Michelle’s house, she was eager to get me in and settled and said that she had a young lady who desperately wanted to speak to me. Michelle described the woman and I knew straight away that it was Meredith. Michelle said that she was getting the feeling that this young lady had been taken way ahead of her time and that the young lady was telling her that it was OK; that she was fine and well, and that while she knew that her family were so very sad, it was just her time to go.’

Grace passed Ruth a tissue as she noticed a tear fall slowly down her cheek.

‘She said that she knew that her family wouldn’t ever forget her, but that it was time we started to build a new life without her and that there was no better legacy for her to leave behind than to watch her family live their lives to the full. She said that we needed to know that life is so very precious and short, and that it is about the people you meet and the memories you make with them along the way. She said she wanted us to make amazing memories with the people that are around us; to remember and cherish the past, but that we should take and make opportunities to have an amazing future. To live life like every day counted. She made me promise to do this, Grace.’

Grace held Ruth’s hand as she could see how emotional her friend was getting and she just wanted to comfort her.

‘She talked about the leukaemia and said that there was nothing anybody could have done to save her. She said that she was around me and my beautiful family all the time and that she walks with us when we go on our family walks. Apparently she’s never far from her brother or her sister and she wants us to continue to talk to her as she hears everything we say, but she gets frustrated because she couldn’t answer us before now.’

Ruth explained that during the session she was trying to write things down so that she wouldn’t forget what was said, while listening as hard as she could so she didn’t miss a thing. Grace was trying really hard to hold it together as Ruth continued her story; she felt so emotional, and she was taken right back to that very first contact she’d had with her mum.

‘Finally Meredith talked about Vinnie and how he’s met someone new who he feels is his soul mate and that she hopes they will go on to have a fabulous life together. She said that she wanted to thank Mike for being a wonderful husband and so supportive to me and that he really is a sincere person who genuinely adores his family and his wife.’

Ruth seemed to have calmed down slightly at this point and Grace wiped her own tears away and asked her how she felt about her visit to Michelle after sharing the experience.

‘Oh, Grace, I am so pleased I went. I know I’m upset now but it’s because it’s all so raw. I’ve had this amazing connection with my kid sister that I never thought for one minute I would ever have again and that is such an incredible feeling. I didn’t realise how much I’d pushed all these thoughts aside, and it’s brought all my emotions back to the surface… but in a really good way. I know I’m totally drained now, but that aside, the one thing that I’m sensing more than anything is peace. I feel at peace with what has happened. I really needed this.’

‘Ruth, I am so delighted for you. I know that going to see Michelle was a massive help to me. In fact, I don’t know how I would have coped without her in my life at a time when I needed so many answers. I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you have done what you needed to do. Perhaps now your heart might start to heal.’ She turned to Ruth, tears shining in her eyes, and embraced her friend, knowing exactly the emotions that Ruth was experiencing.

The shrill ringtone of a mobile phone interrupted the moment. ‘Oh my!’ Ruth exclaimed, as she spotted Vinnie’s name on the caller display. She clutched her hand to her chest. ‘I need to tell Vinnie and Mike. I told you first.’ She smiled through her tears. ‘I knew you’d understand and I instinctively just needed you to be the first to know. I know neither of them will mind. Will you speak to Vinnie for me and ask him to come round to mine and Mike’s house now please?’

Grace answered Ruth’s phone and Vinnie laughed. ‘I knew she’d ring you first. I just knew it.’

‘I’m so sorry, Vinnie,’ Grace replied. ‘I know she probably should have told you and Mike but she called me instead, probably because I understand better than most what she’s just been through. She asked me to get you to meet her at their house as soon as you can.’

‘I don’t mind, Grace, why would I? She loves you nearly as much as I do. And that’s a huge amount. See you there in ten minutes.’

Grace smiled as she handed the phone back to Ruth, her heart beating ten to the dozen and set on fire by Vinnie’s words. Had he really just said that he loved her? She wanted to jump up and down on the spot in excitement, but on reflection decided that probably wouldn’t be particularly cool.

‘Can I ask a massive favour, Grace?’ Ruth asked.

‘Of course. Anything you like,’ Grace replied.

‘Can I have a hug? I just need a great big sisterly hug right now.’

Grace and Ruth stood and hugged like they were never going to see each other again. Tears poured from both of them, but they both knew they were good, cathartic tears. They knew there was a bond between them that no one could ever break; that whatever happened, they would be friends for the rest of their lives.

‘I’ll leave you to it then,’ Grace said.

‘You will not, you daft bat, you’re coming with me. You’re a part of our family now, Grace, whether you like it or not, and you are included in everything we do.’

The women shared an understanding smile as they got into their respective cars and drove the short distance to Ruth’s house. Grace was still officially on her lunchbreak, although it was a rather extended one today. Once there, Grace made a pot of coffee and took it into the lounge where Mike sat on the arm of the sofa, arms round Ruth’s shoulders, while she sat next to Vinnie, holding his hand tightly, telling her brother and husband everything that had been said at Michelle’s.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Mike went into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and four flutes. The anticipation and then the delightful noise of the cork popping made them smile and, through their tears, they raised their glasses and made a toast. ‘To Meredith!’

* * *

Yay! I told Meredith she could do it. I knew that between us all we could get her to speak to Ruth. How amazing is that! I know she’s made up. Being up here in heaven is so difficult. I am so chuffed that Meredith got through to her sister. I’m so proud of her and of you for helping it to happen. And Michelle needs a medal. She is so amazing and I’m so glad that we found this way of contact. It’s miraculous, isn’t it, this universe that we live in? Well done, my darling, thank you for sharing your experience with others. I know some don’t believe, but we do. I always told you I’d find a way to let you know I was still here. Always was and always will be. Love you, Mumxxx