The Ghost Wife

Andrew pulled up to the house. It was a bright day in August. His wife beside him, newly weds, things were good. It was an old house, a special house. And they had just finished unpacking after the honeymoon. They lived in Portland, Maine and in this late summer, they found a joy unsurpassed. Andrew was a minister, and Grace was caretaker for the elderly. They got out of the car, kissed and embraced. Love was fresh, new, palpable. They had just come home from the clothing drive, so the car was full of old, wrinkled clothing. They would iron it later. Andrew unlocked the door and opened it for his new wife.

“Well, I thought that went well,” Grace mused.

“I wish I knew a better way to distribute the clothes,” Andrew pined.

“We'll get plenty of people coming in the church.”

“I'm still scared we won't. This is a new church after all. It's only been around for a year.”

“There were a lot of people at the clothing drive.”

“But who knows how many people will actually come to services. That's where we get the money.”

“Don't worry about money.” And she kissed him. She went back out to the car and got more clothes. “Could you get out the ironing board, honey.” She wanted to get right to work. She wanted her husband to feel like something was getting accomplished this beautiful Thursday. She walked back into the house and looked at the clock. It was 3 pm. Plenty of time to iron some shirts. Her husband handed her the heating iron and kissed her.

“This is going to do a lot for the poor in the community.”

“I hope so.”

As she ironed, he decided to read the Bible and quickly flipped to Proverbs. He read, “For they see the death of the wise man and do not understand what the Lord intended for him, or why he made him secure.” Just then, his wife collapsed. He ran to her.

“My heart.” She said and clasped her chest with her right hand. “I think I need to go to the hospital, Andy.” He picked her up in his arms and rushed her to the hospital.

“I'm sorry sir. She's passed.” The doctor said and calmly walked away. Andrew broke down into tears. The kind of tears that don't cleanse a heart. The kind of tears that express utter anguish and deep despair.

“What will I do? Who will love me? Who will help me?” He trudged from the hospital and returned to his car. He thought about the Bible verse and thought to himself about how insecure he was.




Grace felt heavenly love and utter peace. She was in Heaven. She was floating in light and absolute pleasure. She suddenly realized that she was on the other side of life. New life, New birth. But something felt empty and unresolved. She wanted to be with her husband. She couldn't believe that she'd abandoned life and left him all alone. She began to weep. A glowing presence floated toward her.

It said, “I am the angel Sandolphin. I take messages from you to God. Is there anything you'd like to say to God?”

“Yes, tell him I miss my husband and I want to be with him.”

“That can be arranged,” It said. “Let me tell God.”

“Oh, thank you Angel.”

She felt warmth running through her and cool breezes on her face. She looked around and there were shining points of light everywhere all facing a center point of heavenly light. In a flash, she realized that she was in her house. Her husband was on the couch, sobbing.”

“My baby. She's gone. What will I do? What will I do?”

She wondered if she could talk. “It's Grace,” She said. He didn't notice and went right on sobbing. It hurt her to see him in so much pain. She wanted to comfort him. She walked up and held his face. A cool breeze caressed his face, but he was in too much pain to notice.  

“The Angels are weeping,” He exclaimed. “Spirits, guide me.”

“I'm here.” Grace said. This time he did notice.

“Who are you?” He cried. “Who are you and what do you want?”

“It's Grace,” She repeated.

“Where are you?”

“I'm back from the other side. From Heaven. I wanted to be with you and God let me.”

“I can't believe I'm hearing voices.”

“You are, Andrew. It's me, Grace. I will always be with you.”