Signs

And, I should know. It happens all the time in unexpected ways after a huge loss.

First, I realized that this is that time of year for me. It's April. It's Jazz Fest. I lost Cotton dog in April of 1998. She was 14, just like our Dali. And then there is the long list of friends and Jazz Fest Weekend Memorial Services in the living room on Columbus Street.

A friend had already told me to "pay attention to the messages from Dali". I told her I always do. You never know when or where they're going to come.

Mine came at the Dollar Tree yesterday. From across the aisle, this sweet card spoke to me. And then, as I crossed the aisle to look at it closer, my foot hit something on the floor. I picked it up.

There in the middle of the card aisle was a plastic squeaky dog toy shaped like a hamburger. I held it a minute. Put it on safe shelf and thought...okay my Dal, I miss you too!