Signs of Grace

by Nancydee Golberg

I still see the robe – a coat of many colors. I had come into this men’s store looking for something special for my husband. And there it was, hanging on a rack, becoming to me. It reminded me of pictures of Joseph’s coat of many colors that I had seen as a child. Since his middle name was Joseph, it was perfect. Little did I know what the robe would mean to me.

Needless to say, he loved it and called it his Joseph’s coat. Many years later, when he was suffering from lung cancer, he said his magical coat eased his pain and comforted him. When he died I hung it on the hook in the bathroom, thinking nothing of it.

Now I was alone – first time in my 70 plus years – a new feeling. I could eat whenever and whatever I wanted, sleep when I wanted, dress or not dress. About six months of this and I was overwhelmed with a dark cloud. I was lonely and wanted to cry. Not thinking, one night I slipped into his robe and an immediate calm came over me. I noticed that it still smelled like him. So for a year or so, I snuggled in this magical robe. This worn and frayed magical robe comforted me, lifted my spirits, and I knew I was not alone!

Copyright 2009, Nancydee Golberg.