Summer Rain

Summer Rain

“Summer Rain”
One foot in front of the other, I trudged slowly down the narrow cobblestone pathway. The morning sun cast its rays upon the earth, giving an iridescent glow to the nature around me.   In the distance, thunderclouds rose, promising a storm. The wind wandering through the billowing trees brought with it the scent of fresh lavender and rain. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes. Opening them again, I felt a new sense of calm, which enabled me to take the turn in the forked path that led to the western side of the only cemetery in Roseville.
I could see the ancient willow tree that encompassed the final resting place of my brother. Its leaves were impenetrable to the eyes, seeming but a massive green barrier to the outside world. Now following a dirt trail, I approached the thick sheen of leaves and paused. I had not been able to bring myself here since the day of the funeral. I slipped my shoes off and set them aside. Gathering myself, I prayed for strength and guidance, and slowly but surely, I parted the leaves and stepped into a dome of green.
My breath caught at the beauty of this place. The lush grass grew thickly and was velvet underfoot. Wildflowers of every color spotted the ground, some in clusters, some alone. There was an incredible sense of peace in the air that stunned me to silence. In the center of it all stood a white marble tombstone, glittering in what little pure sunlight shone through the leaves.
Somehow, I moved my feet forward, though my legs felt as though they were lead.   With each step they grew heavier and heavier until I collapsed before the marble slab.
Kade Joseph O’Connell
January 3, 1992 — July 17, 2009
I traced the words with my fingertips over and over again. I could feel the tears boiling inside, waiting to fall, but I held them back.
“Kade, I miss you. I miss you so much.” I whispered, praying that he could hear me, though knowing he could not. Something warm rolled down my cheek— a tear. More followed, but I...