Tomorrow didn't come

David Shawn McAllister
1963-1999

I was just getting off the phone late last night when Dave appeared in my living room.

Dave was a tall and strongly built man who looked in his mid-thirthies. He had medium brown hair, handsome features and a beard stub covered his cheeks and chin. He was dressed in a rugged fashion, with what looked like a checkered flannel shirt and dark corduroy pants. On any other man, this would have looked corny I think, but he actually pulled it off. I think I already mentioned that he was handsome…

Dave sat next to me on the sofa, quiet and observing. I was intently watching a DVD, so I didn’t pay too much attention to him.

I know, you will say: But how could you NOT pay attention to Dave – you know, the dead guy sitting next to you?

The answer is quite simple – I have been seeing ghosts for the past few years and once they have engaged me (either in conversation or by sitting next to me) – they don’t go anywhere until I assist them to find the way to the Light or God. So I figured that Dave could wait a little longer.

I was about to turn in for the night and Dave followed me upstairs. He was the discreet type and quietly stood next to the bed. I could sense he wanted to talk, so I invited him to sit down. I have lost count of how many strangers, male and female, I have had sit in bed with me!

Dave finally broke the silence and said: “I feel I could have been so much more in life.”

“What makes you say that?” I enquired.

Propping himself more comfortably next to me, he added: “I feel like I’ve let everyone down. Including myself.”

I could feel the pain behind his words. I didn’t really know what to answer. As if he felt my discomfort, he went on.

“Enjoy your life while you can. I never thought mine would end. Now I feel like I wasted it.”

There was another long silence and I fell asleep. Yep. You read that well. I just passed out, exhausted, with Dave the discarnate spirit still next to me.

****

When I woke up the next morning, Dave was not in my room anymore. I got caught up in my routine and totally forgot about him – until now, as I write these words. Dave is stitting in the chair next to me, reading over my shoulder. He is flattered that I find him handsome – as he was a bit shy in life – and in death as well if you ask me!

Dave seems to regret a lot of things from his life. Not so much the things he did, but the things he didn’t do - he just clarified for me.

I still don’t really know what to tell Dave. I mean, he’s body is dead and there is nothing more he can accomplish as “Dave” anymore. Except may be with me – or THROUGH me, he just said.

Aww, I get it! He wants people to not make the same mistake he did. Here is what he has to say.

“Guys, live your life like there was no tomorrow. Because you know what, one day, there was no more tomorrow for me. I was healthy, hard working, had great values and integrity. I was caught up in my life. Or what I thought was my life. And then, one moment, I’m dead. Dave’s body is dead, but something unexpected happened: I lived on. My spirit didn’t die.

“Only, what good is my spirit, if I don’t have a body to do things? What good is my spirit, if my friends and loved ones can’t see me? To them, Dave is dead. But what about me?

"There is so much I didn't get to say or do. Don't get lost in things that won't matter all that much after your body dies. I don't care about my flat screen TV anymore - but I'm haunted that I didn't tell my family how much I loved them more often.

"Live every day like there was no tomorrow. Because one day - your tomorrow won't come either. And no matter how hard you try, your body will still be dead.

"You can't live from the grave - Lord knows I've tried. It took me a long time to finally find someone who would listen. Who would care. Someone who reminded me that I still existed, even if I seemed dead to the entire world. I had cared about.

"Live like you have already died - I sure wish I did."

***

Dave sat next to me for a little while, happy that I had written up his thoughts. He seemed to have found some peace of mind, as if he felt he had finally accomplished enough to be worthy to move on.

As I called the Light for him, my throat became tight with emotions. Dave was now radiating and seemed satisfied, satisfied enough to now want to move on and cross over.

As he gently waved, he stepped into the Light, finally ready to move on.

I enjoyed Dave's company - even if I knew he didn't belong here. He had this quiet inner strength that just made his presence reassuring. I know, ghost and reassuring presence may seem like an oxymoron to most and I hope that these stories will make you think otherwise.

Until my next in-between world encounter...