I had a dream about Ned the night before last. Since we have been watching episodes of "The Office," the dream took place in a bland looking office. Ned was in the cubicle next to me, separated by a high counter that I could still see over. He was sitting in a chair at a desk and called me on his phone. I picked up and we talked for a little bit. I could see him and hear him but we still used the black office phones to communicate. He listened as I told him about how everyone was doing. He already knew that Vicki and Shaan had been in a harrowing car accident Sunday night and that they were alright. He knew that we were all having a difficult time, in our own ways, in carrying on. I told him that we missed him a lot. He got teary eyed and couldn't really say anything but I could feel how much he missed all of us. He expressed his understanding with, "I know. I know.." I remember thinking that it was just so good to hear his voice and that I wanted to soak it in and keep it close to my heart. Then he abruptly said, "I've got to get going. I have a lot to do."
Before he hung up he explained to me how the phones worked. He could call me, but I couldn't call him. (same as in the other dream). I told him to call again soon. He kind of looked like he did in this picture - not with the dopey "I just had a couple beers" grin, but his eyes were red and kind of faded in the same way. Even though I could see his image, I knew he wasn't physically there to reach over and touch. It was almost, I suppose, like it is for people visiting their loved ones in prison. They become an image behind glass and your connection becomes a voice on the other end of the line. It was still good to see him though and to hear his voice, so vivid, so strong. I wonder what he had to do?
