A Present from Dustin
by Linda Bower
Dustin, my 21 year old son, took his life just 9 weeks ago on Sept. 24th. He was on drugs and alcohol and was in a very bad place.
I am reeling from the pain, of course. But there have been so many signs. The first was a shirt of his I found folded in my laundry. It was not washed; it still smells like him and all of his things are in the garage in a trunk.
The next, and the most important, came on my birthday, Oct. 19th. In the morning my young son Dylan wanted me to open a present from him. I did, but I just kept wishing I had something from Dustin. I remembered his gift last year was a snowman screen. I love snowmen. I thought of getting it down and putting it out in the family room. But it was only October and I really thought it would make me sadder.
Just then my 9 year old daughter, Danielle, came rushing out of the bathroom and down the hall. She said "Mom, you have to go find the necklace that Dustin gave you last year for your birthday." I knew he hadn't given me a necklace last year and wasn't sure what she was talking about. I said "Honey, I don't know what necklace you mean." She said, "It's an upside-down flower; it's gold and white. You have to go find it and put it on for your birthday. Dustin gave it to you."
Then I remembered the necklace, and I went right to it even though I hadn't worn it in two years. Dustin had actually given it to me two years ago for my birthday. And I had worn it that day, but that was the last time. I asked Danielle, "How did you even remember this? Dustin gave this to me two years ago for my birthday." She said, "I don't know, it just came into my mind that Dustin wants you to wear it -- it's his birthday present to you"
Thank you Dustin. I love you too.
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