Stories and Stuff

Stories and Stuff

The Not-So-Gentle Hint
by Ryan Schuderer

If the reader was at Noel’s service you’ll remember my dry, quiet reading from Kahlil Gibran’s book, The Prophet. I always remember seeing that book growing up. My dad bought me that book for Christmas one year and I’ve read it a few times. Anyhow, my brother Jason and I went to my dad’s house to help discuss funeral arrangements and reminisce about other Noel stories. I was sitting there listening to everyone kind of watching everyone in silence when I noticed my mom had this book in her hands. I didn’t think much of it until I returned home. I went into my bedroom to check phone messages. I looked over on the desk where my answering machine was and... there on the desk was a little black book called The Prophet. The strangest thing was I didn’t remember seeing that book for a while or even moving it from the stack of books in my closet. I still scramble my brain trying to find out who put it there. My roommate Dave didn’t do it. My dog’s not a big reader. Things just don’t move themselves, or do they? If it weren’t for that little incident, I would have said nothing at my brother’s service. Although I’m not the best public speaker in the world, what I read from that book really makes sense. I highly recommend everyone reading this to pick up a copy.

When Noel’s service took place was just another miracle in a string of miracles. I will never forget my dad’s speech. When he said my brother was alive it wasn’t bullshit. I’m not too religious by any means but something was sensed that day by all that were there. There was a healing amongst all the sadness and mourning. The stories, the faces I hadn’t seen in years, the faces I’d never seen, the fact that we were all laughing at someone’s funeral could only be some sort of miracle. The air was charged with everything Noel. I’m sure he loved it.

"So what’s your point, Ryan?" I guess I’m not really sure. These things happen and you try not to question them too much. If I sound stark raving mad then so what. Along with the support of all my friends and family, these strange occurrences helped to keep “a rock of sanity in a sea of shit” to quote Mark Burgess. The pain and longing will always be there in the back of my mind but things like this help make the hole in my heart a bit smaller. Thank you, Noel, for keeping it interesting. Say hi to Elvis for me. This one’s for you, man.