Drumsticks in the Sky

Amparo Atencio

As I was making my bed this morning, I noticed my customary sign that I call my shout-outs from Tony: crossed drumsticks, symbolizing the passion of my Funky Drummer. I climbed on my bed with my camera to find the best vantage point through the small window for a photograph. Several shots included the window frame; others included telephone wires. I was frustrated with myself when it dawned on me that the easiest solution was to simply step outside onto my front stoop!

I decided I would go for a walk and noticed a second set of crossed drumsticks in the horizon, this time in parallel lines.

I hoped for a third shout-out as I walked to the edge of my driveway and was rewarded with another distant set of parallel sticks to reach my magical number: THREE!! For me, three symbolizes Tony’s birthday, October 3rd; one of his favorite songs, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley; connections that I receive from butterflies fluttering together, to sightings of hawks (Tony Hawk!), to text messages related to Tony at 3:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m.– all in series of threes. (Read my post, Three.)

I felt happiness in my heart and hugged myself, grinning because Tony’s spirit always reinforces my connection to THREE. I closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun as I tilted my face up to the sky.When I opened my eyes, I saw the biggest and most beautiful set of crossed drumsticks directly over my house.

I felt Tony’s message in my heart: “Mama! Don’t forget to always look up. I’m here. I’ll always be here. I’m with you. And all is well with me.” A sense of peace enveloped me.

As I finished my walk, there was one more shout-out. I didn’t take a picture of it because I didn’t make the connection until several hours later. This shout-out was also directly over my house: it was a pound sign. The pound sin is the shift-THREE key on all keyboards!

I just love Tony’s sense of humor! I just love my Tony. Love never dies.