Clinking glasses in a toast is an old tradition to honor friends from the past. There’s always been a great debate about ghosts. Like any topic today; it’s 50/50 with the extremes on each end yelling at each other with bullhorns. Scientists clearly refuse to accept the existence of anything that can’t be seen under a microscope yet a whole slew of folks have breakfast each morning with Civil War soldiers. I’m in the middle; I’ve not visibly seen a ghost, but I’ve experienced things that can’t be explained scientifically. Ghosts and Faith, however, fall in the same life bucket. It’s hard to believe in one and reject the other.
My childhood home made a lot of noise at night; the radiators pinged, doors creaked, lake ice cracked, squirrels ran through the attic, but I never saw anything spooky. After my parents died and no one was living in the house any longer, I went in to pick up some items one summer day. Outside the air was filled with summer lake sounds – boats driving by, birds in the air, cars honking, etc. Inside, however, it was a complete vacuum of silence, no sounds whatsoever, an absence of life. I didn’t feel comfortable staying longer than a couple of minutes.
Years have passed and we have updated the house and rent it year round when we’re gone. Plenty of strangers roll through along with friends and family. The house feels livelier now, for some it’s a little more lively than normal. One April weekend a few years ago Devin’s best man Connor stayed there with his fiancé and her sister. After the 1st night he called Devin in Texas and said the 3 of them together heard voices in the downstairs living room around 3:00 AM. Devin said, “it’s probably my grandparents and my Uncle Mark.” Saturday night the same thing happened except Connor confirmed they could hear three distinct voices, two men and a woman, laughing and clinking glasses. I asked MaryLou Greenough, our house manager, if any of the renters mention spooky things going on. She said, “No, but things sometimes appear and disappear for no reason.” I guess that’s normal?
I personally believe that your essence gets absorbed into places you enjoyed during life. Maybe you’re gone, but your vitality stays behind like a scent or an old photograph. Eventually, it fades, but it can rejuvenate when new life draws it out. That explains little activity at the house with the renters, but more events with family and friends using the house; breathing life into it. The nice thing about this idea is it’s my own personal belief that I don’t need to prove to anyone. In a similar vein, I had Stage IV cancer in 2004 for my 2nd cancer bout, so statistically speaking I had very small odds of living long; forget the four additional relapses since over 18 years. Ultimately, if I believed in just the scientific stats rather than also having Faith in the unproven, then I’d likely be the fourth faded voice clinking glasses in the living room. Nowadays, though, I’m happy to be clinking glasses loudly with the living knowing full well it’s bringing out the best of us including our friends from the afterlife. Slainte.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
The closest I ever came to a ghost was when I came in at 4 and made a wrong turn and landed on Jessie. I can still hear her screaming.
That would be scary
We had a seance in the basement when we were little. Strange things happen and we did not go back. Yes I believe that you’re home is a happy place for loved ones and previous residents
Bill, the cellar was kinda spooky, especially the stairs going down. They didn’t have risers, so I always thought something would grab me from underneath. Pete
I like your take on this…💛
I have my own reasons and experiences as well…I do believe! 🕊🍀💜
Thanks for sharing these thoughts and events! 😀
While living in Germany, we found the perfect house for our large family. Of course we couldn’t afford it. Frau Unterkrauter told us she would accept our offer. She said her husband built the house for their family and now our family will thrive and flourish in this house. I swear Herr Unterkrauter was there in that house with us. Not scary or intimidating, just protective. Doors left open ( 4 Children, pets) would close. Lights would turn on in darkest part of the cellar. I believe, I believe! God bless Herr Unterkrauter! Thank you Pete. I love your blogs
Janet, thanks for reading and commenting. A friend of mine told me in the blog about a nice ghost he ran into in a Spanish fort. Maybe European ghosts are nicer? Say hello to Dieter.
I have a couple of great ghost stories and they’re all good! Thanks for sharing🍀
Grace, do your ghosts speak Italian? Pete
I believe in ghosts Mr. Pete…but not the scary kind. The kind who just want a visit and to let you know that everything is ok on the other side. I’ve had my own experiences…and they have all brought joyful tears to my eyes. ❤️ Slainte!
Elisa, someone’s always watching over you. Pete
Brilliant as always Peter! I had a visit from one in an old fort in Valenca do Minho Portugal. Luckily, it was a friendly one. Cheers!
Pat, I believe Ft. Ti has it’s fair share of afterlife also. Buenos tardes. Pete
Eileen Jerry and Mark are still enjoying their martinis
I have no doubt.
I do believe in spooks!!! I do , I do, I do!!
I certainly believe we all hang out a bit where we love to be! Love the posts!!! Stay well! ☘️☘️☘️
Well, someone’s got a keep an eye on things.
You know how uneasy I feel there. I’m fine during the day, when there are people in and out, but I have an undeniable and overwhelming feeling of a presence I can’t see or explain otherwise. Call me a clairvoyant, or maybe I have the ability to tap into my “third eye.” Whatever it is, I don’t want to come face to face with spirits that party at 3:00 AM! Great Blog!!!❤️
What if they’re pouring Tanqueray Gin?