The Knock

Most of my life i've lived the same day over and over. In my adult years although things changed tremendously I fell into another routine lifestyle. I work and relax. In more detail every morning I wake up at 5am to shower, brush my teeth, dress myself, make my bed, feed my dog, Shiloh, grab my coat, briefcase, wallet, keys, phone and head out the door for breakfast. I work from home and have been for the last six years, for this very reason I try to get out of the house a few times a day. I walk to Starbucks and order my favorite which is a Latte Macchiato and Sausage, Cheddar and Egg Breakfast Sandwich. I sit at the high table alone by the window when it is available, pull my tablet from my briefcase and scroll through social media while eating breakfast.

I used to use this same briefcase at a corporate job that I deemed high value. My whole life came crashing down around me when my parents died in a car accident May 2014. I didn't know how to function. Losing two parents unexpectedly at the same time threw me in the worst depression of my life. During the rest of 2014 I felt the most alone i'd ever felt in my life. I was an only child so as my parents spoiled me when I was young I made sure to spoil them while working that corporate job. They smiled so much when I bought them the very car that killed them. I blamed myself for so long. My parents had great health, jogged the sidewalks from their home every morning it was nice out. They were so happy, still taking each other on dates and traveling together on birthdays and anniversaries. They were my babies since I had no children of my own. I gave my parents everything I could and only lived thirty minutes away so I saw them as much as possible. I no longer deemed that corporate job as high value once my parents were gone. I was let go from my job once I began to no call no show and on days I worked; my work was not up to par in the least. I didn't want to eat, talk, bathe or Live without my parents. I realized the job wasn't my true calling. I was only working there because the pay was great and my parents never went without. The job itself I had no passion towards but I stayed there letting the days pass by as long as I could put smiles on my parents faces. There were days i'd get lonely and want a companion. As a man I wanted a woman beside me, especially seeing my parents marriage over the years. I truly wanted the type of love my parents had. I wanted true happiness, passion and purpose. I wasn't any closer to it now than I was then though. I wasn't the most outgoing. Go with the flow has been a lifetime motto for me and I am truly tired of it, have no idea how to change now.

Once finished with social media, checking emails and online shopping I leave Starbucks and head for home. I take Shiloh out for a walk and some play time at the nearby dog park. He became one of my best friends once my parents passed. Shiloh was actually their puppy. They'd only had him a week before the wreck. I never really wanted a pet, so used to being alone, but I couldn't let him go to a shelter or give him away. I had to take care of him. Shiloh is a Shiba Inu, very intelligent and fiesty. He is so accustomed to our routine he is waiting at the door every day I come from Starbucks. There are a few blocks we walk before reaching the dog park. This works for me since i'm not an athletic built type of guy nor do I like exercising a lot. I'm not a big man, been able to hold a nice frame to myself throughout the years which i'm proud of and give Thanks to my fast metabolism. Once at the dog park I sit next to an elderly lady every day for a few hours. She's been my doggy park pal for years now. Never asked but i'm sure she's in her 70's. She gets around great and is still active like my parents used to be who would've been in their 60's right now. Mrs. Caterin has two Dalmatians, Edy and Talbert, and one one black and white spotted Great Dane named Merle. I would definitely say Mrs. Caterin definitely has a thing for spots. We sit and watch our dogs play together while talking about whatever is going on in news. From time to time I have to break the boys up whenever they start rough housing. They're ususally good at reading each other's signals but sometimes I have to interfere. I've asked Mrs. Caterin how she handles three big boys in her home but she told me early on she raised three boys into men on her own and one daughter so she can handle three furboys. We laughed so hard that day. Mrs. Caterin was a sweetheart but I could tell even at her age she was a strong woman and would handle trouble and backtalk the way she saw fit. She lived alone but her boys weren't far away, one was actually next door to her. She wouldn't stay with any of them because she was so independent. She still drives her car wherever she needs to go. She promised them she would get a dog since she decided to stay in her own home. When she didn't move fast enough her three boys each got her a puppy, each have now grown into big dogs.

Once our boys were done playing I waved goodbye to Mrs. Caterin and began walking back home as it would soon be time for work to start for me since I was on a second shift schedule. Shiloh loved when he saw the house from the last block because he knew I was going to remove the leash so he could run the rest of the block to the house. He took off and all I could see was brown and white flashing down the block. I reached home, took out the key and inside we went. I made sure to give Shiloh a bowl of water and I took off my clothes changing into some pajamas, house slippers and a t-shirt. Once again this is my every day routine. I got a bottle of water from the refrigerator then made a turkey and cheese sandwich, barbeque chips and celery were also on the plate. I sat at my office desk sitting my lunch on my desk and entered my passwords on my site to get started with work. I was happy to have this nonphone position working from 2pm until 9:30pm. This was not a completely fulfilling position however it paid the little bills I did have. My home was paid in full so I was working simply to keep household utilities going. My parents spoiled me again in their passing by leaving me very well off so that money was put away. I'm not the type to believe in throwing away money. I've always lived a very responsible life. Never the type to make true long lasting friends and not having much family to talk to it was just me and Shiloh that I had to take care of financially. The only knocks I would get on my door would be from the mailman, online orders coming in or a neighbor every once in a while asking for a favor or for me to keep watch on their home while they'd be out for the weekend. Shiloh would absolutely jump for joy any time someone would approach the home. He could hear them before they knocked. He was alerting me, protecting me and excited all at the same time which always made me chuckle. I was settled in life for the most part, simply used to the routine of the last six years. I wanted more out of life but often thought maybe this is as good as it gets. I didn't allow myself to think on it too long, being an individual who dealt with depression in the past I don't think on things that I feel may trigger anything. I start to work as Shiloh sleeps under my desk right next to my feet. This is life.

Once done with work I feed Shiloh again before getting into the shower. Shiloh always eats and then waits at the door until i'm finished showering. I get dressed and turn on the tv in the living room but before sitting down I take Shiloh out one last time in the backyard. Once he's handled his business I use my scooper to clean up behind him and then we go in the house. I let Shiloh decide whether he wants to curl up on the couch beside me or lay by the couch. Tonight he decided to lay by the couch as I stretched out on the couch to watch tv. I wasn't sleepy and usually don't sleep but for some reason that night I was extremely sleepy. I dozed off before I knew it.

I sat up quickly to look at the clock which read 11:30pm. What woke me up though was something hit the door. Who would be at the door this late? I looked at Shiloh who was fast asleep. I was truly surprised that he hadn't alert me because he hears everything and would wake up immediately from the deepest sleep at noise. I thought ok maybe it was the noise coming from the tv show that was on. I was about to lay back down to watch tv and I thought maybe I should get in bed since it's late. I figured no i'll get in bed at 12am. I was just about comfortable on the couch again when I heard another hit to the door. This time I sat up fully on the couch. Now I know i'm not dreaming. Why is Shiloh still sleeping? Does he not hear this? I thought, Is someone trying to break into my house? Just as the thought came into my mind there were three rapid knocks. I sat there in fear. I looked down at Shiloh who didn't move and was definitely alive because I saw him breathing. Ok, I thought to myself what is going on here? Am I going crazy? I moved myself to the other end of the couch and stepped past Shiloh. I grabbed a bat I kept in the corner and stood there. I was waiting for someone to break in. I waited for a while and heard no more knocking. I thought ok maybe it was someone with the wrong house. I put the bat down and started walking back towards the couch. A cold shiver ran up my back when three hard rapid taps were at my door again. I jumped towards the couch, this woke Shiloh. Shiloh sat looking at me since i'd startled him. I looked back towards the door and ran over to the bat. I looked back at Shiloh who was still looking at me. Three more taps, I looked back to Shiloh who was still looking at me. I said "Shiloh you don't hear that? Why aren't you barking?" Shiloh simply looked at me and turned his head like dogs do when they have no idea what you're talking about. Why am I the only one hearing this. Then I stopped in my tracks. Wait...i'm the only one hearing this. That added another layer of fear for me. That had to be the answer because Shiloh has not barked yet. He is walking slowly towards me probably unsure of what i'm doing. I hear three more rapid taps and begin walking again towards the door. I build up some courage and tell myself I'm going to jerk the door open and just start batting whoever is playing at my door. More taps. I get closer. More taps. I'm in front of the door. More taps. My hand is on the doorknob. More taps. I'm furious now. More taps. I swing the door open bat ready to swing and not a single soul is there. This can't be real. I know someone was hitting and knocking on my door. I look up and down the street. No one. I look at my neighbors homes. No one is out. The streetlights are on so I would've seen the person. I was so confused. I backed up slowly to close the door. I looked back to see Shiloh still looking at me not understanding what's going on. Shiloh, I thought, i'm just as confused as you. I closed the door and tried to think rationally of what just happened. I figured ok it's time to go to bed but the minute I picked up my feet to walk, another tap. I quickly turned around and jerked the door open. I yelled "Stop It! Whoever You Are STOP IT!" I saw no one but I knew someone was playing at my door. I went out on the steps this time and yelled again "I'll Call The Police. Now STOP IT!" Shiloh stood in the doorway looking at me so confused when I turned around. Before I could step back in the house I stumped my house shoe on some block like object on the step. I looked down and it seemed to be a book of some sort. I looked around again. Who left this book? I thought. I grabbed the book quickly and rushed in the house locking the door behind me. Once in the house with the book I pretty much forgot about the knocking and went straight to the couch to see exactly what this was. Shiloh was just as interested as me. Once I sat down I saw that this was a small black notebook. The front of the notebook read "Dreams" in big letters, then "I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." I was thinking what in the world is going on here. I opened the inside of the book and it said "Awaken To Life Anew" I dropped the notebook immediately. Thoughts ran through my head. Was someone listening to me? I was just saying earlier maybe this is as good as life gets. I think often that I want more fulfillment, passion and purpose. I ran to the door and opened it again. Still...no one. I ran to my backyard. No one. I checked my security camera footage and nothing was ever there. What is going on? Where did this notebook come from? Am I losing it? No I can't be because i'm holding this small black notebook. I became even more confused when I opened the pages and saw they were all blank. Huh? I thought. What did this mean? Where did this come from? I'm so confused. Shiloh had his chin resting on my knee looking so worried. I shook my head to get myself together. "You know what," I said to Shiloh, "I can't deal with this right now. Lets go to bed Shiloh." At that moment I realized the knocking went away the moment I had the notebook. I took the notebook in my room. I just looked at this notebook as Shiloh passed by me to get in his doggy bed. I simply said to the book as if it was listening "I'll deal with you in the morning." I put the book on nightstand beside my bed. I took off my slippers, took off my pants and got under my covers to sleep. I looked at the notebook one more time and shook my head. "Goodnight" I said rubbing Shiloh's head. I turned to the wall and went to sleep.

Morning came. I got up at 5am to shower, brushed my teeth, dressed myself, made my bed and fed Shiloh but that's where the routine ended. I didn't reach for a briefcase, a coat or any of those things this morning; instead I reached for the notebook. For the life of me I couldn't understand the weird occurrences of last night. Everything happened so fast. I went to my living room with the book and tried to make some sense of it. I checked my security footage again and still nothing. I believed in the supernatural and paranormal in a very positive way so I was definitely leaning towards this. I didn't want to believe it but what else could it be? And why now? I continued reading the front of the notebook over and over and still couldn't believe how it resonated with my life so well. What am I supposed to do with these blank pages? I got up to get my phone and I googled the message. The message on the front of the book came up as Manifesting. Interesting, I was always seeing things about manifesting while on social media and the web. Sometimes while on YouTube watching some of my favorite channels a recommended Manifest video would pop up. I would always scroll by it because I never searched for it and couldn't understand why it would continuously pop up for me. I looked back to see Shiloh still eating then I looked back to the book. I took my phone and went to YouTube to see if any Manifest videos would pop up. Sure enough, there they were different Manifesting videos. I decided to click on one. I kind of rolled my eyes realizing the one I clicked on was over an hour long. Hey, I figured, what do I have to lose. This will allow time to pass before taking Shiloh to the doggy park. One thing for sure is last night changed my routine and I have a feeling it's going to change a lot more. I get up from the chair to make waffle and eggs along with a glass of orange juice. Shiloh looks at me as if he's thinking why are you still here? I chuckle a little at his expression and go back to the chair. Shiloh finishes his food and comes to curl up next to me. I think he's already fine with the change of things today. I begin watching the video and am immediately pulled in at the serene feeling it gives. Ok, I think i'm going to enjoy this video.

I look at my watch and jump up. Oh wow, i've watched five videos already. It is 11am so we're not going to be at the dog park as long because I have to get to work at 2pm. "Come on Shiloh, we have to get you to the park." Shiloh barks in agreeance. I put his leash on and head out the door. This is the first time I jog with Shiloh but I want to get there quickly so he'll have time to play and i'll have time to talk with Mrs. Caterin. Shiloh enjoys this change. I am not a person who enjoys exercising but honestly I had a newfound pep in my step today. Was it because I was in a rush? Because of last night? The powerful videos this morning? Either way it felt good. We arrived at the dog park and I saw Mrs. Caterin sitting there, her boys already playing. I took Shiloh off the leash and he ran over to the boys as I sat by Mrs. Caterin. She looked at me and said "Didn't think you would show today." I responded "Yes, this is the first time in all of these years i've come this late." She chuckled. "Well, it's good to do things out of the norm from time to time." After that we began our normal conversation but the notebook stayed on my mind. "What's bothering you today? I can tell when something is on your mind but today I felt the need to ask." Mrs. Caterin said. I thought to myself, should I tell her about the notebook? About last night? What should I say. I stared at the boys playing and finally said, "Mrs. Caterin do you believe in Manifesting?" She looked at me and smiled. "You know, I do. My thoughts are be positive about life and what you want out of life. Take action and watch things come to you." She said. Wow, I thought that's something I needed to hear. "Thanks Mrs. Caterin" I said. We continued to talk about Manifesting, Affirmations, Praying, Being Equipped with everything you need and so much more. I truly needed the conversation. I decided not to tell her about the notebook and last night's occurrences but I learned so much within that timeframe.

A few hours passed. I stood up looking at the time and let Mrs. Caterin know Shiloh and I were going to head home and she gathered her boys to do the same. We walked a small ways together before having to part but before she left she said "If you have a book of any kind, start writing what you want out of life as if you already have it. Oh and don't forget to Smile, Be Happy while doing so." I was shocked. Was Mrs. Caterin the one who left the book on my doorstep? No there's no way. I would've definitely seen her on the security footage. Plus she wouldn't have been out that late. Now though I knew what I could use the notebook for. "Thank you Mrs. Caterin." I responded. Today instead of waiting to let Shiloh go a few steps from the house I decided to jog back the entire way with him. He jogged by my side the whole time with occasional jumping from time to time. "Yeah Shiloh, I like this change too."

Once home I changed into my pajamas, t-shirt and house slippers. I gave Shiloh his bowl of water and was going to sit in front of the computer but soon realized I didn't feel like working today. In six years i'd never taken a day off. Today was going to be that day. I wrote in to tell my manager I was taking off that day. I also put in a request to have Friday off as well to enjoy a full weekend. My manager wrote back surprised it seemed but very happy to oblige as I was one of his most consistent and hard workers. I was happy with that. Once Shiloh finished his water we went in the backyard and played fetch with a frisbee that was just laying around in his toys. Normally he'd play with it in the house alone from time to time but today was a new day and we played together. We were both overjoyed and exhausted. We played fetch and roughhoused for hours. Once we were finally back inside I gave Shiloh his food and water then jumped in the shower. Once out Shiloh was there waiting. I put on my pjs, sat on the couch and he sat by my feet. I grabbed the notebook in my hand and did exactly what Mrs. Caterin advised. My writing went like this. I put at the top "Here's To New Life" I underlined it and wrote the day, the date and the time. Then my first bullet point was "I Am So Happy That This Beautiful Woman Has Come Into My Life. She Is My Girlfriend And I Am So Happy To Have Her." My second point was "I am so Thankful for my children. They have truly changed my life for the better." My third was "The spontaneity in my life is just what I needed. Shiloh and I are grateful for that." I continued writing and by the time I finished i'd written so many pages and it felt so good, creating. My last bullet point of the night said "I am so happy I was able to do something so precious and sentimental for someone else." I closed the book that night feeling wonderful. I made myself a snack, watched a little tv and then Shiloh and I went off to bed.

Once morning came I got back to my normal routine but instead of grabbing my briefcase I grabbed the notebook. I went to Starbucks but didn't order the usual. I tried the Bacon, Sausage and Egg Wrap with Caramel Frappuccino. I actually liked it a lot. The window seat was available so I sat there and started writing. I was so happy. I couldn't wait to tell Mrs. Caterin I'd taken her advice and it felt wonderful.

Once Shiloh and I reach the dog park I didn't see Mrs. Caterin or her dogs. Usually when she's not going to make it she lets me know that day before. She didn't mention it yesterday but maybe it slipped her mind or maybe it was something that came up last minute. I thought no more about it. Maybe she would come later or i'd just see her tomorrow. I let Shiloh run around. There were a few other dogs there so once I saw what dog he ran to play with i'd look for the owner and wave to them and they'd wave back that it's fine. I let him play for a while then had to get back home for work. We jogged home again.

I was now off work and everything was done so I grabbed the notebook and continued writing. Once finished writing I watched some tv shows. Shiloh cuddled up to me. "Hey Shiloh," I said "You ready to see Edy, Talbert and Merle tomorrow?" I asked. Shiloh barked as if he truly knew what I was saying. I rubbed his head finished watching the last few minutes of a show and off to bed we went.

The next day went pretty much the same for the morning but I decided to stay home and cook again. I wrote in my notebook which I now call my journal, sat for a few hours watching tv and then it was time to take Shiloh to the park. I didn't jog today but I decided not to leash Shiloh. He stayed beside me the entire time. Once there, again today I didn't see Mrs. Caterin. This is so weird I said to myself. Once again I didn't think much of it. Shiloh found another dog to play with. I had my journal with me and decided to write.

After writing for a few hours I realized I need to get home to work. I called Shiloh back to me and we headed home. Mrs. Caterin never did show up. I got home and was a little worried. In the past six years Mrs. Caterin and I never exchanged numbers, we'd never even been to one another's homes. I knew where she stayed but had never been inside. I told myself if she's not there tomorrow i'm going to see her. Maybe she's feeling under the weather. Or maybe she's sick and her sons won't let her out. I chuckled at the thought of someone trying to stop the very determined Mrs. Caterin. I soon put the thought behind me and went about my normal day. Time flew by quickly so Shiloh and I were off to bed in no time.

Morning came and Mrs. Caterin was instantly on my mind. I went to Starbucks today, wrote in my journal, ordered something completely different and enjoyed looking outside to see people passing by with busy lives. That's going to be me soon I just know it. I thought to myself. I went back home a little earlier, played with Shiloh a little then decided to head to the doggy park. Today Shiloh and I jogged again. This time I had him on a leash, just felt the need to do so. Once we were close to the doggy park my heart raced a little because Mrs. Caterin was not there again. What is going on? I thought. "Ok Shiloh, change of plans." Shiloh looked at me as if he understood every word I said. I walked down the block to Mrs. Caterin's house and saw a few cars in front of her home. I also saw some guys outside. Maybe those are her sons. In all these years i'd never met her family. As I walked a little closer to her home I saw Edy, Talbert and Merle outside as well. Shiloh was a little antsy because he was excited to see his friends. Shiloh began barking and Edy, Talbert and Merle came running up to us. The boys were so excited to see each other. I was so excited for them to be together I completely forgot to continue walking. "Hey, how are you?" One of the big burly men asked. "Oh i'm sorry, how are you?" I responded. "My boy, Shiloh, is happy to see his friends. They always play in the park together. I was actually coming this way because I was looking for Mrs. Caterin. Shiloh and I always meet her and the boys in the park. I haven't seen her in three days and was worried. Are you her son?" I asked. "Yes, I'm Thomas, that's my brother, Michael and there's my brother, David." Thomas said. "Ok nice to finally meet each of you. I've heard so much about each of you. Now I can put a face to the names." I said as Thomas continued smiling. Then I remembered I hadn't told them my name. "Oh, I'm sorry." I said "My name is..." just as I was about to give my name I saw a wreath on Mrs. Caterin's door. I stared at the wreath for the longest amount of time. Thomas looked back in the direction I was looking and looked down for a moment then looked at me. "Ummm, hey, i'm sorry to have to tell you like this but mom passed away two nights ago." Thomas said. What? I thought myself. This can't be. "Her cancer was too far gone. She was a trooper though and never allowed it to stop her from doing anything." He continued. I was in complete shock and didn't know how to respond. Cancer? I thought. Dead? These questions didn't seem real. They didn't make sense. I'd seen her practically every day for the last six years. I never once heard her say she had cancer or even seem to be sick...not even a common cold. I felt myself really feeling heavy. "I'm so sorry." was all I could respond with. "I had no idea about any of this." I said. I continued to stare at the wreath as the thoughts filled my mind along with our last conversation. I was truly hurt. "I don't want to be too personal but how long had Mrs. Caterin battled cancer?" I asked. "Mom fought cancer for two years. The first year she beat it but it came back last year. You must be Mark." I heard a female voice say. I turned to look and saw this gorgeous woman. I immediately knew it was Mrs. Caterin's daughter because she looked like a younger version of her. She put her hand out to me "I'm Julia, Nancy's daughter." she said. "Y-y-y-yes. I'm Mark." I stammered. I was in awe of her beauty yet still stuck on the shocking news. I was truly emotional. "Oh so you're Mark. My mom always talked about you. We always felt we had another brother that we'd never met because she talked about you so much." Thomas said. At that moment Michael and David came in to hug me and welcome me to the family. "Hey" David said "We're family now. We're going to start taking the boys to the dog park because we know mom would want that." "I'll definitely be there with Shiloh." I said. "Mark, mom's funeral is tomorrow and although it is a very small gathering of her closest family and friends we think you should be there." Julia said. "Oh wow." I said now with tears falling. "Yes, i'll be there. Thank you so very much." I stayed talking with Thomas, Michael, David and Julia for hours. It was late once we were done. Julia and Thomas drove me and Shiloh back home since it had become so dark. "Hey Mark, here are all of our numbers. Thomas lives right beside mom. Michael and David live a few blocks away and I just moved back from Chicago a week ago. I knew mom was getting sick so I wanted to move back to be with her and my brothers." Julia said. I took the numbers and Thanked her and Thomas for everything today. I also Thanked them for Shiloh. I got out the car and let Shiloh hop out the back. I waved goodbye as they took off back around the corner. Hold on Shiloh lets check the mail before going in. I pulled the mail out of the box and headed for the door. Once inside I threw the mail on the couch. I gave Shiloh his water and food and then headed to the shower. In the shower I sobbed for a long while about Mrs. Caterin. I couldn't believe i'd never see my best friend again. I was truly hurt to the core. I eventually had to pull myself together once I noticed the water ran cold. I stepped out the shower drained of energy and full of emotions. My thoughts were going crazy and my heart ached and my head throbbed. "I loved you Mrs. Caterin. You were my best friend." I said looking myself in the mirror. I looked at the door, Shiloh was laying there asleep. I guess I took so long he drifted off. I dried off and said "Come on Shiloh, lets go to bed." That night I tossed and turned because I couldn't sleep. I got out of bed. Shiloh popped his head up but I shook my head no so he would stay and get his rest. He stayed. I went in the kitchen poured a glass of milk and sat down on the couch. I looked at the journal for a few minutes and decided I needed to write. I grabbed a pen and picked up the book to write. I started "Today I lost my best friend." I wrote about the kind of person she was and how I looked up to her. I talked about her smile, the genuineness in her eyes and her hearty laugh. I even wrote about her furboys and her children. I ended with "She didn't leave me alone. She left me with family." I closed my journal and got comfortable on the couch. I watched a few shows then dozed off to sleep right there.

I woke in the morning to Shiloh pulling on my house slippers. He was full of spunk and ready to play. He was also keeping me on task. I looked at the time and it was 7am already. I thought about what today was and truly wished it was all a dream. It wasn't. Today was the day we were burying Mrs. Caterin, my best friend. Who knew? The Friday that I decided to take off in all of these years would be the same day my best friend is laid to rest. I made myself get up. I took my shower, dressed myself and fed Shiloh. I wasn't hungry so I just sat there in the quiet of my home thinking. "I'm so sorry I didn't know Mrs. Caterin." I said to myself. The funeral was at 10am and Julia called to tell me she was coming to get me to ride in the family car with them. I was truly surprised. I had no idea this was going to happen. Initially I was to ride with one of their family members to the funeral. She even told me to bring Shiloh as Mrs. Caterin's furboys would be in attendance also. I Thanked Julia. Although a vey sad ocassion, Mrs. Caterin's children definitely had her spirit. They were so genuine. This made me smile.

At the funeral I cried right along with her children. She meant so much to me as well. They even had me down in the obituary as Godson. I guess this is how Mrs. Caterin introduced me to them. I am definitely going to miss her. I looked up and her furboys were all laid by her casket. I knew they sensed their mom. They were so quiet the entire time. Shiloh was by my feet as if he knew he had to give his friends space. They all looked so dapper in their little bowtie collars with a red rose in the middle of each. Thomas even gave me one for Shiloh. After the funeral we went to the cemetery to lay her to rest. While sitting there I noticed her furboys were now whimpering. Such a sad day. Bless her soul.

We went to the repast and I met some of Mrs. Caterin's other family members. Everyone was so nice. I also met Michael and David's wives and children for the first time. They had beautiful families. Thomas wasn't married but had a daughter who was playful and talkative. Julia was divorced and introduced me to her two daughters, Vanessa, 14 and Teresa 11. I enjoyed talking with Julia and her daughters very much. I felt so comfortable around them. Shiloh, Edy, Talbert and Merle were taken to Thomas's house by a family member before we came to the repast so her daughters were excited about playing with him later. Soon her daughters ran off to play with their cousins leaving Julia and I alone to talk. We engaged in long conversation about Mrs. Caterin. I even talked about my parents with her, telling her how happy they were living and how broken I was during their passing. It was very comforting to come out of my shell these last few days and be open with someone. I think Julia felt the same.

It was now 8pm and Julia pulled up to my door with Shiloh and I. "Thanks so much for bringing Shiloh and I home again." I told her. "No problem." She said. "Also Thank you for being such an Awesome friend to my mom." I was a little choked up and said "Trust me, she was my best friend." "Hey, since i'll be in town now and don't live far do you think you and I could meet at the park from now on?" Julia asked. I really liked that idea I was thinking to myself. "Yes. That would be great." I said. "What about your brothers? They wanted to bring them too?" "Yes. sometimes they may but the majority of the time they won't mind." She said. "Ok. Well, when would you like to start? I understand if you need to take some time." I told her. "No. I'll see you and Shiloh tomorrow." Julia said. "And i'll be there with the three big furboys since they'll be living with me and the girls now." "Julia. I'll be there. See you then." I said exiting the car with Shiloh. I closed the door and waved as Julia drove off around the block. Once inside I had a smile on my face. Although I was emotional I was very happy on how things were going. I was also smiling because Mrs. Caterin told me to Manifest and although she's not here to see it, i'm sure she's happy about it.

Months were passing by very quickly and I was happy how things were coming together. I was seeing Julia every day at the doggy park. She had even started coming over with the girls, calling from time to time and even her brothers would call and keep in touch. I was so happy about everything going on in my life and I owed it all to The Knock at my door that fateful night and Mrs. Caterin's advice. There were so many positive things happening.

One day while Shiloh and I were arriving home from the park I checked the mail and saw a Final Notice letter. I couldn't think what this must be for so once inside I tore into it. The letter read that I had only four days left to cash a check that was sent months ago. Was this a joke? I thought. I always kept up with my mail but I didn't always open every piece because I knew the amount of the utilities by heart. I began checking my mail. I must have looked through mail for at least forty-five minutes and then I came across a letter marked in big letters IMPORTANT! This had to be it I thought. I opened the letter and looked at the date. I immediately remembered that was the day Thomas and Julia brought Shiloh and I home after finding out Mrs. Caterin passed and I just threw the mail on the couch not thinking about it again. I must've simply put it with the other mail with my mind being in a total whirlwind at that time. I looked down and there was the check. Before looking at the amount I looked at what seemed to be a letter attached to it. I read the message and it said "You can't find a price on a sentimental value." My mouth opened wide as the paper dropped from my hands. I wrote that in my journal about doing something sentimental for someone else. So what was this message telling me? There is a check here so is this the gift i'm supposed to give? Am I supposed to purchase something with the money? Speaking of money, I don't even know what the check is worth. I don't even know where it truly came from. Why? or How? I guess all of that wasn't for me to understand fully. I just needed to know that my Manifesting was coming true every single day. I picked up the check and my eyes were huge when I saw the check was for Twenty Thousand Dollars. I couldn't believe the dollar amount on that check. On the line it clearly had the numbers written $20,000. I quickly went to my bank and let them know it came and I needed to put this in before it expired. They let me know that it was deposited with no problem and what day it would be available. I decided I wasn't going to use it but instead hold it until I figured out what could be done with it. I didn't need the money. Financially I was just fine. I wanted that money to bless someone else. But who?

Time continued to pass and I saw Mrs. Caterin's children every single day. We were now going to each other's homes regularly. This was the spontaneity I needed in my life. They even planned trips later in the year and I was included. Julia and I had become especially close. Her brothers knew we cared for each other and each of them were ok with our constant flirting. One day while at my home I overheard Thomas talking to Michael about their mom's Cancer Committee. I asked Thomas what was that about. He let me know that every year Mrs. Caterin and her circle of friends, who were cancer survivors from her church, would take a trip together to simply celebrate life. They would also reward the high school seniors of their church a $100 grant per student for graduating every year. This was awesome I thought. At that time I told Julia, Thomas, Michael and David about my manifesting journey and what all had been coming to fruition for me. I didn't tell them about the knocking but simply how their mother had advised me within my journey. I told them now I knew exactly how i'd use the money. I was going to give the $20,000 to Mrs. Caterin's Cancer Committee. They were all thrilled and even shed tears. Mrs. Caterin left each of her children very well off from all the investments she'd made in life. She was always saving, along with her policy and Will. I was so happy to finally know what to use the money for. We promised each other that each year going forward we'd all continue to donate to Mrs. Caterin's Committee. Her children already donated so now I would as well.

That night ended with just Julia and I. Thomas took the furboys including Shiloh to his house for a sleep over as they had become accustomed to, along with Julia's girls. Julia and I talked, had wine and ate strawberries. This was all so wonderful for me. We talked for hours that night into the early morning. "Julia?" I asked and she looked at me. "I have to be honest. I love when we're together. We spend a lot of our time together and I enjoy every minute of it. I would like to know if you would go on an official date with me? I really want to take you out." I said. Julia looked at me and smiled "I thought you'd never ask." She responded. "Yes, I will go on an official date with you." I was so happy she said Yes. We'd been flirting for months and spending so much time together from doggy parks to walks, calling and each others homes. I was overjoyed. I would finally get to use my car to go somewhere nice. I had a car but mostly walked everywhere I went because it was convenient. Everything was in walking distance but now i'll drive my car to take Julia on a proper date.

Once Julia left that morning I grabbed the journal and smiled. I looked up to the sky and whispered "Thank you Mrs. Caterin." I opened up the journal and continued writing. The bullet point said "Thank you Julia for being my wife. I love you and I now have two beautiful daughters. Shiloh has three live in brothers and my brother in laws are amazing. Thank you for my life." That bullet point made me so happy because the future was bright for Julia and I. I knew that with every fiber in my body. Today, a date and Tomorrow our wedding. As I was closing the journal a note slipped out the back. I picked up the notebook paper but there was nothing on it. I flipped the pages to where it came from. There was a small indent in the notebook where it had been. There was writing there in the back of the notebook. It read "You Are Awesome. We Love You. We See You. Enjoy Your Life Son." I now knew who this notebook was from. I didn't care how it could be. I didn't care how crazy it seemed. I didn't care about any questions that tried to form in my head. This small black notebook, The Knock at my door that fateful night, Mrs. Caterin, Mrs. Caterin's family...all of these happenings and people had been placed in my life by my very own parents. I cried so much. I was there alone and I cried so very much. I was no longer crying out of heartbreak but out of Love and Happiness. My parents helped me to gain a new life. They didn't leave me alone after all. "I Love You Mom and Dad. I Love You." I said still crying. I knew everything was going to be great from this point on in my life. After crying for what seemed like hours. I showered and got in bed. In the morning I would go see Shiloh and later that day I was taking Julia on a date. I went to bed smiling. This is Life Anew and i'm happy with it. I'm happy with the life i'm living. This new life of mine is everything i've ever wanted. The future is bright and I love it. This all started with The Knock.