One would think that having the best vantage point for viewing death's inexorable approach would have better prepared me for its arrival. I guess some things can only be dealt with after they occur.

It was as merciful an ending as I could have hoped. Her body was cremated and the ashes will be left in Graceland Cemetery, in various spots we used to frequent together. Her memorial service was very moving. I will include some of the anecdotes related at a later date, including some of the many kind words sent in from people via letters and email. I may put up some pictures as well.

I'm not one to tell ghost stories. I'm usually the skeptic who looks up dubious Urban Legends in order to debunk them. However a very strange thing happened to me the night after Sybil's memorial service that I will relate.

I was up late on the computer when I heard a click and the lamp light went out. I thought this was strange because first, I distinctly heard a click and second, the light is on the same circuit as the computer, which was unaffected. I went to check the fuse box anyway. It was fine. I returned to the room and stood in the doorway. I heard another click and the light turned on. I said out loud "Sybil, is that you?" I was thinking it was just like her telling me it was late and past time to go to bed, so I did.

In the clarity of daylight I examined the lamp. The plug was secure and unplugging it did not produce a clicking noise. I played with the switch, trying to get it into some kind of mid-state where it could possibly change, but was unsuccessful. The lamp has not done anything unusual either before or since.

Sybil had talked about trying to send me a signal after death. I'm sure that if anyone could figure out a way to do this, she could.

Matt Donath

Mdonath@yahoo.com