A chance encounter?

At the age of three (3), my father had an experience that nearly defies augury. One evening, while his parents were entertaining guests, he couldn't sleep and found himself drawn downstairs to an open window in the family library. A cool breeze was bringing sweet scents of a northern Maine summer evening when he saw something that filled him with wonder.

The adults were having a lively discussion in the kitchen and the sound of clanking china and silverware filled the air in the far end of the house. None of them were aware little George was downstairs and not fast asleep in his bed. The sounds of the dinner party seemed to fade as his attention was drawn to the tall figure gently floating in front of the open window.

The summer of 1924 would hold a inexplicable secret for even the brightest of young minds. As the tall figure draped in white robes and long wavy beard hovered for what seemed an eternity, young George's heart filled with calm. He somehow knew the ethereal figure was there to reassure he'd never be alone.

Many of the stories my father, George Keegan Jr., told me about his life bring me back to this dream-like event from his very early childhood. I was never sure if he shared this encounter with anyone. Perhaps his mother knew, but she never spoke of it. He only spoke of it once to me. When he did, I could see visible relief on his face. He probably held this experience close for much of his life.

-GK3

[Image Credits: Leonardo Da Vinci - Self Portrait SOURCE]