X is for XOXO. Healing with words. Day 24. #atozchallenge

xoxo  - hugs and kisses
- From wikipedia - 

The common custom of placing X's on envelopes, notes and at the bottom of letters to mean kisses dates back to the Middle Ages, when a Christian cross was drawn on documents or letters to mean sincerity, faith, and honesty....[also]...which was then kissed in this tradition of displaying a sacred oath.

The 'O' is of North American descent; no one really seems to know how it was started. Perhaps now it is used as the 'O' being rounded represents arms encircling another, as in an embrace.



Dear Beverley,

It's been so long since we talked, I miss you.  I was in Copenhagen last week and you know how whenever I go to a big city I always see people I recognise, even though it's not really them, just their look-a-likes, and how that makes me feel convinced that we have doppelgangers or perhaps even alternate/parallel lives (who knows right?).

Anyway, all I do know for sure, is that every city smells the same and they all have similar looking characters wandering around.  I know it's wrong to judge, but it's not just the clothes they wear, or their hairstyles, it's the lines marked on their faces, the shape and angle of their teeth, their smile and their gait and the exact shape of a fist their hand makes.  Sometimes it's just a slight similarity other times it really is an identical image. Well, you'll never believe it (well of course you will though others might not) this time I saw you. And my dear dear Beverley, you were so wonderful, so happy, so strong.

I was in Copenhagen to see the new Wallmans show in the old circus building.  I know you would have loved it. I remember all the stories you used to tell me about your mothers family being travelling circus folk.  I know you were young when she died, but there was a lady on stage that looked so much like you, I am sure you would have recognised your mum in her.  I literally gasped when she came out, and then when she began to sing I cried.  She was a star, there was even a Marilyn Munroesque performer that was a show stealer right beside you, but you were smoother, sexier and your voice was amazing. Every song was you and every memory we shared together, or should have shared together, was in every single word of every song she sang.

When she sung Adele's 'Someone like you', I understood everything.  I understood why you couldn't stay, I understood that line that never made sense to me before.  I understand this letter is the first of many to you. I also understand why your little dog Mishka still has my name and number recorded on her microchip, as her emergency contact... and why I got a call from Australia last week to let me know that she ran away but she is back home safe and sound now.

I wanted to meet the amazing singer after the show and tell her that she had touched a part of me that had long ago been buried with you.  Maybe I was there for her as much as she was there for me, or maybe she would have just thought I was a stone cold crazy.  I left without saying goodbye.

Forever a part of me.
xoxo

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Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - that I'll link back to you.