The Grim Reaper

by Jan Toomer

While cleaning out (yet more) files, I came across some pages torn out of an old journal – this one is on the Grim Reaper. Was it fever-induced hallucination or dream, or was it real?

Either way, it made me see the legendary “Grim Reaper” in a new light…

Jan. 2003

I had come down with a sinus infection and bronchitis. Tea and vitamins only slightly eased the discomfort.

At bedtime I fell asleep easily – but awoke a few hours, drenched in sweat. From there I progressed to chills, then fever, then back and forth between the two.

After about three hours of this, I was frustrated and worn out. I rolled over on my side and saw the Grim Reaper, shrouded in black. He moved towards my back, fingers going into my back and pulling something out of me.

I thought I should be upset or concerned about the Grim Reaper approaching me – but I felt relaxed and calm. I rolled over to face the Reaper and told him what I had been thinking, and asked why he was here and what he was doing.

He explained that he not only guides the deceased to move on, he also removes the dead from organs or any dead within a body. He said he was removing the “dead” from parts inside my body to help my body.

I told him I had never thought of Death doing anything other than ‘collecting souls’.

I eased into a light sleep. By morning, my congestion was gone. I felt clear-eyed and ready to face the day.