I was our Gypsy Monarch 1: Does reincarnation exist?

By Harry Monarch

Does reincarnation really exist? Being sixty-five years old, I stop working as a freelance psychotherapist and buy a nice house in this small village, hoping to enjoy the rest of my life here, preferably in peace and quiet. Soon, a thirteen-year-old neighborhood boy shows up, and we recognize each other from our 'past lives' as former blood brothers and best friends, although I never before believed in strange new-age things like 'reincarnation', and still think that dead is dead and death is the definitive end of everything...
Then, I meet the boy's eight-year-old 'little Gypsy brother', who used to live in my newly bought house and had his own room here. Two years ago, the former owner of my house rescued his little Gypsy friend from a nasty caravan fire and took him into his house, although the boy has a badly burnt body and face and cannot remember anything from his Gypsy past.
Much to my surprise, the boy turns out to be a powerful little Shaman, my own son from our past trapper lives, my Eternal Soul Mate from many other lives, and my grownup Vice Leader when I was our Beloved 'Gypsy Monarch Harold the Great'. Does reincarnation really exist, and are the most important things in our lives predestined? It has to be...

"Some of my favorite books are ones where I can’t tell whether it's real or not. Now, I DO know that this is fiction, but because Harry Monarch has crafted such an engrossing, rich story filled with complex characters and tense emotional situations, I get so engrossed in it that it seems real! Rarely does one encounter a story that has as much personal, raw experiences embedded in it.
Perhaps it is because the Dutch writer, Harry Monarch, is a retired psychotherapist, applying his lifetime of psychological and therapeutic knowledge to the creative endeavor of writing. However, do not believe that this story is merely a case study disguised as a fictional narrative. No, the Dutch writer has employed the entire field of psychotherapy to this book, including the often neglected but equally important extra-mental phenomenal experiences. These include such things as psychic mediums, past lives, spirit helpers, karma and the like. Magically interwoven into the narrative, these extra-mental phenomenal experiences just add to the richness of the story.
Rather than your standard mystery or thriller, this emotional roller coaster entertains through the beautiful narrative creativity of the written adventure. No guns, no murders, no conspiracy theories or the like, it is simply the adventures between a man and a child who turns out to be a very special boy indeed. I highly recommend this book - not only is it perfect for people looking for a great read, but also for parents or individuals who deal on a regular basis with young adults!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: AandachtPreSS
• Release date: Dec 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301649013

Harry Monarch

Harry Monarch is a retired Dutch psychotherapist living in The Netherlands. He always tries to interweave his entire lifetime of psychological and therapeutic knowledge into his stories, so that his readers may implement his valuable 'lessons' in their daily lives if they wish. Harry still loves writing many 'emotional roller coasters' and powerful 'books with a message', and he plans to go on writing his famous 'Gypsy Series' for a looong time.

Book preview

Chapter 1. Does reincarnation exist? A young friend.

But, Dad always warns us never to talk to strangers!

Jeez, I only want to see who lives in Harry's house now.

Is this our new neighbor? To me, he looks more like an old man.

With such a beard, he looks more like some ancient grandpa...

What? Had I heard this correct? Waking up from my slumber, I couldn't believe my own ears! Suddenly feeling irritated, I opened my eyes and glared at a bunch of young children who approached my newly bought house while discussing the bearded newcomer they hadn't seen here before. Who were these cheeky kids, and what did they want from this 'old man'? Although I normally loved working with children and always enjoyed their boundless enthusiasm and spontaneous honesty; this time, their unexpected forwardness about me being 'some ancient grandpa' caught me off guard. Ultimately, I was only sixty-five years old, while my inside felt much younger! Everybody else always told me I still looked relatively young, despite my grayish hair and neatly trimmed beard.

Glaring at my cheeky neighbors, I counted five young kids, three boys and two girls. When they saw that I opened my eyes, they abruptly stopped their bantering. Hesitatingly, they went to the braided iron fence that surrounded my yard, and leaned against its closed gate. What did they want from me, and why did one of them call my newly bought abode 'Harry's house'? Although 'Harry' was my own first name, nobody in this small village could possibly know that. Perhaps, the deceased former owner of my house had been named 'Harry' as well, sort of an odd coincidence? Well, the former 'Harry' had left his house two months ago; although he did it involuntarily, by passing away. Thus, from now on, my young neighbors would have to get used to me being the new inhabitant. What were they waiting for, still leaning against the closed gate while staring at the 'old man'? I had bought this nice 'two-story house with a garden' in this small village to live here in peace and quiet for the rest of my retirement, and not to be gawked at by some curious neighborhood youth. My new property was not a zoo, displaying 'old men' and 'ancient grandpas'. Did they pay at the entrance?

Because my upset ego felt too insulted and therefore wouldn't stop muttering, I decided to do something drastic about my disturbed feelings first. Ultimately, as a 'professional', I didn't need to feel annoyed by what turned out to be only a bunch of neighborhood kids, for crying out loud! Quickly, I analyzed my emotions, to be able to discard them and be in control again. As a trained psychotherapist, I should always be at peace with myself and in control of my own feelings, anywhere and under all circumstances! Why did those childish words, 'old man' and 'ancient grandpa', have such a profound impact on my habitual inner calmness and professional easiness of mind? For a second, I fell silent, while concentrating on my inner self. Then, I started to smile, because I found out that my perturbed ego felt rather upset with being branded as 'old', while it always assumed its owner still looked relatively young. And, of course, at least in the eyes of these inexperienced young children, any sleeping grownup with 'such a beard' could be only very old...

At seeing my unexpected smile, a small girl piped up, ending her question with a soft giggle:

Do YOU live in Harry's house now?

Before I could respond, a somewhat older boy admonished her:

Of course, silly, can't you see that's obvious?

At hearing the word 'silly', the small girl turned around, forcefully punched the boy's arm, and sent him a murderous dead look; making the other kids chuckle and nudge each other. Clearly, she didn't like being called names, although she really acted a bit giggly. Soon, all the children resumed leaning against the closed gate, whilst staring at the 'ancient grandpa'. Fortunately, I could now see my new neighbors in a somewhat different light. My inside even had a gut feeling as if they had wanted to talk to me! Only, now that I reacted angrily, they didn't know any more what to do. Probably, they were now waiting for ME to take the first step? Well, that would be understandable from their point of view; because my perturbed ego hadn't behaved too nicely, by glaring at them and looking insulted...

Up to now, the first day of my retirement in this small village had been a peaceful day. Sitting on my porch for the first time, I already started to feel at home in my newly bought house and its welcoming surroundings. A few months ago, my wife and I finally decided to go our separate ways. Our grownup daughters were living their own lives in another town, and we didn't have any grandchildren to spoil.

During the last few years, my wife and I had been living in the same house, but we didn't even share the bed any more. One evening, we had an emotional talk; and then, we easily made our decisions. We divorced, sold our house, and went our own ways. My wife had moved towards our two daughters; and I had rented a temporary home while looking for something more appropriate.

After some searching, I found this two-story abode in this small village, and instantly fell in love with it. The very moment I saw this house, everything in and around it offered me a strong sensation of 'coming home'! According to my realtor, the house had belonged to a single man who had lived here all alone for more than twenty years, until he passed away two months ago. His family sold the house to me for a reasonable price, and I bought it without much haggling, hoping to enjoy my retirement and the rest of my life here, preferably in peace and quiet. Fortunately, my new property was in reasonable condition; and I only had to make a few minor adjustments to enjoy the happy feeling that, from now on, this would be MY house.

Today, I lounged on the porch of my new residence for the first time, dreaming away while contemplating my life. This morning, the movers had unloaded all my cardboard boxes into my new garage and helpfully put my most bulky possessions in place; so that my new sitting room held a desk, a couch, and two easy chairs, my kitchen was usable, and my bedroom had a comfortable double waterbed. After opening a few cardboard boxes and gathering the most urgent necessities, my home was livable and ready for the night.

Tomorrow, I would first empty the remaining cardboard boxes and put my possessions in place. Then, I wanted to clean up my new yard, which looked rather overgrown and definitely needed some work. I also wanted to have a closer look at some strange spot I had seen in a corner of my new backyard, after I accidentally stumbled over a couple of painted stones. Because I didn't have a so-called 'green thumb'; to me, the spot looked just like another bunch of abundantly flowering weeds. Only, somebody seemed to have marked it out by several white cobblestones, as if it could be a special little garden. Who could have placed such a little garden here, and why?

Around three o'clock in the afternoon, my sixty-five-year-old and a bit rusty muscles started to feel too tired from the unaccustomed work, so that I decided to take some rest and call it a day. Happily, I brewed a cup of coffee, brought a folding chair to my new porch, sat down, sipped my coffee, and closed my eyes. Granting my old body the luxury of being lazy, and enjoying the soothing peacefulness of my new surroundings, I slowly dreamed away while contemplating my life and my possible future.

All my life, I had been working as a freelance psychotherapist, helping troubled young children and their mostly desperate parents, until I finally reached the so-called 'age of wisdom'. At least, I hoped so, as I was a fairly bright and still rather energetic sixty-fiver who felt much younger. I stopped working and retired, planning to enjoy my newly found freedom and to relish the rest of my life here, in my newly bought house, hopefully in peace and quiet. That is, until five cheeky neighborhood children harshly pulled me out of my reveries, by calling me 'an old man' and 'some ancient grandpa'...

First, I silenced my upset ego, by unselfishly forgiving my little neighbors for calling me 'old'. Now feeling a lot better, I decided to help them break the ice. After all, these young kids seemed to be my new neighbors, thus we were to be around each other for a long time. I also didn't want them to think I was some grumpy grandpa or an annoyed old whiner, because I was not. Besides, it always pays off to befriend your new neighbors and their offspring.

Again, I forced my face to relax, and smiled at the silently waiting children. Surprisingly, all five kids reacted immediately, by softening their faces and looking relieved. Obviously, my gut feeling was right, and they really wanted to talk to me, although they clearly didn't know how to initiate our conversation. Well, okay, now that I already felt generous, I would also try to help them speak their minds. First, I raised my right hand, to show them the universal greeting gesture. Then, still smiling at my young neighbors, I told them:

Hello...

The oldest boy immediately smiled back at me, while lifting his own hand to greet me in return. The boy had a warm and open face and seemed to be a nice kid. For a split second, a hint of recognition crossed my mind, as if my inside suddenly remembered this particular boy with his happy smile and deep brown eyes. However, I couldn't remember where I had seen him before, so I just let it go.

Unlike the oldest boy, the other children still seemed to hesitate, probably because their wary parents or their suspicious wardens had warned them never to talk to any so-called 'danger strangers' that tried to contact them without at least a solid reason.

Involuntarily, I started to feel a bit cautious. Ultimately, nowadays, we were living in a very mistrustful world, where every single man easily could be seen as a potential child molester. What would happen if their worried parents showed up, to rescue their kids from being assaulted by such an 'ancient grandpa'? Sitting here all alone, I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks...

Unexpectedly, the smallest girl started to giggle while she pushed against the closed gate as if trying to open it. When the gate didn't give in, she tried to pull at it, also to no avail. Clearly not feeling fazed, she started to fumble with its rusty lock; until the gate suddenly opened with a squeaking sound, and all five children tumbled over each other into my driveway! For a split second, they stared at each other with shocked faces. Then, they started to shriek with laughter, while trying to disentangle from their disordered pile.

Although I tried to behave as a 'responsible grownup', I too started to bellow with laughter, at seeing five shocked looking neighborhood children piling up in my driveway. This unexpected incident could easily be the catching introduction to a funny slapstick!

My spontaneous laughter seemed to convince the children that I wouldn't be angry with them for trespassing. After disentangling from each other, they hesitatingly stepped into my front garden, giggling while furtively pushing each other as sort of collective encouragement. After a moment, they stopped again and looked at each other, as if not knowing what they should do next.

Only the oldest boy took a couple more steps into my driveway. From there, he craned his neck, as if trying to look around in my backyard. Sounding sad, or maybe disappointed, he turned towards the still hesitating others and asked them:

Where is Harry; and does he already know that someone else now lives in his house?

This was very strange. Why would the oldest boy be looking for some 'Harry' in my new backyard? Then, I had been wrong in my earlier assumptions. According to my realtor, the former owner of my house had died two months ago, so the 'Harry' this boy was looking for had to be someone else! And, why did the oldest boy call my new house 'his house', as if my newly bought abode also belonged to 'Harry'? Could this unknown 'Harry' be still living around here, after the former owner of 'his house' suddenly passed away? That wasn't very likely, as the deceased owner had been living here all alone.

Perhaps, the demised former owner had left the kids a cat, or a dog? Yes, of course! That had to be what the children were looking for! Well, I had always liked domestic animals, and it would be fun to have a cat or a dog around. Wanting to help my young neighbors find their lost animal, I asked them:

Who or what is this 'Harry' you are looking for?

As if I had insulted them, all five children suddenly stared at me, wide-eyed and with suspicious faces, as if they didn't understand how I could ask them such a horrible question. They also glanced at each other, furtively, as if they didn't know any more what to think of this 'ancient grandpa' and his strange request...

What could be their problem? Didn't they want me to help them find their lost animal? Were they afraid I would try to harm it or chase it away? Or, could their lost cat or dog be dangerous to any strangers, and were they now trying to protect it from harming me? Well, so far, every unknown dog or cat had always been friendly to me, even when its owners assumed it could be dangerous; probably because the animal sensed my Inner Love and Compassion and reacted to the feeling. Therefore, I wasn't afraid to help my young neighbors find their lost cat or dog. On the contrary, I now felt even more curious about the 'Harry' they seemed to be looking for.

While beckoning them over to my porch, I explained:

Of course, to let me help you find your 'Harry', you first have to tell me what kind of animal it is...

This time, all five children plainly GLARED at me, with angry faces and fire-shooting eyes, as if they felt severely shocked by my request! Only, I still couldn't understand why that was. Why were my new neighbors reacting so hostile to my generous offer to help them find their lost animal? What had I done wrong, at least in their eyes? Perhaps, they didn't even WANT me to help them find their lost dog or cat, or they were trying to keep it a secret from this newcomer they had never seen here before? If so, they hadn't acted very cleverly, by mentioning their mysterious 'Harry' while they approached my house and I could hear their bantering...

What should I do now, now that my young neighbors obviously didn't trust the 'ancient grandpa'? Hesitantly, I first lifted both hands into the air, to show them the universal sign of surrender. Then, I tried to put in a silly joke, to break the ice and make them laugh:

Of course, I am no longer a 'stranger' to you, because I have bought this house and am now living in it. And, I certainly haven't planned to bite any unknown children, at least not yet... However, as an 'ancient grandpa', one time, I might try to take a small nibble; but only a tiny one, to spare my false teeth.

For a few seconds, all five children stared at me with confused faces, as if they had to translate my words first. Then, they slowly relaxed their frowning faces and angry looks. Finally, they started to chuckle and nudge each other, while looking more relaxed and at ease. Obviously, they decided that this 'ancient grandpa' might act a bit strange, but he wasn't dangerous enough to be afraid of.

A boy with long yellowish hair started to laugh, and that seemed to be their signal for take off. Daringly, the boy climbed the few steps to my porch, and all the others followed him. Giggling and furtively pushing each other, five young children huddled together on my porch, although they still kept a safe distance from me.

Now that I could see them from nearby, I estimated them to be from the age of the about nine-year-old youngest girl to the around twelve-year-old oldest boy. They seemed to be nice kids, so that I regretted my initial unfriendly behavior. At the same time, I also wondered why they were paying their new neighbor so much attention. Was it something to do with the mysterious 'Harry' they seemed to be looking for? Feeling more and more curious, I tried to rephrase my 'impossible' question and asked them:

Could any of you please tell me some more about 'Harry'?

Again, the children looked at each other, this time with doubtful eyes, as if they didn't know whether they could trust this unknown stranger, or not... Only, I still didn't understand why my young neighbors were behaving so distantly. Could they be sharing some secret, and didn't they want me to find out what it was? How could I make it clear to them they could trust me, and that I only wanted to help them find their lost animal and nothing else?

Fortunately, next to being an experienced psychotherapist, I had also trained myself in using many 'alternative remedies'; like sensing and healing 'auras', reading 'emotional body language', and sending 'Universal Love'. Therefore, I opened my heart towards my young neighbors and started to send them lots of Universal Love. That always helped my little clients feel more at ease, so that they calmed down, opened up to me, and trusted me some more.

Sending my young neighbors lots of Universal Love helped again, because, within a second, the oldest boy took a small step towards me and stared directly into my eyes, while he explained:

Harry is not an animal, he is our FRIEND! This is Jack's former house, and Harry used to be here all the time; until, two months ago, Jack suddenly died. From then on, Harry still cries every day, because he misses his Big Friend terribly. Could you please try to be nice to him and not chase him away? He is our youngest friend and my adopted little brother; and we all love him very much.

The around twelve-year-old boy had a nice and open face, with two inquisitive dark brown orbs that now pierced straight into mine. Did I really see a couple of tears, welling up in his sad looking eyes? This boy seemed to care quite a lot for his 'adopted little brother', who missed his former 'Big Friend' terribly and still cried every day. Perhaps, as a well-trained psychotherapist, used to helping troubled children, I could help 'Harry' overcome his lasting grief and sadness? However, then, I had to meet him first! Only, where could 'Harry' be now, and why didn't he join his friends on my porch?

Unexpectedly, another feeling struck my inside and made me gasp for air! Out of the blue, my own heart was SURE I recognized this twelve-year-old boy with his inquisitive brown eyes, although my confused brain told me I had never seen him before. In my heart, this boy already felt like my dearest friend, or like my long-lost blood brother! This was very strange. Could this boy resemble someone else I once knew but forgot about, sort of an odd coincidence?

Surprisingly, the boy also made me think of my own little brother, Joshie. Supposed little Joshie had survived death, this twelve-year-old boy could easily be Joshie's own son and therefore my nephew! Feeling more and more uneasy, I forcefully willed my unwelcome remembrances out of the way. After living through my own extremely difficult youth, I had carefully suppressed all the horrible memories from my early past, and I certainly wanted to keep it that way.

Only, my strange feelings of recognition didn't want to go away. More and more 'remembrances' showed up in my confused mind, of the grownup boy and I sitting together around a crackling campfire, talking and drinking coffee. We were trappers in a dangerous forest, of around the same age, and I had a little son who was very fond of our mutual friend; until a hungry grizzly bear killed all three of us and we went to 'heaven', or perhaps to 'the beyond', to be together again. From our 'Timeless Eternal Realm', all our 'Beloved Ancestors', 'Cosmic Friends', and devoted 'Spirit Guides' asked us to return to our confused Planet Earth, to help transforming our so terribly deranged 'playground' into a much better place to live on...

Feeling shocked into my deepest core, my brain just didn't know what to think of those unexpected 'remembrances' from our so-called 'past lives'. Up to now, I had always assumed that dead is dead, and death is the definite end of everything. Everybody knows that! Therefore, I refused to accept my strange remembrances, and forced my confused mind to go back to the boy's answer that had clarified the mystery. Of course, the mysterious 'Harry' turned out to be another boy! I should have guessed it myself. Only, why was that other boy hiding somewhere around my backyard, instead of joining his friends on my porch? Could 'Harry' be afraid of meeting the new owner of 'his' house, while he used to be here all the time with his deceased 'Big Friend', Jack? Could I have looked THAT grumpy?

All the time, my twelve-year-old 'former friend' stared into my eyes, as if he tried to read my inner thoughts by probing directly into my soul. My heart was now sure that he recognized me too, and he felt just as confused as I was! Could this boy be experiencing the same strange 'remembrances' from our 'past lives', including being trappers of the same age and he babysitting my little son, until a hungry grizzly bear killed us and we went to 'heaven'?

Bashfully, the boy wiped a few tears away with a sleeve of his shirt, while I too felt a couple of tears dripping down my own face. What the heck could be happening to me? Was I suddenly becoming senile, at this way too young age? This certainly was not my normal professional behavior as a well-trained psychotherapist! Desperately, I tried to suppress my unwanted emotions. What would my young neighbors think of me, at seeing the suddenly blubbering 'old man'?

Feeling more and more irritated and angry with myself, I worked my handkerchief out of my pocket and wiped my unwelcome tears away. Then, with a sudden feeling of compassion, I handed my handkerchief to the still sniffling boy. The boy offered me a thankful smile, while he first wiped his teary eyes and then blew his nose in my handkerchief. Looking apologetically, he handed the wet thing back to me. Without thinking, I stuffed it back into my pocket, while heaving a couple deep sighs of frustration. Desperately, I tried to understand what could be happening to me, and why I was feeling all those unexpected and disturbing sensations.

Why did my inside suddenly feel this emotional, without any obvious reason? I was a trained psychotherapist and should always be in control of myself and of my emotions, for crying out loud! Yet, my inside had a strange feeling as if I already loved this young boy dearly, because he and I had been very close friends during at least five thousand years, including the boy's 'adopted little brother', Harry...

Feeling more and more unsure, I looked at the twelve-year-old boy who still stared into my eyes, as if trying to probe my deepest intentions. My gut feeling told me that he wanted to tell me a lot more about his 'adopted little brother', but hesitated. Although his inside recognized me too, his confused brain wasn't sure if he really could trust this unknown stranger he had never met before in THIS life.

Out of professional habit, I switched into my 'therapist mode' and 'tuned in' into the boy's emotional aura. Reading people's protective auras, and interpreting what they told me, always helped me seeing things clearer, by sensing the hidden feelings and emotions of my little clients. At the same time, I also probed the boy's deep brown eyes, to contact his soul and find out what could be his problem...

Feeling shocked, I suddenly sensed an intense feeling of sadness and loneliness, as if nobody around this boy really cared for him. After living through Jack's sudden death, he now felt even more alone. He too seemed to miss Jack badly; just like his 'adopted little brother', Harry, missed his former 'Big Friend' terribly. I even thought the boy could have seen Jack as sort of a 'replacement father', and he now felt abandoned. Could the late Jack and this sad looking boy have been 'Big Friends' too, although the boy didn't want to get in the way of his 'adopted little brother' who clearly had first rights?

Another overwhelming sensation started to well up in my inside, this time of 'coming home'. Out of the blue, my heart was sure our meeting was 'predestined' and that our lives were rapidly reaching their 'final destiny'! My 'former friend' and I were brought together again, so that we could work closely together as a very powerful team, including 'Harry'. At the same time, my own heart nearly overflowed with Pure Love for this lonely young boy, as if we once loved each other dearly and still loved each other very much. More and more remembrances from our past lives started to show up in my confused mind, of the grownup boy as my closest trapper friend, while 'Harry' was my own little son. Plus, in another past life, I seemed to have been some 'Beloved Gypsy Monarch', while the grownup 'Harry' had been my trusted Vice Leader and closest friend...

This time, I really thought I was becoming senile, at this way too young age. Strangely, at the same time, my inside was sure that all my strange memories from our 'past lives' were genuine, and that both this twelve-year-old boy and his little brother 'Harry' really belonged to me and to each other, for now and for all eternity! Never before had I felt such an exceptionally strong feeling of 'belonging' to each other, not even with my own spouse and daughters.

Again, I stared into the still probing eyes of my twelve-year-old 'former friend', as if trying to contact his deepest soul and find the truth. This time, I felt like drowning in two deep brown orbs, while my heart started to jump around in my chest with pure joy, because it was now sure it recognized my best friend from several of our past lives. My gut feeling told me that my 'former friend' was experiencing the same overwhelming feelings of Pure Love for each other, making him feel at least as confused as I was. Could this boy and I really recognize each other from our former 'reincarnations' or 'past lives'?

Some time ago, an old Indian Shaman had tried to convince me about his belief that our 'immortal souls' were living temporarily in our mortal bodies. After we died, our souls returned to our 'Timeless Eternal Realm', from where they would be reborn into another human body, to gain more Cosmic Powers and develop even more Eternal Love and other Cosmic Abilities. According to the old Shaman, my soul already possessed many abilities, but I would be able to use my powers only after I first met a couple of 'former friends' from several of our 'past lives', and we started working together as a powerful team, helped by all our Beloved Ancestors and Spirit Friends.

At that time, I didn't believe the old Shaman, although he also told me many private things he absolutely couldn't know. However, now that I clearly met one of my 'former friends' from our past lives, and we really seemed to recognize each other, I started to doubt. My Inside seemed to be absolutely sure that this boy and I had been close friends during many 'reincarnations'; including the boy's little brother, Harry, who once had been my own little son.

Surprisingly, during another 'past life', the grownup Harry had been my best friend and our Beloved Vice Leader, while I had been their 'Beloved Gypsy Monarch Harold the Great'. I only never thought that my 'former friends' would turn out to be such young boys...

As if he could have picked up my silent thoughts, my around twelve-year-old 'former friend' suddenly went on:

During the past two years, Harry used to live here, in what is now your house. He and Jack were very close friends, and Jack always helped Harry with everything that he needed. Only, we kept it a secret from everybody else in our village, because Children's Protection Services could take Harry away from us and put him in an orphanage, and that would break his heart. Officially, Harry is in our custody; but, in reality, he lived with Jack and had his own room in the house, upstairs, second door to the left. Please, sir, don't betray us, because CPS can still take my adopted little brother away from us, and that would break both his and my heart...

Well, this clarifying answer explained quite a lot, especially to an experienced psychotherapist who had helped many abandoned or neglected children. Apparently, 'Harry' was such a neglected child, and he had sought shelter with 'Jack', the deceased former owner of my newly bought house. I only wondered how Jack could have gotten around the rather bureaucratic CPS. However, I decided to ask my own questions later on. For the moment, I only wanted to let my young neighbors know they could trust me and had found a friend.

Again lifting both hands as in surrender, I started to promise:

Of course, I will NEVER betray any of you! I also promise I will always help you and be there for you, when and wherever I can. From now on, you can count on me and ask me for anything that you need, because I want to be a friend. Cross my heart and hope to die!

Chapter 2. Remembering my own burnt little brother.

Much to my surprise, all five children remained silent while only staring at me... Automatically, my analytical mind started to doubt. Why didn't my young friends look much happier, now that I had given them such a well-meant promise? Perhaps, they hadn't expected me, an 'ancient grandpa' with 'such a beard' they had never seen before, to offer them such a generous vow? Or, could I have overdone it too much, by using their silly children's promise? Why hadn't I kept my big mouth shut and listened to what they had to say first, instead of trying to convince them by making the best impression...

After what felt like an awkward eternity, the youngest girl started to giggle, while she looked at me with almost adoration in her eyes. At the same time, the other kids seemed to feel relieved, because they now started to smile broadly. Involuntarily, they shuffled a bit closer, as if they had decided to trust me from now on. Clearly, I had used exactly the right words, although my always-doubting analytical mind still told me I could have done better.

Again, my twelve-year-old 'former friend' stared deeply into my eyes. This time, his brown orbs not only showed a lot more trust, but also a longing to be with me, or to belong to me. My heart was now sure that he recognized me too, he still loved me, and he wanted me to be his new Big Friend... Only, how should I cope with that? As a single man and living all alone, paying too much attention to such a young child could easily be looked upon as being 'improper behavior' in our over-protective and mistrusting Big Brother society. How would this boy's parents or wardens react, if they found out that their child had befriended such an 'ancient grandpa'? Wouldn't they immediately think the worst of it, and perhaps call the police to investigate me? Still feeling a bit unsure, I heard myself ask:

I don't have any sodas, but would you care for a cup of tea?

All five kids nodded enthusiastically. Crowding together, they sat down on the floor of my porch and waited for the things to come; while I rose from my folding chair and entered my house. Much to my surprise, the oldest boy just followed me inside, as if this was quite normal to him! From my hallway, he went straight to my new kitchen, as if he already knew the way and was used to be around. For a few seconds, he looked around with curious eyes. Then, he went to my new sink, washed his tear-stained face by splashing some water onto it, and dried it using the only kitchen towel I had been able to find. Next, he started to rummage in my halfway filled cupboards without asking, and filled a tray with cups, milk, sugar, and a spoon.

Obviously, my young friend already felt at home in Jack's former kitchen! Feeling surprised but also pleased with my helpful company, I poured some water into a kettle and put it on my newly bought electric cook top. Patiently, we waited for the water to heat up, now and then smiling at each other. Unexpectedly, my new young friend stepped backwards and trustfully leaned into my chest.

For a moment, I hesitated. Ultimately, I had met this boy for the first time only a few minutes ago, and I didn't even know his name! Then, I decided to listen to my own heart, and folded my arms around his surprisingly firm frame. Obviously, my affectionate young friend was craving for lots of tender loving care! Didn't he have his own Dad to love and cuddle him? I also wondered why this young boy and I already felt totally at ease with each other. This was very strange, unless we really knew each other from our 'past lives' and had been close friends before. That would also explain why I already felt so much Pure Love for my newly found young friend.

Still, my analytical mind refused to believe in the 'new age' things my old Indian Shaman once told me about. Everybody knows that dead is dead; and death is the definite end of everything! There had to be a more reasonable explanation, other than 'reincarnation'...

Soon, the water started to boil, and my new friend left my arms. Again, he helped me, by fetching my tea from one of the cupboards. Smilingly, I realized that the boy had found the tea effortlessly, while I couldn't even remember putting it there. Obviously, I was really becoming a forgetful 'ancient grandpa'! Together, we returned to the porch and the still waiting children, while I carried the kettle of hot tea and my young friend proudly carried the filled tray.

Everybody took a cup of tea and added some milk and sugar. Sitting closely together, we sipped our drinks and put the emptied cups back onto the tray. Now and then, we bashfully smiled at each other, already feeling more and more at ease in each other's company. While sipping my tea, I started to think. Why did my inside feel so strangely happy, as if it had reached an important goal? Stealthily, I looked at my twelve-year-old 'former friend' who sat next to me. Why was my own heart sure that this boy and I already were best friends and loved each other dearly, although my mind was sure I had never seen him before? This was very strange, unless we really knew each other from our past lives and had been best friends before...

The boy seemed to feel the same happiness; because, every time, he looked back at me and smiled broadly. My gut feeling told me his inside was sensing the same friendship; and that, from now on, he wanted ME to be his new Big Friend. Could my new friend remember the same 'past life' where we had been grownup trappers in a forest? And, had 'Harry' really been my own little son, until a hungry grizzly bear killed all three of us and we went to 'heaven'? If so, I absolutely wanted to meet my 'former little son'! Would 'Harry' and I also recognize each other? However, I wanted to ask my young neighbors for their names first, and therefore suggested:

Shall we get acquainted and introduce ourselves first? To start with this 'ancient grandpa', my name is Harry.

Chuckling, but at the same time looking a little bit naughty, my twelve-year-old 'former friend' responded:

I have to disagree with Thomas, because you are NOT an 'ancient grandpa'! At least, not yet... Shall I now introduce everybody to you? To start with me, my name is John and I am thirteen years old. That boy over there is my younger brother Mark and he is eleven. This is my younger sister Marrie and she is ten. That yellow rascal over there is my friend Thomas, he is twelve; and the girl next to him is his sister Chrissy and she is nine. I don't know where Harry hides, but he is only eight years old, and I hope you will meet him soon. Harry is like my adopted little Gypsy brother, and we always protect him from any pestering or name-calling kids in our neighborhood.

Although John looked a bit small for being thirteen years old, he was firmly built, with a warm and open face, deep brown eyes, and dark brown hair with little curls at the edges. His brother, Mark, was a slender boy with hazel eyes and wavy light brown hair. I could hardly imagine that he and John were brothers! His sister, Marrie, was a firm looking girl, also having hazel eyes and wavy light brown hair like her brother Mark. John's friend Thomas seemed to be a real rascal, with greenish eyes and yellowish hair, wearing it a bit too long for my personal taste. Thomas' sister, Chrissy, was just a little lady, having greenish eyes and yellowish hair like her bigger brother. Although she acted a bit giggly, she too seemed to be a nice girl.

My inside already liked all five children at first sight, so that I felt lucky to have them as my new neighbors. I was also sure we would soon become even better friends, and that I would probably see them more often from now on. Only, I still didn't understand why John's 'little Gypsy brother', Harry, wasn't joining his friends on my porch. Could their eight-year-old youngest friend feel a bit ashamed of being of Gypsy origin? That would be truly sad... Feeling more and more curious about 'Harry', I asked my new friend:

John? Thank you very much for introducing your friends to me, but there is still something I don't understand. Why doesn't your 'little Gypsy brother' join you and your friends on my porch?

Suddenly looking sad, John started to tell me a truly amazing story, now and then filled in by the other children...

Two years ago, all five children were playing outside, when a car with a Gypsy caravan attached stopped in a clearing along the road. A small boy left the caravan and trotted towards the playing children, dragging an empty jerrycan and asking them for 'watter', talking with a strange accent and a surprisingly deep baritone voice. Helpfully, the children took the boy to their nearest neighbor, Jack, who just started to wash his car in his driveway. Jack provided the Gypsies with fresh water, some food, and a couple of used clothes, while the children assisted by carrying everything to the caravan. Both friendly Gypsy parents, who didn't speak our language and seemed to be very poor, thanked them abundantly. That evening, all six children happily played outside, until darkness set in and they had to go home.

Some people in our village seemed to dislike Gypsies; because, in the middle of the night, their caravan was set ablaze! The man and the woman both perished in the fire. Only their six-year-old son survived, but he was burnt all over very badly, especially his face. A howling ambulance hurried him to a hospital, accompanied by a furious Jack who told the boy to be brave and stay alive. Of course, there was no insurance, but Jack