I woke up early and made my way to the front room, passing by my mother’s bedroom. She was awake and sitting at the edge of her bed. I asked if she was okay. She nodded and told me to prepare our morning coffee. She said she would join me soon, as she wanted to talk. As I prepared the coffees, I wondered what she wanted to discuss. She had seemed very serious.
We sat together in our cosy front room, sipping our coffees quietly.
“I had an unbelievable experience early this morning, Garo.”
“What happened?”
“I opened my eyes and saw your late grandfather—my father—sitting on the edge of my bed and smiling. His usual warm and beautiful smile. He looked so peaceful.”
“Did he say anything?”
He said, “Mary, please look after your sister (name withheld); she needs you.”
She paused, perhaps to gauge my reaction. I sensed a bit of apprehension, as though she wasn’t sure how I would take it. But my mother knew I was open to such subjects and felt safe enough to share her experience.
“So what happened next?”
“I don’t know why, but I turned to switch on my bedside lamp. When I looked back, he was gone.”
“That’s a beautiful experience, Mum. Were you afraid?”
“No, of course not. It was him, Garo. My dad, in the flesh. I wasn’t dreaming. It was real.”
“I believe you. Trust me, I don’t doubt your experience at all.”
“Why do you think he came to visit me?”
I reminded her of what he had asked and told her that the best thing she could do was to honour his request. She said she would. Then she drifted off in thought again. I noticed her wiping away tears occasionally. The experience was bittersweet. She missed her father deeply. She was grateful for what had happened, but sad, too, because he had gone once more.
It took her a little while to return to herself, but in the end, she seemed at peace.
Every experience from the other side is unique and meaningful. We must not lose sight of the message behind the symbols or visitations. There is always a reason. If you pay close attention, you will see them. And if you cannot see them, let your heart feel them.
