Seeing Signs: Love From Beyond the Grave

Ok, so this title may sound a little … different – thanks for clicking anyway : )

Have you ever wished for a “sign”? I know I have. “If this is what I’m supposed to do, please give me a sign”.  We offer this thought to God or the universe and hope that something – anything divine will happen. Whenever we want a sign, what we really want is peace. After all, a “sign” represents supernatural reassurance that we are not alone or adrift.  It is a divine symbol that brings reassurance and peace to your heart and mind.

Many bereaved people report having seen a sign from their loved one. They describe the event as calming, sweet, reassuring and often occurring “just when I needed it.”

What types of signs are we talking about? Well, pretty much anything. I’ve often heard experiences where people repeatedly see a specific type of bird or a butterfly. These little winged creatures begin showing up at very interesting times. The bereaved person was just thinking about their loved one or recalling a special memory when out of nowhere, a butterfly flutters past the window. And it’s a sign.

It feels like they are there with you. And even better, you are not alone.

For others signs can look like meeting someone with the same name as their loved one, seeing a rainbow, or feeling a warm breeze.

While having experiences like these are not necessary to move through grief, it does seem that for the people who feel them tremendous peace follows. The idea that their loved one remembers and is present with them is deeply comforting.

I would also argue that this is one of those phenomenons where it seems random or coincidental, unless you’ve experienced it. Yes, as grievers we are in need of peace more than almost any other time in life, but we generally believe it is far away and perhaps out of reach. The surprise of these symbols is that they are so often abstract but instantly recognizable. The griever has no doubt of the intent of the symbol, meant just for them, full of deep meaning and connection.

Have you ever experienced something like this? A pure certainty that someone you loved was still loving you in the best way they could? I dearly hope so. I also hope that you do not doubt the validity or preciousness of your experience.

And beyond that, I hope that if you ever hear a story like this you don’t question it or think it’s silly. These signs make a world of difference for the person receiving them.