I was interviewed recently by a publication writer about loved ones who have passed and their messages and signs from Heaven. There was an instant connection to this topic and article since my mother and father have both passed and yes, there have been signs and messages.
The article renewed emotions for me – happy and sad feelings. I feel fortunate to have signs from my parents, however, I'd trade all signs, memories, and emotions to have my parents still around today. It is painful. Yet I know there is a reason to share this with you as it may provide peace and an endearing loved one memory for you as well.
My mother passed away in June 1999 from a rare cancer and its complications. She was 71 years young. I could write so many beautiful things about my mother, and to give some highlights for brevity, she was strong, brave, smart, jovial, kind, generous, and giving– we were a lucky family to have her. I didn't give her all this credit growing up, but I wish I had. I pray she knows she is admired, loved, and adored.
My mother worked passionately and tirelessly as an ICU newborn nurse, which she loved doing and wouldn't change a thing. It created a lot of stress in her life because she felt responsible for saving sick or preemie newborn babies. Knowing how much she suffered for the sake of us and others, I have more anguish yet more appreciation for her and all she did for our family. I miss my mother dearly. She was our family's backbone of strength and love.
Monarch butterflies are her sign that she is around and still checking up on me. It may be a more common sign from Heaven as I’ve heard others share this sign, yet I know it’s also her sign. Monarch butterflies that come so close to my face that I have to move is my mother making sure I see her <3.
After she passed, for two years, my father wished and prayed that he would get a sign from her that she was OK. He wanted to have a dream about her or a message from her that she was safe in Heaven. My father believed in God yet struggled with life, death, and the afterlife. I gave him a book called “Heaven Is for Real," which was profoundly insightful for him. Within weeks of reading this book, he had a dream about my mother. He described it beautifully as she approached him in the hallway, kissed him, and walked with him. She told him she was OK and was waiting to see him in Heaven someday. This one message provided my father with so much clarity and peace. It was precious and a massive relief for him and, therefore, for me. From then on, my father had peace in his heart and mind that she was OK and they would be together again someday.
That day came in October 2013 when my father passed away from cancer and radiation treatment complications. He was 85.
My father was in hospice for about two months prior to his passing. While visiting, we would sometimes talk about my mother in Heaven and how he was so happy to know that he would be with her soon. I've never seen two people more devoted to each other through life and death. They endured a lot to be together, and even after my mother passed, my father only wanted to be with her in Heaven. Their Italian American love story and life journey is an incredible story for another article! :)
One time, while visiting my father, we talked about our memories together, the blessings and joys of our family, and now the sadness of knowing my father's time is near. I shared that I'd love to plan a sign with him so he can let me know that he's OK and with my mother and family members in Heaven. It was remarkable to create this moment, regardless of what sign happened, because the heartfelt moment was enough. Because my father loved cooking and eating pasta (literally, once per day!), he suggested that the sign be associated with the kitchen while cooking. We agreed it would be in the kitchen while cooking something like pasta. I shared this with my husband; our hearts swelled, and we smiled with tears. It is a dear memory of my father, no matter what sign did or didn't happen.
Approximately six months after his passing, I was making pasta in the kitchen, and the ventilation fan turned on by itself. At first, I thought there must be dense steam from the boiling pot of pasta water that forced the fan to turn on. However, I've made pasta a thousand times; this was the first time the ‘fan thing’ happened. My husband and I checked for any steam or smoke issues and then turned off the fan. Within a minute, I felt my father's presence. It all made sense. My husband and I were elated and shared it with our son for the first time. We all believed this was my father's (aka, ‘Papa’) sign from Heaven. I had chills and tears, and my heart swelled. It was him; I just knew it! Over the next seven years, this same fan turned on "randomly" only when making pasta. We have since moved houses, and it happened with a different kitchen fan – yes while making pasta. Now, we all say,” Hi Papa’ when it happens. I feel so blessed to have this endearing message from him. I miss my father dearly. He was kind, thoughtful, generous, funny, just so special to me, and the biggest heart on the planet kind of man. He's also pretty good at Heavenly Signs!
My heart is full of beautiful memories of my parents. It’s wonderful to know they are both happy in Heaven - together :)
I hope you have Heavenly signs of your own from loved ones. Please share if you feel it is appropriate to do so.
Photo by Stijn Dijkstra