The messages that bring hope

I have a friend who just lost her father-in-law. As she described the celebration of life, she quickly got out her phone to show me this picture. Alone in the clear sky was a “fish” that gave her husband great hope. He had always fished with his dad, and the message or “sign” was comforting. It provided hope and created a cherished moment.

I have numerous friends who, over the years, shared similar stories. Yellow butterflies, cardinals, white owls, a penny and sometimes a song… The message can be anything that reminds us of a loved one.

I am not sure why I felt it important to blog about this, other than it’s mentioned often. I read up a bit on the topic, and here’s what I found:

It is very common. In fact, more common that not for those who have lost a loved one.

The “messages” can occur anytime, anywhere – but they’re most common when the person is alone. (Perhaps when you are more aware of your surroundings…)

The mind is a powerful thing (that’s probably an understatement).

I believe that if we can be open, we might just find comfort in what we hear, smell and see… If we can’t get there, we always have memories of those moments we shared with our loved ones.

I also believe that this “fish,” painted so beautifully in the sky, had an important role to play that particular day, and I kind of love that.