Inspirational Story of the Month - February, 2008

My mom died 6 years ago and it was her birthday earlier this month. I felt sad and missed her, especially since my daughter Colleen's wedding was only a few months away. I've experienced mom's presence many times over the past 6 years. When I need her the most, she often shows us through a song or I see 11-1 everywhere (the day she past away.) She loved butterflies and I see them often.

She was really on my mind this one particular day. I missed our chats, her smile and her love. I kept thinking about her not being at the wedding and how Colleen would miss her grandmother. I questioned "mom, do you know how sad I am that you won't be there?" I didn't want to be sad, I wanted to be happy and enjoy the celebration that was planned.

As I went about cleaning my house, I noticed a bag with some magazines in it. I forgot my dad gave me mom's favorite magazines the last time I saw him. For whatever reason, I pulled out a magazine and started to thumb through it. The date on the magazine caught my eye - November 1- my birthday and the day mom died. I randomly opened the magazine and my eyes immediately fell to the Lenox shamrock ornament.

Being Irish, mom always loved shamrocks. Inside the ornament was the name Kathleen. I knew mom was speaking to me and reassuring me she was with me and she knew what was happening. I felt comforted and loved and I knew mom would be at the wedding in spirit.

~ Kathleen Orme

Inspirational Testimony - February, 2008

My dear friend passed away in June. I knew he was nearing the end of his life and saw him daily in the hospice unit. I was getting anxious as I had a trip planned to Florida with my husband and was concerned that he would pass away while I was gone. The night before I left I visited Bill. He was in and out of consciousness but woke when I entered the room. After seeing him I realized he would die that night or the following day (my knowledge as a Hospice nurse). I said my good-byes and told him how much I loved him. I left with a heavy heart. That evening I was telling a friend how sad I was to leave him right now and that I hoped I wouldn't be gone for his service. She reminded me of the butterfly legend. "If someone you know dies the next butterfly you see will be their spirit letting you know that they are ok."

My husband and I left for Florida the next day. We had an early dinner and after dinner walked to the pool area just to sit and absorb it's beauty. I couldn't get Bill off my mind. The pool was surrounded by beautiful trees and plantings. We sat down and I closed my eye and felt the warmth of the sun run through me.

I could feel Bill's presence and spirit so strong around me that I had a feeling he had passed, it was about 5:30pm. I prayed for a peaceful passing as a tear ran down my cheek.

When I opened my eyes a beautiful yellow butterfly was all around my chair and flew around my head. I said aloud "Bill, it's you" and I was instantly comforted. I watched as the butterfly flew all around inspecting each flower and tree as it were the first. I praised God and thanked him for setting Bill free from his ill body. I thanked God for the butterfly. I received a call from my sister at 7:00PM telling me that Bill had passed at 5:30PM that evening. All I could say was "I know."

~ Annie Hagan

Monthly Inspirational Message From Pat - February, 2008

When I think about the month of February, I think of Love. We let our loved ones know we love them by sending flowers, cards and candy. But what about when our loved ones have past on and are no longer with us. Do they communicate with us and let us know we are loved? I believe they do.

I recently experienced the passing of my daughter-in-law Suzie. She died at the age of 36 from cancer. Her family and closest friends surrounded her bedside during the last hours of her life on earth. She allowed us to love her, caress her and encourage her to go toward the light. We didn't want her to die, but we didn't want to see her in pain and suffer anymore. Suzie was in and out of consciousness and spoke to us throughout her passing. We witnessed her struggle to let go - she didn't want to leave her husband and two sons. And yet God was calling her home to be with him. She kept telling us she loved us and was sorry she had to leave us. Her face lit up when she saw Jesus and she called out "Jesus."

She died peacefully with all of us around her in the presence of God and Love. It was a beautiful sacred experience that I will never forget. While in prayer the next morning, I asked God and Suzie to let me feel her presence and Love. I was sad and angry that she was no longer with us. Suzie's symbol was the butterfly. As I left the house to go on the elevator, the phone rang. I had to go back into the light on the balcony so I could hear. The tears flowed as I looked up and saw a butterfly encircling me. I knew it was Suzie. Since her death, we have all felt her presence and spirit with us in amazing ways.

My friend told me that the first butterfly you see after a person dies is the person's spirit coming to comfort you.

May you know you are loved by those present in your life and by those who have past on.