A visit from the other side

Posted by admin in Blog (Weekly), Blogs

Sep
14

I tearfully said goodbye to one of my closest friends, Joanne, 2 years ago. It was quite emotional and honest as I thanked her for her love, encouragement, and support over the last 3 decades. She died two weeks later from Ovarian cancer.

Joanne was always there for me, as I was there for her. I always felt that God spoke to me through her. Joanne was my spiritual “cheerleader” as I went through my divorce, sexual abuse, and raising kids. She was a wise and loving friend. We lived on the same street and often took walks or sat and had a cup of tea on my porch or her back yard with beautiful flowers.

Before she died, Joanne encouraged her partner, Linda, to write a book about their love relationship and her cancer journey. It has been my honor to support and encourage Linda to write the book. I received a text from Linda this week informing me that she finished the last chapter of the book.

I was so happy and proud of Linda. I sent her a text congratulating her for finishing the book. Later in the day, while sitting outside on my swing and journaling, I heard a voice and I didn’t know where it was coming from. My phone was off and next to me in the swing. When I picked up my phone, there was Linda’s face. I was quite surprised and said, “Did you Face Time me?” She said, “No, did you Face Time me?”

We were both stunned. We have never done a Face Time with one another. Linda explained, “I just walked upstairs to get your book, “Simply a Woman of Faith” and had your book in my hand when I saw the incoming call and saw your name.

I couldn’t speak at first and my whole body shivered. We both agreed Joanne was “showing up” to support us both on our journeys. We laughed and cried that she had communicated with us in such a powerful way.

It is no coincidence that Linda and Larry and I have finished our books at the same time. Joanne was my earth “cheerleader” and now she is my heavenly “cheerleader.” Our loved ones do want to communicate with us if we are open.

Linda’s experience:

A week ago, on a humid Sunday in Rhode Island, I had been lounging on the couch with my computer as I mulled over some revisions for my book. Even though I had recently finished writing the last chapter, I knew that reviewing the earlier chapters would take some time. With the help of my writing coach, encouragement from others, and Pat’s compassionate advice, I realized I might complete this first book after all.

In the two years since my wife Joanne died, many astounding connections with her spirit have comforted me, always when I needed them the most. On this particular Sunday, I was pondering a different way to express If you snooze, you lose, that described Joanne’s ability to get things done without delay.

After reading Pat’s text congratulating me and offering to help pull the chapters together, I had sent a text thanking her and assuring her I would be in touch when my revisions were done. I decided to retrieve “Simply A Woman of Faith” upstairs in my nightstand in order to review her book’s layout. As usual, my cell phone was in its case attached to my waistband when I ascended the stairs.

I had just picked up Pat’s book when my phone rang. To my surprise, it was Pat. I thought, “That’s odd, maybe she didn’t get my text.” Answering the phone, I held it to my ear but soon discovered I also saw her face. I was shocked to discover we were on FaceTime and that she was just as surprised to see my face as well. My jaw dropped while I kept repeating, “Oh my god!”

In that moment, I could almost hear Joanne tell me to connect with Pat without delay. While I marveled at the perfect timing, I felt certain my love had planned this magical event. Knowing my tendency to procrastinate, her spirit seemed to remind me about snoozing and losing, so I will take the hint and push on. With gratitude to God and Joanne, my heart is renewed once again. Thank you, Pat, for your steadfast support, love, and cheerleading.