Many of you read about my recent journey with my Dad and over the past few weeks, there were periods of time where I wasn’t certain where my pathway would lead me. On this journey, I encountered many surprises, unexpected obstacles and a lot more complication than I preferred. However, I also encountered a multitude of “signs” from my angels and guides and more “God-winks” than one could ever imagine on this journey; I wouldn’t have traded them for anything.
Just one week ago, I was preparing to fly to Key West to get my father. The objective was to bring him back to Ohio with me; I had already prepared a new home for him in an assisted living facility just 15 minutes away. I knew this would be the best place for him to recover physically, mentally and emotionally but was very concerned about how I would safely get this frail and confused man safely to Ohio.
Less than 48 hours before my departure, I encountered an ugly, unexpected obstacle that potentially jeopardized my safety as well as my father’s well-being. I was terrified and had no idea what to do, what to say or how to handle it. My heart was racing while I made several phone calls in a state of panic and I gathered as much information as I could. After a few hours, I calmed down and realized there was nothing more I could do but wait, pray and know in my heart that the love I had for my father would prevail over everything else.
The night before my departure, I decided to meditate, using Pandora’s “Liquid Mind”. Liquid Mind is relaxation music at it’s best, composed by songwriter Chuck Wild. As the music is mostly synthesized, the use of instruments is somewhat atypical. I knew I needed to prepare myself for this journey and in meditation, images and messages come to me easily.
During my meditation, I received several images, one of which was a dove; quite common in my meditations (and definitely one of my spirit guides!). To many, the dove is a sign of peace and love; to Christians, a representation of the Holy Spirit. I wasn’t surprised to receive this image given my recent panic attack. However, I was quite surprised at the end of this sitting; the last song I heard this evening contained a flute solo; played almost as beautifully as my Mother would have played. My Mom Suzi was a gifted flutist (and my father’s soulmate), but died in 1997 at the age of 48 from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
When I heard this song, I knew it was truly her gift to me and this night, each message I received was by design: God was to be with me on this journey as was my mother. If that weren’t enough validation, not even 5 minutes after I finished meditating, another confirmation: A text from a dear friend with the words, “I felt your mother in my prayers tonight. Safe journey sister. I love you all so much.”
At this point, I knew it would be peaceful and smooth sailing.
I arrived in Key West the next day and immediately went to the Health & Rehab center to see my Dad. Finally, together again; the journey nearly complete. Within a few hours, we were sitting outside together in the hot Florida sun, having a conversation about what the next day would bring and how we would navigate through the airports. I assured Dad that wheelchair assistance was already arranged and that he didn’t have to worry about a thing. We would get back to Ohio safely, no matter what.
Dad seemed pacified by that statement, but then we sat quietly. I wondered what was going through his mind and after a few moments of comfortable silence, he randomly said “I miss your mother so much.”
I thought to myself what life would be like if she would have lived and questioned if I would even be traveling this road. Then, I realized, “Julie, that was not what was intended to be, so embrace this journey.”
A few more moments of silence.
Then, my father shared with me that when she died, he felt like he lost a part of himself and never recovered it.
“I understand, Daddy. I get it. I love you.” was all I could say.
More silence.
Then, without warning, something amazing happened. Something so amazing that I was beaming; smiling from ear to ear. My Dad asked what I was smiling about and I shared with him that even though Mom is no longer with us physically, she is always with us in spirit. Though he agreed, he didn’t make the same connection that I did.
For the “something amazing” that happened was an act of God, a message from a higher place, a miracle in my opinion:
Almost immediately after my father shared his thoughts about losing a part of himself in my mother’s death, three birds flew toward us from three different directions; one from above, one from the East and one from the West. They all congregated near our feet in the stones and one of them left a feather right near my foot.
They were doves.
Know that love will prevail and wait for the miracles to occur!
