Special visit...

Last night, we spent the night celebrating my brother's birthday. It was me, Dave, my mom, sister in law and brother. It was an entertaining, delicious dinner spent at Bennihana's. It was a special evening...a rare time when we were all together. I know it made my mom very happy. 

We came home and were off to bed. It was a nice cool night...made falling asleep and staying asleep much easier in the midst of a warm summer weeks humidity and heat. When I woke up this morning, I had an overwhelming sense of peace, love and serenity...I had a special visit during my sleep. It was from Mark.

As I'm sure most of you know, I lost Mark (my husband) to cancer over 2 years ago. We had spent our last weeks together discussing his wishes and such. One thing we did agree on was that if he could, he would somehow let me know everything was ok when he was gone and went to wherever it is we all go when we leave this life.

I thought maybe my "sign" was when Buster recognized a familiar scent in the pick up truck when I opened up the cab months after Mark had passed. I thought it was all the monarch butterflies I had visiting my yard the summer after he passed (and every season since). We used to raise and release monarchs after catching caterpillars in the yard. I thought maybe meeting and falling in love with someone with very similar interests and mannerisms was a sign. But no. I got a visit instead.

So, what I remember is very vivid and fresh...like it is happening right now. I saw him and he looked good. He was healthy and happy. There was a great sense of peace and happiness in his face and body language. He was talkative, lively and his old self...the person I remember dating and falling in love with. He told me how wonderful everything was now...food tasted good. Colors were brighter and more beautiful. Feelings were stronger and more meaningful. I remember taking his hand, squeezing it, and suddenly everything felt right. 

He was at our house and sat and played with the dogs. He commented how they looked grown up now. He smiled when they wagged their tails. He said he was happy and in a good place. I told him I was happy with my life, missed him, loved him and thought of him often. I can't recall everything we talked about, but it was positive. He didn't stay long, but it was enough. We said what we needed to say, hugged and I woke up. 

The reason I share these stories with the people I love and care about is because I know from my experiences in life how difficult it is to lose someone we love. But if you love with all your heart, tell people you love how you feel when the opportunity is there...you will not have regrets. Life is short, live it while you can and make it a good life.