Touched by Spirits
I have had three visits from the spirit world. Some might say they are vague imaginings born of grief and loss. But I know vague imaginings and these were different. In each case I had a soul connection with the spirit in question while they were living so it is not so strange that I would connect with them in death.
The first one happened when I was on my first trip to Europe at age 22. I was off to visit the tiny peasant town where my Grandfather was born. It was a tiny mountain town in the province of Enna, reachable by train and then a long bus ride up the mountain. The name, Valguernera Caropepe. I was in the train station in Sicily and an old Sicilian man looking very much my Grandfather’s type— short, grey-haired with a warm smile— saw me and started singing the words to Stormy Weather. I turned to look at him, stunned. When I was a little girl I spent lots of time with my grandparents in Larchmont. Grandpa and I were inseparable. We danced and sang to music on the Victrola or to his mandolin playing by day, had our evening cocktail together in the late afternoon (a Shirley Temple for me, Whiskey Sour for Grandpa and I got his cherry). And, at nights in summer, we went for walks catching fireflies, or sat together in the bedroom, each at our own window, in the silence of our thoughts, watching the neighbors in the courtyard below. Even as a little girl, I could feel that there was something special about the quiet we shared and that we were always connected. Physically, emotionally, and I like to think, spiritually. I took his death very hard. About Stormy Weather— whenever I walked into the living room where Grandpa was inevitably to be found smoking a pipe or reading, he would sing: “Here Comes Stormy Weather.” I looked into the smiling eyes of this man in the Sicilian train station as he sang the lyrics of the song Grandpa used to greet me with and I saw Grandpa for a few seconds. And then I had to leave to catch the train to his town.
The second time I had a brush with the spirit world was when my father died. Dad had been sick for three years battling colon cancer. The end was near and I visited but had just taken a new job so was not at the hospital every day as, had I been stronger emotionally, I would have liked to have been. Again Dad and I were very close. Not like Grandpa. But in temperament and looks. My father married a Sicilian and I was the only one of the three children who looked like him with blond hair and light skin. And I was shy and quiet and liked writing and music like Dad did and I didn’t like the screaming and yelling that was much a part of our family life. Dad didn’t either. My sister was “Daddy’s little girl” but Dad and I were sympatico.
A few days before Dad died he went into something like a coma. His eyes were closed and he was mostly unresponsive. My Mom in an effort to get a response, teased him (Dad was the tease in the family) one warm November day, one last time, and told him it was snowing outside. (It wasn’t.) Dad’s eyes fluttered and he opened them and looked out the window and presumably saw it was not snowing. A few days later Dad died. I was at work in the ladies room at the time. I remember the exact moment. I just suddenly knew Dad had died. I went back to the office. As I walked in the phone call came. I had the moment right to the minute. I called my fiancé to pick me up and go to the hospital and see Dad before they took his body away. And then I stood on the street corner waiting for him, frantic with grief and stunned despite all the time we had to “prepare” for Dad’s death. Suddenly I felt a brush of a breeze pass through me on the corner. Dad’s spirit. No mistaking it. And then it began to snow. The snow only lasted a few minutes. A sign. Dad, the tease, got back at my mother who had told him it was snowing when it wasn’t. I later relayed this message to Mom who hadn’t seen the snow.
I didn’t get a message when my Mother died. My husband and I had been her main caretakers and it had taken a terrible toll on us. He and I had done some fancy footwork to grant her last wish— we had gotten her home so she could die in her own home. My brother and his wife had just flown in from Michigan and my brother was the apple of her eye. Shortly after they came, she yelled at me for touching the controls on her hospital bed. I said nothing and left the room and my husband and I went home. That was my last visit with her. She died that night. We went back at 2AM to see her body before they took her away. And though I didn’t get a message from Mom when she died, I’ve got her inside of me. Today even clearer than when she was alive, I hear her telling me how to handle the problems of life. (I still don’t always listen.) And, we inherited my Mom’s ten-year old dog— a miniature poodle, named Ko-ko.
Ko-ko came to live with my husband and me and we loved her to pieces in our childless marriage. We never expected her to survive losing Mom (especially after having lost Dad a few years before) and losing her home, but she adjusted. When she lost an eye to my aunt’s cat we again never expected her to pull through, but she survived. She drank up love like a parched plant and we were only too happy to give it to her. And then she developed Cushing’s disease and a cataract in her good eye, arthritis and a bad heart— but she kept on going with the spirit of a puppy. I almost believed she would live forever— even when she was diagnosed with cancer. But she didn’t. And in October, her 17 and ½ years came to a close. She had an appetite up until the last— eating dinner the night she died. Ironically it was a stroke or something she ate that impaired her breathing. It was too late to go to our vet. We decided to take her in first thing in the morning to be put down by the vet she knew and felt comfortable with. I stayed up through the night with her trying to help her make the transition but she clung to life. And in the morning we brought her in to be put to sleep. Our tears were joined by a tear streaming down Dr. Howell’s face. I think he had begun to believe in her immortality, too. He gave her the shot. She reared up a moment and then was gone. We had made plans to meet my aunt and uncle that day. We could not break the date— it was too late to even call. They were coming from Connecticut. I just couldn’t go. My husband, God bless him, went to meet them. I went home to rest a bit and then meet them later. At home, on the bed, doing Reiki, an ancient Tibetan form of energy healing, on myself, my eyes were closed but I was wide awake. And I “saw” Ko-ko. She was running in a white field filled with white flowers and then going towards a tunnel. I was with her at her eye level close to the ground and all around was pure white and she was very happy and excited. Probably running to be reunited with my parents. And I felt profoundly blessed by her presence as I did in life, for she had a beautiful soul. Instead of visiting us in spirit, my mother left us an angel.
I have longed for further contact with these three souls and with my Mom but the longing goes unfulfilled like so many desires in life. I am indeed lucky to have had these three visits. They are high up on the list of treasures in my life, whispering of a life beyond this one. Treasures too ephemeral for touch, locked away in the depths of my soul.
Welcome to samples of my work in various art forms showcasing “Eye-locks and Other Fearsome Things.” “Eye-locks” is a Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir in narrative form that describes the triumph of love over mental illness.
MOONSIDE 
Indeed, gifts to treasure.
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July 31, 2023 at 3:06 AM
I do. Thank you for reading!💕
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July 31, 2023 at 9:56 AM
What an interesting communication experience you had in your life! Thank you for letting me know.
I have not had a similar experience, but I believe that it was the spirits who touched you.
I heard about similar stories from my friends. Usually these are very sensitive people who can perceive much more subtle vibrations than others.
Keep this precious experience in the secluded corners of your soul.
I wish you a wonderful day!
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July 31, 2023 at 5:12 AM
What a wonderful comment!! Thank you so much! I do keep these things in my heart! Thank you for your generous spirit!🙏🏽
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July 31, 2023 at 10:08 AM
I wish you creative inspiration! 🔗
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July 31, 2023 at 4:13 PM
I wish you whatever your heart desires!!🙏
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July 31, 2023 at 5:23 PM
I have personally experienced it.
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August 3, 2023 at 1:09 PM
That’s great that you were given a communication. A friend said they are God winks. Sounds about right.
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August 3, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Someone said they are “God winks.” That sounds about right. Allowing a communication after death of a loved one…
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August 3, 2023 at 9:24 PM
Good afternoon Arun.
It’s great that you had that experience.
It could be assumed from your publications.
Have a good day. 😊🤝🌞
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August 4, 2023 at 10:01 AM
Hello Arun.
I sympathize with your experiences. 💗
It’s good that everything ended well.
Any experience is not given to us by chance. It’s good that this is a milestone. I would like to hope so.
Best regards, Olga
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August 4, 2023 at 12:07 PM
Your art appears very mystical and frenzied.
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July 31, 2023 at 8:58 AM
Thank you for your impressions.
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July 31, 2023 at 9:52 AM
Evocative painting that led me into your story of spirit contacts. Thank you for sharing, Ellen. It helps us remember and cherish these moments.
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July 31, 2023 at 10:22 AM
I think our comments criss crossed in the ether. Your paintings seem to touch the spirit world. Thank you, Cheyenne. I hope you get some climate relief. 🙏🏽
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July 31, 2023 at 10:31 AM
Your sensitivity to spiritual things is amazing. God does speak to us in amazing and unusual ways.
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July 31, 2023 at 12:56 PM
My connection is bad and it is a rarity. You seem to have a direct line to God and that is awesome and inspiring.
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July 31, 2023 at 1:02 PM
Oh, dear friend, yours is better than you realize. God is never silent–we’re just really hard of hearing. What you experienced, I think, was God winks–a reminder that He is there for you, even in grief and loss.
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July 31, 2023 at 1:14 PM
Thank you, Dayle, for this explanation. Makes sense. Sending love and prayers. 🙏
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July 31, 2023 at 2:34 PM
God winks. Okay. Thanks for that.
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August 2, 2023 at 10:40 AM
This was wonderful and I’m happy for you. I saw my best friend standing in my foyer and knew she was gone. A friend of mine always contacts me to see how her beloved dog is doing. He’s gorgeous and running around like crazy in a field with a lot of other dogs, who are waiting for their people to cross over to them. She’s had other Shelties, but he was her baby. Once he knew she was okay he didn’t spend as much time with me, but he does check in now and then. LOL I’m familiar and comfortable will all these things. They aren’t that unusual to me and think that if people are open to them, they just appear. No one is ever gone. Their part in the play is just over. When we go home, everyone will be there. I can’t wait to see all my animals and those I love. When my German Shepherd was gone, I couldn’t let him go. I could barely function, I was lost and one night, my husband and I were sound asleep and we BOTH hear someone say…YOU HAVE TO LET HIM GO…and I saw my dog look back at me, going down a lovely street and I knew I was holding him in place. The voice woke my husband up too, because we heard the same thing. I still can barely think about my dog without a huge sadness coming over me. I loved him so much, as I did all my cats and the others. But I know they are all young, happy and healthy, playing and waiting form me. I’m so glad you had those wonderful experiences. lovely post.
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July 31, 2023 at 5:07 PM
Oh what a wonderful ability you have, Gigi. That’s impressive, really impressive. My best friend didn’t connect with me. You have a gift! I am happy for you that you have all these connections. Yes, letting the dig go was hard but she was so happy. Well, your message is really inspiring. Our prayer plant bloomed when my mother-in-law died. I was close to her. She let us know she was okay. I talk to her every day. But how wonderful, Gigi, your gift.
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July 31, 2023 at 8:23 PM
I think anyone can do those things. Just have to be open to it and think about it. Maybe it’s because I’m into those things. I read Tarot cards for people, have done hypnotic regressions on others, etc. It seems like the normal things to do, if you want to find out what’s going on around all of us.
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August 5, 2023 at 3:57 PM
Very engrossing, Ellen.
“She drank up love like a parched plant …”. I like that. 🙂
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July 31, 2023 at 6:10 PM
Thank you very much, Ronnie! She was a “love” dog. When my husband would hug me or I, him, she would jump up to be part of the love. Oh, I miss her. 😔
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July 31, 2023 at 8:52 PM
That’s lovely, I am not surprised you miss her.
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August 1, 2023 at 3:41 AM
Thank you, Ronnie.
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August 1, 2023 at 10:00 PM
Yes, she was a love doggie. So was her predecessor in a different way. She would come running and sit in your lap. But I am sure most dog owners have similar experiences.
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August 2, 2023 at 6:00 PM
I had to come back to this post again, after reading it on the weekend. The stories are riveting. I especially felt touched by how Ko-ko came through, showing you her view of the beyond. I have had some similar experiences with the two tabby cats I have had in my life, so it’s very relatable.
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August 2, 2023 at 9:44 AM
That is wonderful… that you had these experiences, too, with your tabby cats!!
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August 2, 2023 at 10:09 AM
I too have had similar experiences and have found them comforting. There are days I wish I could manifest them at will. Thank you for sharing what were deeply personal experiences x
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August 2, 2023 at 4:57 PM
Thank YOU! I wish I could summon them at will, too. But I am grateful for what I got. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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August 2, 2023 at 5:39 PM
I love this painting. Thanks for sharing this .Anita
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August 3, 2023 at 6:25 AM
Hi Anita, thank you. Actually it is a photograph. Have been enjoying your travel pictures immensely!!
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August 3, 2023 at 6:46 AM
Wow, this was so fascinating. I’m sorry that you’ve suffered so much loss but I’m happy that you were able to encounter your loved ones again in such special ways. I can tell that your connection must’ve been strong because not everyone would’ve noticed about the snow or have known that that breeze was their dad but you did. I love your writing too. Thank you for bringing such precious moments to life for us.
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August 5, 2023 at 6:16 AM
Reading this is wonderfully meaningful. I feel into your heart with these memories and visions; wishing you well.
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August 16, 2023 at 9:14 AM
What a lovely comment❣️ Wishing you well in your journey in this life we live. May you be guided by your beliefs to the best possible state of mind.
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August 16, 2023 at 10:45 AM
Oh thank you. I just wanted you to know that you touched me with your life and your spirit interaction, and just with the way you write and express yourself. Thank you so much for your very, very sweet blessing here and now. It is well- received! 💗🍰 (and here’s a peace of cake! That won’t impact your health in any negative way! 😂)
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August 16, 2023 at 10:54 AM
Thank you❣️ Means so much to me. 💕💥🤩
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August 16, 2023 at 10:58 AM
I think they too are now spiritual butterflies kind lady. A great and beautiful story, thank you for sharing 😀❤️🙏
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August 16, 2023 at 9:48 PM
Thank you so much!! A lovely comment! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🤩❣️
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August 17, 2023 at 11:03 PM
P.S. You may be right about the “spiritual butterfly” thing. We’ll know someday.
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August 17, 2023 at 11:14 PM
Your words were so vividly written that I could actually visualize your journey. I was transported into your divine encounters. You are like a guradian angel caregiver, here on earth, just like my mom. You give all of yourself to the people you care for. It is a unique quality that not many possess. You are incredible and I feel extremely blessed to know you!! Thank you for all you do!! ❤❤🙏🙏😀🤗🤗
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August 17, 2023 at 9:18 AM
Thank you so much, dear, dear Kelly!! I read your tribute to your Mom and was just preparing to write you about how very wonderful your tribute was! I am sure your Mom was fantastic. She sounds like an angel. I am not at all anywhere near a good caretaker. I don’t deserve what you wrote me. I am a very nervous, queasy caretaker. But I do love fiercely. My big test will be how I take care of my husband. Your mother sounds really super and she raised you to be as good as she was.
I was praying for you this morning and wondering how your father was doing and how YOU are doing.
Lots of love to you, Kelly. It is an honor to have this special contact with you❣️💥🤩❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Feel free to write if you need a listener.🐕🙏🏽💕
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August 17, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Hi Ellen thank you so much for your continuous kind words of encouragement, prayers, blessings and support. Your words always make my day and lift me up.
My mom was wonderful but she was not perfect. She had terrible anxiety and fear of what would happen to me. She was a nervous wreck herself. She tried to do the best she could always which is exactly what we all can do. We are not perfect we can just do our very best for those we love and care for. It is not an easy task to be a caregiver but with lots of faith love and patience, God will always be there providing strength and guidance.
I hadn’t written in some time because my dad is at a low point in his cancer journey. There have been some complications and some setbacks in his progress. Only time will tell what the outcome will be. I know God is with us always. 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️
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August 17, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Oh, Kelly, you are having such a hard time with your father. Yes, God is with us always. You can count on my prayers for you both. He is SO lucky to have you. You have been wonderful because of how much you care and how much you know because of all you have been through. In that way, he is very lucky. And many thanks for telling me how your mother was. So we are not perfect. And yet you felt so cared for by her and loved. That is an important thing to know. May God hold you and your father close!! Feel free to write if you need to… etwolfe3@gmail.com 💖🙏🙏🙏🙏💖
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August 17, 2023 at 2:30 PM