The Visit

In early May of 2004 it became apparent that Alley Ann was facing her final weeks of her long life. Spring was in full bloom and the days were turning warmer. The flowers were popping with their vibrant colors and sweet smells. Alley had been sick with 4 or 5 different diseases and illnesses over the course of time I and my next door neighbor had her. She had been on her medicine for awhile to treat her Cushings Disease and it helped her for a while and then one day she looked at me with those big eyes and she clearly told me that it wasn't working any more and she wanted me to stop giving it to her, so I did.

She was still spunky but was beginning to smell really bad just from all the stuff going on within her body. I still loved her bad smell and all. She would toddle around the house looking for comfortable places to sleep so I had pillows all over the floor along with the wee wee pads. She was house trained but towards the end if she had to go she squatted and went. Lord knows she tried to make it to a wee wee pad and sometimes she was successful and other times not. It was hard to get mad at her when she was so sick.

The final straw came about a week before she passed. I had had some work on the roof done and I was in the process of pulling weeds and stuff around the back deck. I had three dogs surrounding me as I pulled some roots from under one of the back steps. They wanted to make sure they didn't miss any food that might come out from underneath the porch. No sooner had I pulled my hand out with this big root than Alley's head flew in there and out she popped with a big old rat in her mouth. I was floored! First off, my hand was there 5 seconds before she pulled it out and she also didn't have that many teeth left in her head so I was surprised she could hold it in her mouth. She was so proud of herself prancing around the back yard with it. She slowly gummed the thing to death and I finally got it away from her and threw it away. You could almost see that smile on her face, as if to say "I still got it"!

That final week we spent as much time together as we could. I ended up taking a few days off from work just to be with her. On her final day here on the planet it was perfect. I had a few friends over and they took care of my other girls as I held Alley as she transitioned. It was one of the most peaceful things I have ever seen or had been a part of. The following week was such a blur as I had been taking care of her pretty much 24/7 and now I had all this time on my hands. I didn't know what to do with myself.

I would find myself looking for her to pop in and check on things but I never did see her in those first few weeks. There was nothing and then about 4 months after she had passed I was laying in bed one night and I rolled over. I got the biggest whiff of bad dog smell I knew exactly who it was. I felt her presence and I began to cry as I had missed her so much. I was still in that dream like state and I remember feeling her there and her saying to me that she had to go so I could now go do the work I was supposed to. At the time I wasn't sure what she was trying to tell me, but I understand now. It was time for me to leave corporate and move into my life's purpose, working with animals and their people. She truly is my inspiration and always will be. I am so grateful she came into my life!

So the signs come when we least expect them but know that they do come. It is just not as we imagine.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

What's in a Name?

Everything has an energy to it. Sounds, words, colors, people, animals, basically everything! You know when you meet someone and you say, "They just don't look like a (insert name), they look more like a (insert name). Their name just doesn't match who they are. Well the same thing goes for our animals. Many of us who adopt pets often times do not know their original name or even if we do it may not fit them. So we begin to go through a litany of names hoping to get a response from the animal as to what they would like to be called. If you don't believe me ask anyone who has adopted a pet and wanted to rename them. The name has to "fit"

Be careful of what you name them because they will take on the energy of that word. I have known Chihuahua's named "Killer" that would take your ankle out in a heartbeat! Or how about the Great Dane that has a name of "Tiny". The dog thinks of him self as a small lap dog type pet and can't figure out why he can't fit in small places or why no one will allow him on their lap. Names have energy! If someone says the name Hitler, all sorts of images and emotions are attached to that name. People naming their animals "Chaos" should be prepared for a lot of crazy energy, or calling a dog "Digger" just invites major holes being dug in your backyard.

We may name our pets one name but then call them a nickname. So if your pet has a nickname like "trouble" or "bad dog" or "goofy ball"guess what, more than likely that is the behavior you will get. It is no different than a child having a name and yet they are called a nickname. That nickname is often associated with a behavior or even an animal. Take a look at Tiger Woods and his name. His real name is Eldrick Tont Woods. Do you think he lives up to his nickname of "Tiger"? Watch this man play golf and you will see that it matches perfectly. That name for him just "feels" right.

The next time you have an animal that you are adopting ask them what they would like to be called and then just "listen" for the name. They will tell you. It may take a few times for you to get it but it will come and when it does it will be like a light bulb going off in your head. Look for that reaction to the words or names you are suggesting. Does the animal look like something else? Is there a personality name that would better suit them? Why did you name you pet what you did? Do they really like it?

It is interesting how all of this connects to the energy of just one word. Now I will say there was one little foster girl I had and she insisted on two names, so that is what I gave her. She was such a hot little number, all I can remember is that I kept getting the image of Mae West in my head. Take notice of those images because more often than not your animal is sending you the name or image they want to be called. Have fun with it as you and your animal companion choose the name that is best for them.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Pets Take To The Air

More good news! I saw an article today about "Pilots and Paws" trying to fly 5,000 animals to no-kill shelters across the United States. What a great idea! They are looking for pilots willing to donate time and planes to help fly these lucky animals to freedom and an opportunity to a new start on life. With over 4 million animals being put to sleep every year this will give at least some of them a chance to reach the families that will love and take care of them.

There is also a small airline company that started specifically designed to fly animals to different cities in America. The company is based in Delray Beach, Florida and began service July 14th of 2009. No longer confined to the cargo area, pets will travel in their own carriers in a well lighted and safe environment. There are also Pet Attendants who will keep an eye on them during the flight. How cool is that?

So our animals are taking to the airways in a big way. I know if the girls were to fly Addison would be looking at what treats they would be serving on the flight! Maggie would be looking for conversation with everyone and Takla would be looking for comfort!

Happy Trails,
Sherry

The Celebrity Endorsement

I am not big on running out and buying something just because a celebrity recommended it. As a matter of fact I will be more likely to stay away from it just because they have. There are however those few products that celebrities endorse that actually are good for you! Bottom line is that you need to do the research on your own to see if it is good. Which brings me to two different celebrities and their endorsements.

Working in a natural pet food store over the past few years has made me read labels and actually understand what is in my pets food I am feeding. We get people in the store all the time asking about this food or that food if it's any good etc. Over the past couple months people have been asking about two specifically, Halo Pet Products and Rachel Ray's new line of pet food. Ellen DeGeneres promotes the Halo line of pet products. I have done my research and love the Halo products! Especially animals that have kidney issues do really well with their canned food. Unfortunately I don't think Rachel Ray did as much research on the product content on the items she is endorsing.

I would like to thank and commend Rachel for putting her name on products for pets to help raise awareness of good nutrition for our pets. Nutrition is so important in keeping our pets healthy. The only problem with the pet food she is endorsing is that the the food contains the following ingredients:Corn Meal (no nutritional value: filler), Soybean Meal (no nutritional value: filler), Animal Fat (where is the animal fat rendered from)?(Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Corn Gluten Meal (again corn is listed no nutritional value). Corn and grains can be a huge allergen for a lot of dogs or cats.

My hope is that Rachel will have an opportunity to ask questions and do her OWN research about ALL the ingredients in the product that carries her name. Part of the reason our pets are not living as long as they should is due in part to the food we are feeding them. Food with little or no nutritional value. Yes meat is the first ingredient listed but throwing in those other things mentioned above just brought the food down a few notches as far a being a food I would feed my dog or even recommend to anyone. It would be great if Rachael continued to promote the good nutritional value of pet food but she has got to understand what exactly is going into the food before she puts her name on it.

I have been working with pet owners over the past 5 years on good nutrition for their pets so I understand what is good for them and what they really should be avoiding. Everyone should read the book"Food Pets Die For" by Ann Martin. There is a lot of really good information there and her own personal journey to understand why her pets died at such a young age. Take the time and do the research, your pets will be glad you did!

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Puff The Magic Dragon

We have lost so many people in the entertainment field this year! I was saddened to hear today that Mary Travers from Peter, Paul and Mary had transitioned. Their music was such a part of my life as I was growing up and I loved all of it. It defined a time in the world when activism through music was popular. Their style of folk music spoke to a generation seeking to be different from the previous generation. It was a time questioning authority, seeking answers within and looking for peace not just at home but globally. Fifty years later their songs are still sung and listened to. Clips of their many hit songs are being played on all the news outlets today. No doubt there will be thousands of You Tube hits for the groups music today.

One of their songs, Puff The Magic Dragon, talks about that innocence lost. Being children we believe in magic, we believe in all those things, as adults, we no longer think possible. Puff and Jackie Paper played and enjoyed those childhood times together until one day Jackie no longer came as he had become an adult who no longer needed Puff. Or so he thought.

There is much to be said about innocence. Everything aways seems new and exciting. To me it keeps you open to the magic of life and to the wonderment that exists around us like when we are children. Who didn't believe in dragons growing up or that toys at night came alive to have their own time together?

Like Puff animals reflect that innocence of life. Watch children or animals who are still in the innocence stage of being. I know for me it brings me back to the reality that each new day is magic and full of possibilities. I know with my dogs it is a day of possibly going for a ride to a new place or meeting new dogs. What possibilities are in your life today? We all still need a Puff the Magic Dragon in or lives. How boring life would be if the possibility of them didn't exist.

May you rest in peace Mary!

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Play Date

As I am sitting here thinking about what I would like to write about today I was disrupted by the sound of little paws running down the hallway followed by big paws running down the hallway. It seems Maggie, my Aussie, and Takla, my Lhasa Apso, were having a contest to see who could get to the end of the hall first. With that contest over they then ran into my office and proceeded to play together. Addison, my other Aussie, and I sat and watched as the two of them went round and round in circles. Takla was on her hind legs touching Maggie and as Maggie went in a circle Takla moved with her. It was interesting to watch how gentle Maggie was with her. Maggie if three times the size of Takla and could easily hurt her, but she doesn't. Takla tries to lick her face and Maggie starts the game again of running down the hallway.

They remind me to PLAY! Take the time to just enjoy being that free spirit of childhood. It's sad as adults we often have to plan play dates but the important thing is to just do it. I am guilty of not taking enough time to play so my dogs end up reminding me of what I need to do. So I am reminding you, schedule those play days! It's one of those things that can help keep you sane in this crazy world....

Play time must be over as I have three dogs looking at me for their after play snack!

Happy Trails,
Sherry

The Energetic Ripple Effect

How have the recent turn of events affected you individually, locally and globally? Do you find you, your friends and family anxious, distracted and agitated by the energy that has been created by our current economic situation? How is your worry or fear about your situation being felt out in the world? Remember for what ever we do or think is always being sent out to the universe and becomes part of the universal collective. It has a ripple effect on all we do and the animals we share Mother Earth with.

It is from this situation that I have noticed and felt the uneasiness of animals during this time too. Over the past several months there have been a lot of news reports about animals attacking people and each other. In almost every news story the people who owned the animals or the people being attacked said it was completely out of character of who the animal really was. So, why would seemingly docile and normally happy pets be reacting in this way? Think about the feeling of where our nation or the world for that matter is as a whole right now? Don’t you think the anxiety we feel transfers over to our pets and all animals who inhabit the planet?

As we know energy is a powerful force to deal with! We also know animals are far more connected to Mother Earth and with their energetic surroundings. We as human beings generally have the ability to block unwanted energy from our space. We can move away from it, not acknowledge it, protect ourselves from or make a conscience effort not to let it affect us. Animals unfortunately do not have that same ability. They are more like energy sponges soaking up all the energy that surrounds them, both good and bad. This includes the animals out in the wild also. Many are feeling the collective negative energy being created by humans all over the world due to economics, war and a host of other issues.

Take a few moments to see how your pets or animals in your area been affected? Do you find that they too are more agitated and full of anxiety these days? This is not a normal behavior for them as it is a human emotion. However because they live with us or share the planet with us they are exposed to the energy being put forth by us on a daily basis. Now if our energy is coming from a much calmer and more positive space our animals will react to that also.

Animals are asking us to get back to that true form of who we are spiritually. Some of us are finding out the hard way we do not need all the things we think we need to live. Animals exist on the planet in the purest form of being minimalists. Some of us on the other hand, live to maximize and take as much as be can from each other and the planet. As recent days and events have come to past we are learning that more is not better, it is in fact possibly far more destructive in more ways than one.

Animals are trying to adjust to this new energy as it seems to become stronger and more prevalent. Each day they show us how we could be living our lives and everyday we push back thinking we know best. Sometimes we do and other times we could certainly be taking cues from them and how they live. Is it utopia? No, but it is certainly one which is more aligned with our true nature. Animals hope we get the message soon as we have a direct effect on the planet we share with them. They are hopeful and look forward to the time when harmony among the species will exist.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

The Old Wall Telephone

I received this from a friend of mine and thought I would share it with everyone. Please read the whole thing as it has a wonderful message to it.

The Old Wall Telephone

When I was quite young, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall.

The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked to it.

Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was 'Information Please' and there was nothing she did not know. Information Please could supply anyone's number and the correct time.

My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer, the pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy.

I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear. 'Information please' I said into the mouthpiece just above my head.

A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear. “Information”

'I hurt my finger...' I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough now that I had an audience.

'Isn't your mother home?' came the question.

'Nobody's home but me,' I blubbered.

'Are you bleeding?' the voice asked.

'No,' I replied. 'I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.'

'Can you open the icebox?' she asked. I said I could.

'Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger,' said the voice.

After that, I called 'Information Please' for everything. I asked her for help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math.

She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts.

Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called, 'Information Please,' and told her the sad story. She listened, and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, 'Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?'

She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, 'Wayne, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.' Somehow I felt better.

Another day I was on the telephone, 'Information Please.'

'Information,' said in the now familiar voice.

'How do I spell fix?' I asked.

All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. When I was nine years old, we moved across the country to Boston. I missed my friend very much. 'Information Please' belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall. As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me.

Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.

A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle. I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, 'Information Please.'

Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well. 'Information.' I hadn't planned this, but I heard myself saying, 'Could you please tell me how to spell fix?'

There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, 'I guess your finger must have healed by now.'

I laughed, 'So it's really you,' I said. 'I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time?'

'I wonder,' she said, 'if you know how much your calls meant to me.

I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls.'

I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.

'Please do', she said. 'Just ask for Sally.'

Three months later I was back in Seattle.

A different voice answered, 'Information.'

I asked for Sally.

'Are you a friend?' she said.

'Yes, a very old friend,' I answered.

'I'm sorry to have to tell you this,' she said. 'Sally had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died a few weeks ago.'

Before I could hang up she said, 'Wait a minute, is your name Wayne?'

'Yes.' I answered.

'Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called.

Let me read it to you.'

The note says, 'Tell him there are other worlds to sing in. He'll know what I mean.'

I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.

Never under estimate the impression you may make on others.

Whose life have you touched today? Why not pass this on? Like I just did....Lifting you on eagle's wings. May you find the joy and peace you long for.

Life is a journey ... NOT a guided tour.


I loved this story. I hope you enjoyed it and get a blessing from it, as I did.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Limitations

I was asked recently about limitations with some of the work I do distance wise. For any of the work I do whether it is animal communication or energy healing work, they both can be done as in person or distance sessions. There is no difference in how the energy is given or received by the person or the animal while doing distance work.

To me animals are a lot easier to work with though as they don't have conversations about whether these modalities really work or not if I am in the same room with them or not. I have clients as far away as Alaska and Japan who I have worked with doing both the communication and the energy healing work.

To animals there are no limits, to some humans, that's all life is, nothing but limitations. Life and the work I do is all about intention, integrity and moving beyond the physical limitations society wants to put on us and even animals at times. I too can sometimes get into my humanness and think I have limitations on things when my animals turn around and give me examples that show me that is simply not true.

Some say the "sky is the limit" with things and I say "there is no limits to what we can do, be or accomplish". The animals and the universe remind us daily that there are no limits, only humans have limits. Once again, thank you to the animals for the reminders!

Happy Trails,
Sherry

New Life

A friend of mine was cleaning out her garden yesterday of the plants that had bore it's vegetables and were ceasing to produce anymore for the season. The straw protecting the plants had to be taken out so the soil could be turned over. Fall is such a great time of year for harvesting and getting ourselves ready for the next years planting. As she cleared away the plants she saw movement underneath the straw. She slowly picked up the straw and saw these little black figures squirming around. Not knowing what it might be she called me to come look. It was obviously some kind of animal that had left it's babies there.

I got to the house and put on some gloves and gently removed the straw to reveal a nest of squirrels. We both had different opinions on what it was but after checking on the Internet we found it was in fact 3 week old baby squirrels. Now I have never known squirrels to keep their babies in the ground. I always thought the nests were in trees. But it could be with all the urbanization of things the animals are getting creative as to where they can live, at least temporarily.

I had to look up the meaning of what the squirrel brings. Each animal has it's own "medicine" that it carries with it. Based on Native American lore each animal bore messages when it's path crossed with a human. Squirrel is about gathering or planning ahead. Squirrel teaches us to gather and store our energy for things to come. Squirrel is the "Boy/Girl Scout of the wild", always be prepared. It also brings the message of storing things in safe places so they will be there for you when you need them.

When ever you see an animal three times or more generally there is a message there for you. Now if I see a squirrel, which is abundant here, that doesn't necessarily carry a message for me, however seeing the baby squirrels was something different. The message for my friend rings true with all that is going on with her right now. So let's say I see a blue heron or owl, it is something out of the ordinary and something I need to pay attention to.

It doesn't mean you have to physically see them either. You may receive an email story about a turtles, then you read an article about turtles as you sit in the waiting room of your doctor or you may even see a live turtle trying to cross the road. All of these are signs and messages from spirit you need to pay attention to.

So what animals have come into your life lately? Are there any messages there for you? I am sure there are....how amazing life is if we are awake and paying attention. Have a great holiday weekend!

Happy Trails,
Sherry

High Above

I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment complex that is located near the airport. Day and night the planes fly over head and have become part of the daily sounds of life. I am blessed to have a huge tree in front of our building that is taller than where my apartment is and it is close enough to the building that I feel like we are living in a big tree house. Being this high up also gives me a clear view of the squirrels that live in the tree along with all the birds that frequent it.

In the early morning hours the birds take turns perching on the various branches full of green leaves outside the balcony and sing to welcome in the new day. This morning there was a cool fall like breeze blowing gently through the leaves and there was one little bird, a wren, sitting on one of the branches that was swaying back and forth. After acknowledging him and saying good morning I watched him as he continued to stay on the branch. He rode that branch like it was a ride at a fair. When the branch was still he was quiet, as the branch went from side to side and up and down he chirped loudly with glee. He was having the best time!

One of the squirrels that is building a nest in the tree for the winter scurried up the tree and right past the little bird. The squirrel was on a mission and wasn't going to be deterred by some little bird and as far as the bird went he was having too much fun to move.

I recently watched a movie called "A Peaceful Warrior" inspired by a true story written by Dan Millman. If you haven't seen it go out and watch it! One of the lines in the movie states that "there is never nothing going on". This morning just emphasized that sentiment. There is always something going on! Just because we don't see it doesn't mean it's not going on. I know my girls, in their waking state, see more than I do at times because they live in the now. They see things for what they are.

See things for what they are today. Become the silent observer in life and you will be amazed at all that surrounds you.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

The Blue Butterfly

I wrote this 5 years ago when my Dad passed away in late July. Messages of blue butterflies have surfaced all over the past month, surely a message from him. So I would like to share with you what I wrote back then as a reminder that spirit surrounds us each and every day.

It was the morning after the passing of my Dad and we were all sitting out on the back porch watching the sun come up numb from the night before. The months before his death had been taxing on the whole family, especially my mother and my sister. They had become the main care givers to my father in his final days. We were all physically and emotionally drained. Because I lived out of state I went home every couple of weekends to give everyone a break. The rides back to Maryland were often heartbreaking because I never knew when I was going to get “the call” to come home. I had always hoped to be with him when he decided to transition home.

Dad had been diagnosed with prostate cancer 9 years earlier and had surgery to remove the cancer at that time. After the surgery the doctor said they were unable to get all of it but there were options my father could consider after he recuperated. He opted to not do anything. For him it was probably the best choice. He was one of the strongest men I knew. It wasn’t a physical strength as much as it was an inner strength. My Mother always said it was from his training as a Marine that he was so tough. I think it was more the spirit of the man than the Marine training.

He enjoyed life and was the kind of person that would often do things for other people and not mention it to anyone. We come from a small town in upstate New York and a lot of old fashioned values are still in place. It is a place where neighbors still helped neighbors. It wasn’t until his funeral that we, as his family, realized just how many peoples’ lives he touched. Hundreds of people were there, more than the average number of people who showed up for a funeral in this small town. They were all sharing their stories with my Mom and our family about things my father had done for them and how much his acts of kindness meant to them.

The last two years of his life he was in more pain than he had let on. He was slowing down more, becoming more forgetful and cranky. Being a stubborn German he refused to go back to the doctor until the pain was unbearable. Finally when he could no longer deal with the pain he and my mother went to the doctor. It was decided that they would opt for chemo treatment to see if they could get the spreading cancer under control. A few months later they returned to the doctor after several treatments only to find out he had stage four cancer and there was nothing else they could do for him. He was immediately put on hospice.

In his mind he was always going to beat it. It wasn’t until two weeks before he passed with tears in his eyes that he told my Mom he was done and he knew he wasn’t going to win this battle. They both held each other and cried. They had been married for almost 50 years and life as they both knew it would soon never be the same. He wasn’t a religious man or even a spiritual man, but he did have faith right up until the end. We were raised Catholic and when push came to shove I know he prayed and held onto his faith to get him through.

I got “the call” from my brother early on that Wednesday morning that I needed to come home. It felt like that trip was one of the longest drives I had made from Maryland to New York. It was all pretty much a blur as I relived memories of my Dad. I arrived in New York at about 1:30 pm. Because of hospice he was able to stay in the home where he had grown up and where we as children had grown up.

As I approached him I could see he was totally out of it due to the medicine needed to help with the pain. He was covered in bruises and morphine patches. He was so bloated from the steroids he barely looked like the man I knew. My sister held his hand and told him I was there. I leaned over so he could see me. I could see him straining through his film covered eyes to see me. His last words to me were, “I thought you were your sister.” It was the last words he would ever say in this physical world. Because he now had his whole family there he began the final journey home.

The priest from the local church came in shortly after I arrived that afternoon to provide him his last rites. The rest of the evening I sat with him and kept telling him it was O.K. to go home now. My mother, brother and sister had done the same earlier in the day. There was nothing except his will keeping him earth-bound. Twelve hours after I arrived, my Dad passed in the comfort of his home with his family surrounding him. His spirit now rests with the Divine Father and Mother.

As we sat around the glass top patio table drinking coffee early that morning after, there appeared an iridescent blue butterfly fluttering around. He came out of nowhere and came to light beside my arm that was resting on the table top. He was magnificent! I had not seen a butterfly come that close before and just sit there. Even with all the movement and talking going on at the table the butterfly didn’t budge. He stayed for quite a long time. It was as if he had a message to give and wouldn’t leave until his message was given. As I studied him I could feel the presence of my Dad and the feeling that this was his sign to me that he was fine now, the transformation had taken place. It was shortly after that communication to me that the butterfly happily took off. The rest of the week I was home for the funeral and not once did I see the blue butterfly again. Until 1 year later.

The following year I was tuning 50 in August and had asked my Dad for a gift for my birthday, just so that I knew he was still around, even though I knew he was. The day was almost over and I was taking the mail to the mail box outside of work when right in front of me flew the same iridescent colored blue butterfly! I had not seen one in the area before. Tears stared to roll down my cheeks as I realized my Dad had once again sent the blue butterfly as his messenger. I thanked my father for the gift. There was a sense of contentment knowing he was still around and finally at peace.

There would be other signs he showed to other members of the family following the two weeks after he passed. He wreaked havoc in the house by blowing lights out and messing with the plumbing in the kitchen. He also left one of his treasured beer steins in the center of the den for my mother and brother to find. My brother had taken my Mom to get groceries and upon returning they found the stein sitting straight up in the middle of the floor in the den with the top open. All his steins were displayed on shelves that sat high up near the ceiling. If the stein had fallen it surely would have shattered and not have landed upright. To this day they are still looking for a logical answer. I laugh and think to myself, that was Daddy.

For me however the blue butterfly will forever be a message from my Dad, letting me know spirit does live on and we are all connected and continually loved by our loved ones on the other side. We are given presents everyday by spirit. It is in these gifts that we are able to re-member and feel our direct loving connection to source.