Introduction
Losing a loved one leaves a void that can never truly be filled. The ache of their absence lingers in daily life, in moments where we instinctively reach for the phone to call them or expect to hear their voice. But what if they are still with us, just in a different form? Many who have lost someone dear report receiving signs—gentle, mysterious reminders that love transcends the physical realm.
I always believed in the possibility of spirit communication, but when my mother was in the hospital, and we thought she was on the road to recovery, I asked her directly. “Mom, if you ever pass into the spirit world, what sign will you send me so I’ll know it’s you?”
She was fully conscious and aware of my question, but after four exhausting years of battling cancer, she was too tired to think of an answer. But after she passed, Mom sent her answer loud and clear. Not just to me, but also to my younger son.
The Language of Spirit: How Signs Appear
Loved ones in spirit communicate with us in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. The key is to be open to noticing the patterns. Signs often come in forms that hold significance to the person who has passed or to those they are trying to reach.
Here are some of the most common ways they make their presence known:
1. Nature Symbols
Many believe that spirits can send messages through nature—birds, butterflies, or certain animals appearing at unexpected moments. For me, it was dragonflies.
I hadn’t associated dragonflies with my mother before, but after her passing, they began showing up in ways that felt undeniably intentional. A dragonfly would appear just as I was deep in thought about her or struggling with grief. It became clear that this was her way of letting me know she was still with me.
2. Numbers and Patterns
Another powerful way spirits communicate is through numbers—birthdates, anniversaries, or repeating sequences. After my mother’s passing, I began noticing certain numbers that held personal significance, appearing on clocks, receipts, and addresses at moments when I needed reassurance.
Even more astonishing, my younger son—without prompting—began pointing out these patterns too. He saw the numbers and felt the connection before I even explained it to him. It was as if my mother was making sure her presence was undeniable, reaching out in a way we both could recognize.
3. Dreams and Visitations
Many people receive visits from their loved ones in dreams. These dreams feel different from ordinary ones—clear, vivid, and filled with an unexplainable peace. They often contain messages or a simple feeling of love and presence. If you’ve ever woken from a dream feeling as though you were truly with your loved one, you likely were.
4. Music, Scents, and Synchronicities
Have you ever heard a song that instantly reminds you of someone at exactly the right moment? Or smelled a familiar fragrance out of nowhere? These small yet powerful occurrences can be signs, tiny nudges from beyond reminding us we are not alone.
Trusting the Signs: A Personal Journey of Recognition
It would have been easy to dismiss the dragonflies as coincidence, to explain away the numbers appearing at just the right moments. But when signs come with such clarity—especially when they are noticed by others as well—they become impossible to ignore.
At first, I simply observed. Then, I recognized it. Now, when I see a dragonfly, I no longer question it. I simply say, “Hi, Mom.”
Strengthening the Connection with Spirit
If you long to feel a connection with your loved one, here are some ways to invite their presence into your life:
Set an Intention – Ask for a sign and be open to receiving it. Trust that it will come in a way that is meaningful to you.
Keep a Signs Journal – Write down any synchronicities you notice. Over time, patterns may emerge.
Practice Mindful Stillness – Sometimes, slowing down and tuning in makes signs more visible. Meditation or quiet reflection can help strengthen your awareness.
Create Rituals – Light a candle, talk to them, write letters, or visit a place that was special to them. These acts can create space for connection.
Embracing Signs as a Source of Comfort
Grief never truly disappears, but it changes. Knowing that our loved ones continue to send us messages offers a kind of comfort—a reminder that love never dies, it simply transforms. The signs we receive may not bring them back in the way we wish, but they remind us that they are still with us, guiding and loving us from beyond.
I have no doubt my mother found a way to answer the question she was too tired to answer in her hospital bed. She chose dragonflies. She chose numbers. She chose to reach out in a way that I—and my son—couldn’t miss. And in doing so, she reminded me that she is still here, always.
So the next time you notice something that feels like more than just a coincidence, pause. Pay attention. Trust it. Because sometimes, love speaks in the whispers of the universe, waiting for us to listen.
About the Author
Sandi Duverneuil is an author, grief and loss guide, and Healing Through Poetry coach. Her debut poetry collection, Dragonfly Dances: Poetic Musings on Life, explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. Through her 1:1 Healing Through Poetry sessions, Sandi helps others navigate grief, release emotions, and find comfort through creative expression.
Comments