First, I want to thank you for your vast knowledge and experience in the field of afterlife!! I have enjoyed hearing and reading all of your material. I first heard about you I believe from Facebook many, many years ago. I have learned so much. The afterlife has always been fascinating to me and especially now after losing my husband 4 years ago; we were married for 43 years. To say it has been very hard is an understatement to say in the least. I want to get some help from you if I may. I have been most fortunate to know the spirt of John (my husband) has been with me. From time to time, I have had signs that he is present. Especially in December 2023, at our daughter's wedding and that really warmed my heart. However there has not been any kind of sign since then. I have done as your article stated do, speak to him in my mind and ask for a sign to show me he is present. I did that a number of times, but sign has come. I feel abandoned. Can you offer any advice or information on this issue please? We could have a private email discussion if need be. Colleen Blodgett
I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's passing. Forty-three years is a long marriage, and I'm sure adjusting to life without him has been a challenge. I'll do my best to answer your question in a comment. Please know that I accept if my assumptions are in error, so I apologize if anything I suggest here is not in alignment with your circumstances or needs. This is the best I can offer without more information.
Let me begin by saying that our loved ones in spirit never abandon us. They are always a mere thought away--think of them, and they are with you. It's common that we get more signs soon after their passing. That is when we need them most. It's also fairly common that we get signs at meaningful moments, like your daughter's wedding.
However, the signs and signals naturally dissipate over time. The human experience of loss is significant for any soul's growth, and it wouldn't be as significant if we had the same relationship we had while they were here. As hard as it is, we are meant to learn how to live without the relationship we once had. And yes, we can have a new relationship, as I have taught in many of my articles and videos, but everyone who knows loss can attest that it is not as satisfying as having our loved ones here in the physical with us. I know you know all this, Colleen, but it's worth the reminder.
My advice is twofold. On the one hand, I think it's important to understand that when we don't feel the connection, it is not because our deceased loved ones are not close; it is because of us--we have lost the connection. By accepting that responsibility falls upon you to keep that connection open, it means taking the time to quiet your mind, perhaps spending time in nature, meditating, walking in solitude, prayer, Spirit Writing, or doing arts or crafts. Whatever helps you to connect with your spiritual essence, it's important that we do it regularly.
Life in the physical dimension has a way of pulling us away from our spiritual core. When other people tell us about their problems, we are pulled away when we try to help them. When the house, car, or our body needs repairs, we are pulled away. When other people have expectations of us, when a child or pet needs us, when work overloads us, and when relationships are strained, all these circumstances and more pull us away from our spiritual center, and we, consequently, feel disconnected from the Universe/God, our loved ones in spirit, our spirit guides, and our soul (whole/higher self).
So my first recommendation is to take the time you need to reconnect with your spiritual essence, and this will help you feel more connected to John.
On the other hand, since the experience of loss is--by its very nature--an experience of disconnection, the most valuable stage one can have in their spiritual growth is the stage of knowing. I will add a link to an article I wrote about knowing below.
Ultimately, the foundation of everything I have learned (and teach) is that we gain the most peace from knowing because we understand life and the afterlife from our spiritual core rather than our intellect. Knowing leads us to never feel abandoned by God, spirit guides, or loved ones in spirit. Belief, on the other hand, can make us feel abandoned because it is an intellectual process based on us accepting what other people have told us is true. Knowing establishes our own truth. (I realize it's too deep for a comment reply, so read the articles below.).
My advice, therefore, is to have more "personal experiences," which is the only path to knowing. I have a knowing that my loved ones are around me, yet yesterday I still had a reading with a medium because the holidays pulled me back into the physical and away from my spiritual core. That simple "personal experience" of connecting with my loved one through the medium brought me back to peace. If I needed more, I would have another past-life regression, life-between-lives regression, spirit contact through hypnosis, a session with a spirit artist, or even animal communication.
To sum up, from my experience and perspective, John has not abandoned you. He is right by your side. What you're feeling is likely just the natural process of being in your fourth year without your husband, and possibly being pulled away from your spiritual core because of the physical distractions of human life and personal relationships, especially during the holiday season.
So my recommendation is to take measures to reconnect with your inner peace through nature, walking, meditation, art, or prayer. Finally, if that isn't working, it is transformative to get a reading with a medium or spirit artist, have a past-life regression, or spirit contact through hypnosis.
I may be completely off the mark for you, Colleen, but basing my response on your comment alone, this is my best attempt to help you. I hope that something here resonates with you to ease your mind, give you some peace, and lead you to feeling a stronger connection with John and your other loved ones in spirit.
Dealing with loss, like all spiritual growth, is a process and not an event. You were wise to ask for assistance. We think we're doing well, and then we reach a new stage where we need something more. Four years after the passing of a husband of 43 years sounds about the right time for it. If I had to guess, more personal experiences would be best for you. You have my heartfelt compassion, and I send you a loving embrace to lift your spirits.
Great article Bob. I was composing a text to my sister 3 days after she passed . I pressed send and then my phone rang. I don’t recognize the number so let it go to vm. When I listened to the message it was amazing. Pure static until the 20 second mark and then “I love you!” Followed by a gulp of sadness…then static again as if the person was calling from underwater. I have no doubt it was my sister.
I received several signs from Brunzi (my golden retriever), reassuring me that he was gone only in the physical dimension. One evening I was lying in bed watching TV with my 3 goldens (BarnesBerry, Chaos and Red Boy) at my side. Red Boy was lying across me with his head close to mine, when I was suddenly surrounded by the scent of Brunzi. His distinctive and unmistakable doggie aroma filled the room - a scent I remembered so well and had often revisited by breathing deeply in his bandana drawer. I started sniffing and sniffing, looking for the source of the scent. I sniffed Red Boy’s head, mouth, ears - it wasn’t emanating from him. I lifted his lips and sniffed his teeth. Nothing. I sniffed BarnesBerry and Chaos with the same result. I stood up mystified - the scent was potent, filling the room, and within a few minutes it dissipated just as quickly as it had appeared.
I had never experienced this before (or since), and it brought me incredible peace and comfort. The following day I learned that my Uncle John had died the previous evening at 11 o’clock - the exact time that Brunzi’s scent had filled the room. What is even more remarkable is something that Animal communicator Sharon Callahan had told me two years earlier. She said “Brunzi has a job to do - he is helping other souls making the death transition so they won’t be frightened.” At the time I cynically thought “yeah, sure, that’s easy enough to verify.” Now I’m struck by the realization that Brunzi did indeed come back to help my uncle with his transition to the other side, and stopped by for a visit with me while he was here.
Another time while I was missing him so deeply and begging for a sign I heard a weird sound. I kept walking back and forth between the kitchen and dining room looking for the source of the sound. I listened by the screen door and by the kitchen window. I stood in each room at a loss for the source of the sound. Was it the phone or answer machine? As I stood there looking at the phone I again heard the sound, louder this time. I thought it sounded like it was coming from the kitchen “junk drawer,” filled with all sorts of miscellaneous stuff that I never use or look at. I opened the drawer and heard the sound clearly - “arf, arf, arf.” It was a small battery-operated dog that woofed when you held it in the palm of your hand. Brunzi used to get thrilled with that silly little toy. And here it was, woofing on its own accord despite the fact that it hadn’t been touched or had the batteries changed in nine years. I am so grateful to my dogs, all of whom have found distinct ways to let me know that they are still around.
Hi Carol, these are all wonderful examples of different types of ADCs. You have one with scent which is mixed with the serendipity of Uncle John's time of passing, and another with a mechanical, battery-operated dog that Brunzi loved. I agree; they do bring peace and comfort. Thanks for giving us these helpful examples.
Thank you for this recent writing. I have had many ADC's as I do have many loved ones in spirit. It does bring great comfort to my life. After my brother, Jerry passed I asked him for a sign one day when walking my dog. Out of the woods a large deer ran in front of me. That was a sure sign, as my brother loved deer. Just this week I had a special encounter with a fawn which I saw as special, but not necessarily a sign from Jerry. When Jerry was passing at home with hospice there he spoke of hunting and also expressed concern about taking care of the young ones ( his daughters) who would be left behind. After the fawn encounter I did have an encounter with some young boys as I was leaving the place where I had the encounter with the fawn. I know the fawn represents innocence and gentleness. I love the synchronicity whether from spirit or simply lessons to learn of a spiritual nature, they help strengthen me and enable me to know the wonders of living in the moment.
I love these, Tina. I find deer to be such spiritual creatures because they're so graceful and gentle. I have no doubt that Jerry sent you that deer. Thanks for sharing your real-life examples of ADCs.
One morning I was lying in bed asking the deceased sister of a loved one to please help her through a difficult time. Just then my phone buzzed and when I looked at the screen, it showed that the call was from the exact place where this deceased sister last lived before she died ... .and it was NOT in my address book. I took a screenshot to remind me that ADCs are real :) Thanks for another great blog!
First, I want to thank you for your vast knowledge and experience in the field of afterlife!! I have enjoyed hearing and reading all of your material. I first heard about you I believe from Facebook many, many years ago. I have learned so much. The afterlife has always been fascinating to me and especially now after losing my husband 4 years ago; we were married for 43 years. To say it has been very hard is an understatement to say in the least. I want to get some help from you if I may. I have been most fortunate to know the spirt of John (my husband) has been with me. From time to time, I have had signs that he is present. Especially in December 2023, at our daughter's wedding and that really warmed my heart. However there has not been any kind of sign since then. I have done as your article stated do, speak to him in my mind and ask for a sign to show me he is present. I did that a number of times, but sign has come. I feel abandoned. Can you offer any advice or information on this issue please? We could have a private email discussion if need be. Colleen Blodgett
Hi Colleen,
I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's passing. Forty-three years is a long marriage, and I'm sure adjusting to life without him has been a challenge. I'll do my best to answer your question in a comment. Please know that I accept if my assumptions are in error, so I apologize if anything I suggest here is not in alignment with your circumstances or needs. This is the best I can offer without more information.
Let me begin by saying that our loved ones in spirit never abandon us. They are always a mere thought away--think of them, and they are with you. It's common that we get more signs soon after their passing. That is when we need them most. It's also fairly common that we get signs at meaningful moments, like your daughter's wedding.
However, the signs and signals naturally dissipate over time. The human experience of loss is significant for any soul's growth, and it wouldn't be as significant if we had the same relationship we had while they were here. As hard as it is, we are meant to learn how to live without the relationship we once had. And yes, we can have a new relationship, as I have taught in many of my articles and videos, but everyone who knows loss can attest that it is not as satisfying as having our loved ones here in the physical with us. I know you know all this, Colleen, but it's worth the reminder.
My advice is twofold. On the one hand, I think it's important to understand that when we don't feel the connection, it is not because our deceased loved ones are not close; it is because of us--we have lost the connection. By accepting that responsibility falls upon you to keep that connection open, it means taking the time to quiet your mind, perhaps spending time in nature, meditating, walking in solitude, prayer, Spirit Writing, or doing arts or crafts. Whatever helps you to connect with your spiritual essence, it's important that we do it regularly.
Life in the physical dimension has a way of pulling us away from our spiritual core. When other people tell us about their problems, we are pulled away when we try to help them. When the house, car, or our body needs repairs, we are pulled away. When other people have expectations of us, when a child or pet needs us, when work overloads us, and when relationships are strained, all these circumstances and more pull us away from our spiritual center, and we, consequently, feel disconnected from the Universe/God, our loved ones in spirit, our spirit guides, and our soul (whole/higher self).
So my first recommendation is to take the time you need to reconnect with your spiritual essence, and this will help you feel more connected to John.
On the other hand, since the experience of loss is--by its very nature--an experience of disconnection, the most valuable stage one can have in their spiritual growth is the stage of knowing. I will add a link to an article I wrote about knowing below.
Ultimately, the foundation of everything I have learned (and teach) is that we gain the most peace from knowing because we understand life and the afterlife from our spiritual core rather than our intellect. Knowing leads us to never feel abandoned by God, spirit guides, or loved ones in spirit. Belief, on the other hand, can make us feel abandoned because it is an intellectual process based on us accepting what other people have told us is true. Knowing establishes our own truth. (I realize it's too deep for a comment reply, so read the articles below.).
My advice, therefore, is to have more "personal experiences," which is the only path to knowing. I have a knowing that my loved ones are around me, yet yesterday I still had a reading with a medium because the holidays pulled me back into the physical and away from my spiritual core. That simple "personal experience" of connecting with my loved one through the medium brought me back to peace. If I needed more, I would have another past-life regression, life-between-lives regression, spirit contact through hypnosis, a session with a spirit artist, or even animal communication.
To sum up, from my experience and perspective, John has not abandoned you. He is right by your side. What you're feeling is likely just the natural process of being in your fourth year without your husband, and possibly being pulled away from your spiritual core because of the physical distractions of human life and personal relationships, especially during the holiday season.
So my recommendation is to take measures to reconnect with your inner peace through nature, walking, meditation, art, or prayer. Finally, if that isn't working, it is transformative to get a reading with a medium or spirit artist, have a past-life regression, or spirit contact through hypnosis.
I may be completely off the mark for you, Colleen, but basing my response on your comment alone, this is my best attempt to help you. I hope that something here resonates with you to ease your mind, give you some peace, and lead you to feeling a stronger connection with John and your other loved ones in spirit.
Dealing with loss, like all spiritual growth, is a process and not an event. You were wise to ask for assistance. We think we're doing well, and then we reach a new stage where we need something more. Four years after the passing of a husband of 43 years sounds about the right time for it. If I had to guess, more personal experiences would be best for you. You have my heartfelt compassion, and I send you a loving embrace to lift your spirits.
THE PATH TO KNOWING: https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/the-path-to-knowing-how-personal
MORE ABOUT PERSONAL VS VICARIOUS EXPERIENCES: https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/the-two-overlooked-categories-of
MY ARTICLE ON SPIRIT WRITING: https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/seven-steps-to-spirit-writing-spirit
For a reading with a medium: https://bestpsychicdirectory.com/medium-spirit-communicator
HI Bob. I've had numerous signs from loved ones that have departed and they all fit into the categories you laid out so clearly. Confirmation!
That's awesome, Karen. Your acknowledgment of them just encourages more to come. Thanks for letting me know.
Nailed it again Bob. How refreshing to remind us. Thanks
Thanks Nancy! Have an awesome weekend.
Great article Bob. I was composing a text to my sister 3 days after she passed . I pressed send and then my phone rang. I don’t recognize the number so let it go to vm. When I listened to the message it was amazing. Pure static until the 20 second mark and then “I love you!” Followed by a gulp of sadness…then static again as if the person was calling from underwater. I have no doubt it was my sister.
Hi Annalyn, that's a wicked cool story. I don't doubt it either. Thank you for adding another possibility to the telephone category mix.
I received several signs from Brunzi (my golden retriever), reassuring me that he was gone only in the physical dimension. One evening I was lying in bed watching TV with my 3 goldens (BarnesBerry, Chaos and Red Boy) at my side. Red Boy was lying across me with his head close to mine, when I was suddenly surrounded by the scent of Brunzi. His distinctive and unmistakable doggie aroma filled the room - a scent I remembered so well and had often revisited by breathing deeply in his bandana drawer. I started sniffing and sniffing, looking for the source of the scent. I sniffed Red Boy’s head, mouth, ears - it wasn’t emanating from him. I lifted his lips and sniffed his teeth. Nothing. I sniffed BarnesBerry and Chaos with the same result. I stood up mystified - the scent was potent, filling the room, and within a few minutes it dissipated just as quickly as it had appeared.
I had never experienced this before (or since), and it brought me incredible peace and comfort. The following day I learned that my Uncle John had died the previous evening at 11 o’clock - the exact time that Brunzi’s scent had filled the room. What is even more remarkable is something that Animal communicator Sharon Callahan had told me two years earlier. She said “Brunzi has a job to do - he is helping other souls making the death transition so they won’t be frightened.” At the time I cynically thought “yeah, sure, that’s easy enough to verify.” Now I’m struck by the realization that Brunzi did indeed come back to help my uncle with his transition to the other side, and stopped by for a visit with me while he was here.
Another time while I was missing him so deeply and begging for a sign I heard a weird sound. I kept walking back and forth between the kitchen and dining room looking for the source of the sound. I listened by the screen door and by the kitchen window. I stood in each room at a loss for the source of the sound. Was it the phone or answer machine? As I stood there looking at the phone I again heard the sound, louder this time. I thought it sounded like it was coming from the kitchen “junk drawer,” filled with all sorts of miscellaneous stuff that I never use or look at. I opened the drawer and heard the sound clearly - “arf, arf, arf.” It was a small battery-operated dog that woofed when you held it in the palm of your hand. Brunzi used to get thrilled with that silly little toy. And here it was, woofing on its own accord despite the fact that it hadn’t been touched or had the batteries changed in nine years. I am so grateful to my dogs, all of whom have found distinct ways to let me know that they are still around.
Hi Carol, these are all wonderful examples of different types of ADCs. You have one with scent which is mixed with the serendipity of Uncle John's time of passing, and another with a mechanical, battery-operated dog that Brunzi loved. I agree; they do bring peace and comfort. Thanks for giving us these helpful examples.
Thank you for this recent writing. I have had many ADC's as I do have many loved ones in spirit. It does bring great comfort to my life. After my brother, Jerry passed I asked him for a sign one day when walking my dog. Out of the woods a large deer ran in front of me. That was a sure sign, as my brother loved deer. Just this week I had a special encounter with a fawn which I saw as special, but not necessarily a sign from Jerry. When Jerry was passing at home with hospice there he spoke of hunting and also expressed concern about taking care of the young ones ( his daughters) who would be left behind. After the fawn encounter I did have an encounter with some young boys as I was leaving the place where I had the encounter with the fawn. I know the fawn represents innocence and gentleness. I love the synchronicity whether from spirit or simply lessons to learn of a spiritual nature, they help strengthen me and enable me to know the wonders of living in the moment.
I love these, Tina. I find deer to be such spiritual creatures because they're so graceful and gentle. I have no doubt that Jerry sent you that deer. Thanks for sharing your real-life examples of ADCs.
One morning I was lying in bed asking the deceased sister of a loved one to please help her through a difficult time. Just then my phone buzzed and when I looked at the screen, it showed that the call was from the exact place where this deceased sister last lived before she died ... .and it was NOT in my address book. I took a screenshot to remind me that ADCs are real :) Thanks for another great blog!
That's a good one, Cheryl. Another reason why the telephones have their own category. Thank you for sharing.