My Dream Last Night

I had a dream last night about my Dad. It was so cool because he and I were just doing stuff together. I don’t remember the context of the dream but I remember we were doing errands or something and he was about 50 years old and just looking so fit and happy. Like he was in his prime and at his full potential.

At some point I realized I must be dreaming because I remembered, while I was still dreaming, that my Dad had passed about 20 years ago. It was at that moment I became lucid in my dream. With wonder, I was conscious that I was dreaming and that my Dad had come to visit with me! Has this ever happened to you?

I felt amazed, grateful, happy and excited because it felt so very real (even though I knew I was still dreaming). It was a gift. A rare opportunity.

I was grinning from ear to ear and so was he. We looked at each other with love and I said “Thank you so much for coming to see me.” He just smiled. And then, sadly, I woke up.

I lay in bed remembering him. I didn’t have a great relationship with him for many years because I judged him. Not as a father, he was very loving and kind. I judged and resented him because he was an alcoholic that couldn’t “get the program.” Pfffsst! It was a disease! Years of wasted time.

I didn’t see him but a few times in the first 10 years of my recovery. In fact my child was like 5 years old before they met. After that I started to see him a few times a year at least.

About 18 months before he died, I decided to start seeing him on a monthly basis. I felt it was important to really get to know him and honestly, I still had some things I needed to forgive that involved him. And I did.

Then a few weeks before he died (pancreatic cancer), he stayed with me for 4 days before Thanksgiving. My family had taken a once in a lifetime trip to Japan (without me) so I got to have my Dad all to myself. It was a blessing.

I got to say ALL the things I wanted to say and needed to tell him before he left. At one point I cried and shared how it felt so unfair that he would be leaving me after I gotten to know him so well. He just held me.

But after he died, to my surprise the relationship didn’t end! There were more dream visits, more conversations and signs that he was still with me.

A few years back I went with some friends to see a psychic who was speaking to a large group. My friend was hoping to hear from her deceased husband. Out of the 50-70 people in the audience about 5 spirits came through and my dad was one of them! It was truly amazing.

So if you’re missing someone, look for the signs. There are messages everywhere. Be open.

Having a conversation through writing works too. Write down your thoughts, what you’d like to say and imagine what they might say back. Their words will flow through your mind and heart if you listen.

Pay attention to those dreams too and remember what that person taught you or gave you in life. What I learned from my father is to not judge another. Live and let live.

Even though your loved one may not be with you on this earth, the veil is thin to the other side. They are still with us. All is not lost.

Don’t wait till they are gone to forgive. Let go of your ego resentments you have of those still living. Allow mistakes to be in the past. Let go of your judgements. You will benefit greatly.

We’re all doing the best we can with what we’ve got in this life. Parents have a tough job.

And if you didn’t get a chance to do it while you were face to face, then do it now. You’ll feel lighter and happier if you do.

In retrospect, I realize I was never alone. Even during my lonely times. I believe there are angelic beings that have followed along with me on this life journey. In fact, I named my Guardian Angel, Hope.

There is so much hope. Hope that we’ll see all our loved ones again. Hope that life keeps giving us incredible and amazing dreams and experiences.

And because of that eternal hope, I have grown to understand faith. I have faith in humanity and faith in the power of Love to heal all trauma, sickness and hatred that we’ve experienced in the past or are feeling now.

I have faith in myself and in you, my peeps. I do believe we are all deeply connected on some level. Know you are not alone.

Keep growing, learning, believing and living your life to the fullest. Be the brightest light you can shine because your contribution matters.

Love,

Maureen

P.S. If you are not feeling much hope, or you feel stuck and unable to forgive, respond to this email and let it out so you can let it go. I will be a witness and hold your thoughts in the strictest of confidence, and promise to reply.

On the podcast this week . . .

My guest on the podcast this week is Gregory Offner. He’s an entertainer and educator who speaks and sings to help high performers to be more fulfilled as leaders. However, after he got on this path, he almost lost his voice due to a severe medical condition and endured 13 surgeries on his vocal cords. Greg nearly lost his ability to speak permanently so he makes sure that the words he does use, matter.

Greg (and I) believe that there is a purpose for you in the world and whatever adversity you encounter really can mold and shape you to become all that you can be. You don’t want to miss this episode!