Always With Us - Diane Marie Ford

Our loved ones are always with us, in spirit or otherwise. Then why, as the holidays are upon us, do many grieve the loss of their loved one(s)?

I agree that a physical presence is potent – you can embrace, engage, converse and commiserate with a physical being. However, you can do the same with a loved one in spirit – yes, you may even embrace them!

In order to do so, you must simply believe.

How many of you think you may have had an encounter with a loved one in spirit? Perhaps you heard a voice, received a message, saw an image or likeness, inhaled a familiar scent or fragrance. When that thought crosses your mind, do you dismiss it or do you embrace it?

The choice is yours.

I suggest you embrace it the next time it occurs. Allow yourself to acknowledge the presence, feel their energy, engage and converse. Communicate, listen and speak in equal measure. You may be amazed by what happens. You might even find that the grieving for or the missing of the physical presence of the person fades away and the love for them fills your heart.

If you allow yourself, you may immediately notice a shift from longing to belonging. Joy may replace sadness. Fullness will take the place of the emptiness. You have everything to gain, by simply believing in the philosophy that anything, nay, everything is possible.

Take your belief one step further and invite your loved one to join you at the table. Set a place for them and celebrate the love and gratitude which will nourish your heart and soul.