“Getting” signs and connections when a loved one passes is a relatively common phenomenon. Some grievers are sure they’ve experienced signs about or from their loved ones who have passed. Others want to receive these signs. At the 2015 Association of Death and Counseling Conference, Dr. Gloria Horsley talked with Mitch Carmody about his take on signs, connections and the grieving process. “People are feeling this (connection)…but they’re afraid to actually tell anyone.” Nobody wants to sound delusional or like they’re reaching for straws, which can further the feeling of isolation. “It’s not crazy; it’s a phenomenon that does happen.”

Carmody points out that in many cases a person may know they’re dying, and they’ll say things before they pass that are foreshadowing of “signs” and it “embraces that there is a continuing connection.” When this happens, people really start looking for signs from pennies on the sidewalk to butterflies visiting. “They (your loved ones) will then come and connect with you,” he says. Carmody dubs this phenomenon “whispers of love.”

Seeing the Signs

Why do some people see signs and others don’t? Carmody suspects it’s because the mind can be so full of grief that signs may be missed. Children under five years old are particularly “good” at seeing loved ones after passing, says Carmody. He hosts a Compassionate Friends evening where participants share stories about connections and ask for signs of their own. In some instances, it’s during those evenings when signs are finally seen. “Once you start getting the signs…then you can connect more,” he says.

Ask for easy signs, suggests Carmody. “Don’t ask for a penguin in Texas”— even though in some circumstances, something that miraculous just may happen. Your passed loved ones are eager to connect according to Carmody. You just have to listen and watch for those signs.

 

 

Mitch Carmody

After suffering many familial losses from a young age and ultimately with the death of his nine-year-old son of cancer in 1987, Mitch Carmody, has struggled with the grief journey and how grief is processed and perceived in this country. He published a book in 2002 called “Letters To My Son, a journey through grief." The book has now reached the bereaved in every state and 7 other countries. From the book’s success he now travels locally and around the country lecturing on the grief process and/or conducting workshops on surviving the loss of a loved one. He has also conducted a variety of workshops with The Compassionate Friends and Bereaved Parents USA as well as a sought after speaker for many keynote presentations. As a trained hospice volunteer, he has also helped many loved ones and their families through the dying process. Mitch has published several articles in national bereavement periodicals, is a frequent contributor to TCF Atlanta On-line and currently a staff writer for Living with Loss Magazine. Through email correspondence on his website he council’s the bereaved on a daily basis. Since the death of his son 19 years ago, Mitch has dedicated his life to helping those individuals and families whom are trying to navigate in the uncharted territory of death, dying and the bereavement process. Through his compassionate insight and gentle spirit he will touch your heart and hopefully give you tools to aid you on your journey Mitch lives in rural Minnesota with my wife of thirty years, he enjoys riding my horses, gardening, writing, helping others, giving blood monthly and creating works of art. He is also a proud first time grandfather to the daughter of their surviving daughter Meagan. To learn more about Mitch and his work, go to: www.HeartlightStudios.net. Mitch appeared on the radio show “Healing the Grieving Heart” discussing “Letters From My Son.” To hear Mitch being interviewed on this show by Dr. Gloria and Dr. Heidi Horsley, click on the following link: www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley042706.mp3 Mitch appeared again on the radio show “Healing the Grieving Heart” discussing the Holidays, Helpful or Hurtful? To hear Mitch interviewed by Dr. Gloria & Dr. Heidi Horsley, click on the following link: www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley122508.mp3

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