Before losing my brother Carl after a car accident, I had always believed that when we died, that was it, the end of our journey. And in the early stages of grief, it was a dark time – to think that Carl was gone and I would never see him again.

After Carl’s funeral, we were faced with the daunting task of collecting his belongings. Carl’s friends were amazing and provided support beyond what we could ever have expected. They brought their trucks and trailers and helped us pack everything he owned. Words can’t convey the surreal, gut-wrenching feeling of seeing all of Carl’s treasured possessions on the back of a truck.

When you lose someone, all you have left is the memories and their material possessions. At least that is what I used to think. I brought home some seashells and rocks that Carl had collected from the beach, along with a lifelike magpie statue, a mascot for his favorite football team – The Collingwood Football Club. Having these precious items provided me with some comfort.

The next morning, I was getting ready for work when I heard magpies warbling loudly. I approached the back glass door, and on the veranda were three magpies. Never before had they come so close to the house. I watched as they flapped their wings, tilted their heads back, and carolled like warriors. In that moment, I experienced an overwhelming feeling of Carl’s presence. It felt like he was acknowledging that I had his magpie, that he was still around, and that everything would be okay.

This moment brought feelings of comfort that, although Carl and I can’t walk beside each other on Earth again, we will always be connected. This was the start of ongoing communication with Carl and confirmation for me that when we die, it is not the end for our soul or the connections with those we love.

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Veronica Crawford

Veronica Crawford is a writer, animal welfare advocate, and author dedicated to helping others navigate loss with compassion, hope and understanding. Drawing on her extensive experience in the employment and homelessness sectors, Veronica has witnessed firsthand the profound impact grief can have on individuals, families, and communities. Her professional experience, combined with her own personal journey through loss, inspires her writing and her commitment to supporting others through life's most difficult seasons. In 2011, Veronica's brother, Carl, passed away following a car accident, forever changing the course of her life. In the years since, she has also mourned the loss of many cherished animal companions, including her beloved pet sheep Marlon, Bilbo Baggins and Womble, along with her adored dogs, Max, a 19-year-old Jack Russell, and Blaze, a 15-year-old Kelpie. Through these experiences, Veronica has come to understand that while grief never truly leaves us, healing is possible. She believes that sharing our stories can bring comfort, connection, and hope to others walking a similar path. Veronica is a contributing author to the bestselling 365 book series, including 365 Ways to Connect with Your Soul, 365 Moments of Grace, 365 Life Shifts, 365 Soulful Messages: The Right Guidance at the Right Time, Goodness Abounds, and Soul Biz. Her writing has also been published in The Pearson Education Comet Magazine, Brainwash Magazine, Wild Sister Magazine, and the Soul Speak blog. She is also a contributing author to On the Other Side of Grief, due to be released in August 2026. Today, Veronica continues to write from the heart, honouring the memory of those she has loved while creating a space where others feel seen, supported and less alone in their own grief journey.

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