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.
