ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Two widowed friends share what happened after their husbands passed.
The signs they began noticing changed how they see love, loss, and connection.
In this deeply moving in-person episode of Curating Connection, two widowed friends open up about grief, love, and the unexpected ways they believe their husbands continue to show up in their lives.
Valerie shares vivid and sometimes unexplainable experiences—from finding meaningful coins at pivotal moments, to a repeated grasshopper encounter under identical conditions, to subtle but striking signs like feathers appearing at just the right time, lights turning on unexpectedly, and even a car seat adjusting on its own long after her husband’s passing.
Louise offers a different but equally powerful perspective, navigating the profound loss of her husband after years of Alzheimer’s. In the quiet aftermath, she begins noticing subtle signs—birds appearing in meaningful ways, moments of deep emotional recognition, and an unexpected experience of hearing her husband’s voice again while revisiting old memories.
Together, their stories explore what it means to grieve, to remember, and to remain open to the possibility that connection doesn’t end with physical absence.
This episode isn’t about proving what’s real—it’s about what feels real, and how meaning, love, and presence can show up in the smallest, most unexpected ways.
If you’ve ever wondered whether signs from loved ones are possible—or if you’re still waiting for one—this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.
📣 If This Episode Resonated
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If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who may need comfort today—sometimes the right story arrives at exactly the right time.
If you feel called, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people discover these stories and supports the growth of this community.
📖 You can also explore more stories like this in my book, See the Signs, available now on Amazon. See The Signs: creating belief, providing hope, affirming connection: Brazier, Kimberly: 9798218301231: Amazon.com: Books
SHOW NOTES 🔗
TRANSCRIPT 🔗
00:01:06.009 --> 00:01:14.569
I am so excited today to be doing my first in-person live curating connection sign story.
00:01:14.969 --> 00:01:18.650
Today I am here with Valerie and Louise.
00:01:19.049 --> 00:01:23.129
And we're in the fabulous state of Arizona, the sunshine state.
00:01:23.209 --> 00:01:28.170
And let me tell you, the sun has been shining down on these women with signs.
00:01:28.409 --> 00:01:36.090
Valerie, why don't you tell me how you were introduced to the concept of signs or how you found out about the book?
00:01:36.329 --> 00:01:48.250
Well, I think growing up, I'd always heard of things like pennies from heaven, but not having to do with actually being given to anyone by somebody who'd passed.
00:01:48.329 --> 00:01:50.810
It was just pennies from heaven.
00:01:51.129 --> 00:02:06.810
And so I didn't really think about the signs coming from a loved one until the day of the celebration of life for my husband when Louise walked in with your book.
00:02:07.129 --> 00:02:10.649
It was, I believe, being published that week.
00:02:11.050 --> 00:02:13.769
I mean, the timing was amazing.
00:02:14.250 --> 00:02:14.810
That's right.
00:02:14.969 --> 00:02:15.769
I forgot about that.
00:02:16.009 --> 00:02:18.810
Yes, you told me that it was being published that week.
00:02:18.969 --> 00:02:19.610
That's right.
00:02:19.689 --> 00:02:21.289
It just because I was so anxious.
00:02:21.370 --> 00:02:26.889
I knew the book was coming, but I was so anxious for it to be available so I could give it to her.
00:02:27.050 --> 00:02:27.370
Yeah.
00:02:27.610 --> 00:02:27.769
Yeah.
00:02:28.250 --> 00:02:31.849
So he died November 11th, 2023.
00:02:31.930 --> 00:02:35.370
And this the celebration of life was the first week in December.
00:02:35.610 --> 00:02:40.009
I was excited and I read it within the next few days.
00:02:40.170 --> 00:02:41.370
It's very short.
00:02:41.530 --> 00:02:41.769
Yes.
00:02:42.170 --> 00:02:45.930
And all of the examples are very explanatory.
00:02:46.090 --> 00:02:51.849
You know, it just gave me kind of like a pattern that I could look out for.
00:02:52.009 --> 00:02:58.490
So some little tidbits of information to show you that evidence that maybe there's a sign waiting for you.
00:02:58.810 --> 00:03:08.730
And before my husband had died, I we knew that he was going to, and I just told him that he had to send me a sign for sure.
00:03:09.289 --> 00:03:16.009
And he questioned me what it would be, and I said, Well, you're very smart, and you'll figure it out.
00:03:17.370 --> 00:03:26.889
So a couple of weeks after the celebration of life, I found a dirty penny on the sidewalk coming out of the post office.
00:03:27.289 --> 00:03:32.729
And I looked up in the sky and I said, You gotta be kidding me, a dirty penny.
00:03:33.050 --> 00:03:45.849
Um, a couple of weeks later, I went out to the veteran cemetery where we had his ashes interned, and I had gotten an email saying showing what the grave marker would say.
00:03:46.090 --> 00:03:52.169
And so I went out and I was taking pictures of it so that I could show it to the rest of my family.
00:03:52.569 --> 00:03:58.009
There was something shining in my eye, and it was a very shiny quarter.
00:03:58.569 --> 00:04:01.530
Was the only one there, and it was right by his grave.
00:04:01.689 --> 00:04:04.810
And so I looked up in the sky and I said, That's more like it.
00:04:05.050 --> 00:04:06.409
That's more like it.
00:04:06.889 --> 00:04:14.329
Now, with coins, I know oftentimes coins can be very significant because there's dates on them.
00:04:14.569 --> 00:04:17.689
Any of these two coins have any significant dates on them for you?
00:04:17.930 --> 00:04:18.569
Not that I recall.
00:04:18.730 --> 00:04:18.970
Okay.
00:04:19.129 --> 00:04:19.370
No.
00:04:19.769 --> 00:04:20.329
All right.
00:04:20.970 --> 00:04:33.689
So about six weeks after the thing at the cemetery, I was taking my trash and recycle out of my backyard on Thursday night, like I always did, because it was being picked up on Friday morning.
00:04:33.850 --> 00:04:39.850
And so I took both of the cans out to the street, and I came back and shut the gate.
00:04:40.009 --> 00:04:46.490
And right at eye level, there was the huge grasshopper I have ever seen.
00:04:46.730 --> 00:04:50.649
It was January and it was 45 degrees outside.
00:04:50.889 --> 00:05:00.169
I didn't have my phone with me, so I didn't actually take a picture of the grasshopper, but I Googled it later on.
00:05:00.569 --> 00:05:08.889
But the thing was this big and really colorful, and it was eye-level and it was just staring at me.
00:05:09.050 --> 00:05:11.610
So I just thought, well, that's the weirdest thing I've ever seen.
00:05:11.689 --> 00:05:14.730
And I walked in the house and I went, damn, I bet that's a sign.
00:05:14.889 --> 00:05:28.089
So I swear to God, the next week I'm taking this stuff out, put it at the curb, go back in, shut the gate, and that grasshopper was back.
00:05:28.969 --> 00:05:34.889
At the same time, the same time, the same level, eye level.
00:05:36.170 --> 00:05:42.410
It was, I mean, I just got goosebumps all over me, but I didn't have my phone with me.
00:05:42.490 --> 00:05:45.209
I mean, I didn't expect garbage.
00:05:45.449 --> 00:05:47.610
Who thinks about bringing their phone out to the garbage?
00:05:47.850 --> 00:05:48.009
I know.
00:05:48.810 --> 00:05:49.129
I know.
00:05:49.449 --> 00:05:52.089
But didn't you research where it was from?
00:05:52.649 --> 00:05:53.689
Well, yes.
00:05:53.850 --> 00:06:01.209
I mean, the one that I Googled and got the results that were like in real tropical places.
00:06:01.769 --> 00:06:04.009
This is Phoenix, Arizona.
00:06:04.649 --> 00:06:06.810
Dry, cold.
00:06:06.969 --> 00:06:11.290
It was 45 degrees outside, and that thing was there.
00:06:11.449 --> 00:06:16.410
I mean, it just it's kind of like a dream right now, but I know it happened.
00:06:16.730 --> 00:06:17.689
I know it did.
00:06:17.930 --> 00:06:20.569
So that to me was significant.
00:06:20.969 --> 00:06:23.610
So you've received a few signs by this time.
00:06:23.930 --> 00:06:25.290
How are you feeling about that?
00:06:25.370 --> 00:06:26.810
How does it make you feel when you love it?
00:06:27.689 --> 00:06:28.089
I love it.
00:06:28.170 --> 00:06:30.410
It makes me smile, it makes me happy.
00:06:30.569 --> 00:06:32.009
It's it's like a hug.
00:06:32.089 --> 00:06:34.009
He had the best hugs in the world.
00:06:34.250 --> 00:06:44.730
And yeah, I just, you know, and every time I get one, I think, well, that's probably the last, you know, but he has continued on.
00:06:44.969 --> 00:06:48.250
Why do you think you are noticing these signs when other people aren't?
00:06:48.490 --> 00:06:50.969
Certainly your book was an inspiration.
00:06:51.209 --> 00:06:53.050
I I'm just open to it.
00:06:53.209 --> 00:06:54.969
I'm very open to it.
00:06:55.129 --> 00:06:57.930
I I have no qualms whatsoever.
00:06:58.089 --> 00:07:01.129
And sometimes I think, you know, maybe I'm making too much of it.
00:07:01.209 --> 00:07:06.969
You know, maybe this isn't a sign, maybe it is just a coin on the floor on the ground or whatever.
00:07:07.209 --> 00:07:10.889
But some of them are significant, like the grasshopper.
00:07:11.209 --> 00:07:19.769
Yeah, because I would think that one time could be some crazy coincidence, right?
00:07:20.250 --> 00:07:24.649
Two times with all of those same circumstances, yes.
00:07:25.449 --> 00:07:27.370
That is a message or a sign.
00:07:27.529 --> 00:07:28.009
Oh, yeah.
00:07:28.170 --> 00:07:30.410
And I love that you're embracing that.
00:07:30.730 --> 00:07:42.089
And even if let's just say somebody out there's like, whatever, it's just a grasshopper, it really doesn't matter what anybody else feels or thinks about it.
00:07:42.250 --> 00:07:47.209
If it's impacting you and you're feeling that connection, that's well, this was like a grasshopper.
00:07:47.370 --> 00:07:51.449
I'm something I had never seen before in my life.
00:07:51.769 --> 00:07:52.009
Yeah.
00:07:52.250 --> 00:07:57.610
Very colorful, you know, because usually the grasshoppers here are much smaller.
00:07:57.689 --> 00:07:58.009
Yeah.
00:07:58.329 --> 00:07:59.850
Gray, brown.
00:08:00.089 --> 00:08:00.329
Yeah.
00:08:00.490 --> 00:08:02.089
This was like yellow and green.
00:08:02.329 --> 00:08:03.050
Oh, the green.
00:08:05.290 --> 00:08:06.329
Yeah, it was incredible.
00:08:06.490 --> 00:08:06.730
Honestly.
00:08:06.969 --> 00:08:09.370
So it definitely stood out and you took the time to connect to it.
00:08:09.850 --> 00:08:10.410
Oh, absolutely.
00:08:10.649 --> 00:08:10.889
Yeah.
00:08:11.129 --> 00:08:11.529
Yes.
00:08:11.769 --> 00:08:12.329
Yeah.
00:08:12.649 --> 00:08:18.089
So tell me, tell me what else you've been finding or getting signs from your husband.
00:08:18.410 --> 00:08:23.689
Well, Don was very instructive about a lot of things around the house.
00:08:24.889 --> 00:08:29.689
You know, after, you know, after I'm gone, you gotta remember to do whatever.
00:08:29.930 --> 00:08:41.930
And so he had been very thorough with explaining that when this light came on in the refrigerator, that that meant that the filter needed to be changed.
00:08:42.170 --> 00:08:48.970
And so, you know, he he said, first thing you gotta do is turn off the main water valve to the house.
00:08:49.289 --> 00:09:11.690
So, you know, he took me out there, showed me how to do it, you know, came back in, and then you gotta let the water run for a little bit, and you know, and then it was very easy to put the filter in, take the old one out, put the new one in, and then you gotta remember to go turn the water the main water valve back on.
00:09:11.930 --> 00:09:18.250
So I remembered it, and right before I moved, I got the little signal.
00:09:18.490 --> 00:09:38.250
So remembering everything he told me, I went out, turned the water valve, the main water valve off, came back in, changed, took out the old, put in the new, went back out, and there was a feather lying right next to the valve.
00:09:38.410 --> 00:09:40.970
Oh which had not been there before.
00:09:41.289 --> 00:09:42.329
I love feathers.
00:09:42.490 --> 00:09:48.650
Feathers were kind of some of my first signs that I received that really made me know that it was connected.
00:09:48.890 --> 00:09:49.289
Yes.
00:09:49.529 --> 00:09:56.490
And obviously, during that brief period of time, it's like he's like, Yay, you did it.
00:09:56.650 --> 00:10:01.450
Yeah, he's acknowledging the fact that you know I remembered and all of that.
00:10:01.609 --> 00:10:04.410
So yeah, it was it was pretty cool.
00:10:04.730 --> 00:10:13.289
And we do have like a collection of items that Valerie's husband has sent her from beyond.
00:10:13.450 --> 00:10:18.970
So we'll I will be posting photos of that as well so they can see all these signs that you've collected.
00:10:19.289 --> 00:10:20.410
This is interesting.
00:10:20.650 --> 00:10:28.809
We purchased a new car about a year before Don died, didn't really need it, but it was smaller, and so anyway, we bought it.
00:10:28.970 --> 00:10:33.849
And it has a feature where you can program the seat position.
00:10:34.490 --> 00:10:47.450
And so he he was still driving at the time, and so he programmed his under button number one, and then I got in and programmed programmed mine and button number two.
00:10:48.569 --> 00:10:57.369
But if I had been driving and then he would have to get in the car, he would have to push number one before he could actually get in the car.
00:10:57.450 --> 00:10:58.730
He was a lot taller.
00:10:59.049 --> 00:11:01.769
So, and then the same thing with me.
00:11:02.329 --> 00:11:10.329
If I if he had been driving it and then I was gonna get in and drive it, then I would have to push number two.
00:11:10.890 --> 00:11:13.930
So that you know, that worked out.
00:11:14.730 --> 00:11:26.410
But about three months after he died, when I opened the car door, the seat goes to position number one.
00:11:27.289 --> 00:11:30.730
He was right in there with you, wanting to jump in and do it.
00:11:30.970 --> 00:11:34.569
It does it every time, it still doesn't.
00:11:34.970 --> 00:11:39.210
And so I asked somebody at the dealership, what's the deal?
00:11:39.369 --> 00:11:47.529
And they said, Well, it just adjusts, you know, and I said, But wait a minute, I'm the only one driving here, it should not be moving.
00:11:47.930 --> 00:11:48.170
Right.
00:11:48.410 --> 00:12:04.490
And they said, I don't know, but all you have to do is push number two, and I said, I know that, but have you ever seen where a car readjusts the seat position without somebody pushing the button?
00:12:04.569 --> 00:12:05.609
And they said no.
00:12:06.089 --> 00:12:09.210
No, wow, yeah.
00:12:09.690 --> 00:12:17.450
So you reseed some coins, some animals signed, feathers, and now electrical.
00:12:17.769 --> 00:12:18.809
Yes, right?
00:12:19.049 --> 00:12:20.009
I'm not finished.
00:12:20.170 --> 00:12:21.609
So signs come in many forms.
00:12:22.089 --> 00:12:22.569
Oh, absolutely.
00:12:22.809 --> 00:12:23.690
I can't wait to hear more.
00:12:23.849 --> 00:12:24.009
Yes.
00:12:26.569 --> 00:12:28.569
Okay, this one's pretty short.
00:12:28.730 --> 00:12:36.329
I was still in my house and watching TV in my great room, and so I decided to go to bed.
00:12:36.569 --> 00:12:40.970
So I turned the light out in the great room and it came on in the dining room.
00:12:41.529 --> 00:12:45.210
It had never done that before, and it never did it again.
00:12:45.769 --> 00:12:50.329
But it was just it was like a little hi there.
00:12:50.890 --> 00:12:51.210
Yeah.
00:12:51.529 --> 00:12:52.329
Isn't it cool?
00:12:52.569 --> 00:12:53.690
That's very cool.
00:12:53.930 --> 00:12:55.049
That is very cool.
00:12:55.450 --> 00:12:55.849
Yeah.
00:12:56.170 --> 00:13:12.650
So so when I sold my house, the real estate agent told me that the deciding factor that the purchasers had was that the man went outside to the backyard to make sure that it was quiet.
00:13:13.609 --> 00:13:23.769
And so he was sitting out there for quite a while and sitting at our, you know, our outdoor furniture.
00:13:24.089 --> 00:13:34.890
And he said the deciding factor was that a bird came and sat on the table and just stared at him for like five minutes.
00:13:35.289 --> 00:13:35.769
Oh my word.
00:13:36.170 --> 00:13:44.490
Didn't move, you know, just you know, and he said it was so peaceful and nice, and that's why he decided to buy it.
00:13:44.809 --> 00:13:46.890
Oh, I love that.
00:13:47.130 --> 00:13:47.690
I know it.
00:13:48.009 --> 00:13:50.809
It was like a little confirmation, like, yep, I want you here.
00:13:50.970 --> 00:13:55.690
Yes, and he's like just felt connected and calm and peaceful back there.
00:13:55.930 --> 00:13:57.849
Yes, yeah, yep.
00:13:58.970 --> 00:14:07.930
So I mean, we had seen birds when we sat out there, but you know, never one just coming and sitting, you know.
00:14:08.250 --> 00:14:11.210
Yes, Louise, you have a bird story for us.
00:14:11.529 --> 00:14:27.049
Well, my husband passed away just uh in January, January 26th, and um and he had Alzheimer's and was not really cognizant for the last two years.
00:14:27.450 --> 00:14:36.569
So I I thought I needed to tell him to send me a sign, but he did not understand talking.
00:14:36.650 --> 00:14:39.450
I hadn't heard his voice in in years.
00:14:39.609 --> 00:14:42.970
It was very, it was a tough thing to go through.
00:14:43.289 --> 00:14:50.490
And so he died on a Monday, and the next morning I went outside.
00:14:50.650 --> 00:14:54.890
It was kind of chilly for Phoenix, well, although we live in surprise.
00:14:55.130 --> 00:15:04.329
And so I kind of went out the driveway to look down the street to see if my son-in-law was coming to bring my grandson so I could take them to school.
00:15:04.490 --> 00:15:10.809
So I was out there for a little bit and I kind of saw something caught my eye, and it was the street light.
00:15:11.049 --> 00:15:19.289
The streetlight wasn't on, but on the top of the metal was this little bird that was looking down at me.
00:15:19.369 --> 00:15:28.089
And when I looked up, he kind of hopped over to the corner of the streetlight, and he just kept looking down at me and turning his head.
00:15:28.329 --> 00:15:31.210
And I thought, I wonder if that's correct.
00:15:31.690 --> 00:15:48.730
The significance is because almost every morning and every evening, my husband loved to go out with a cup of coffee or beer, and he would go out to the backyard or the front yard, and he could make the most interesting bird sounds.
00:15:48.970 --> 00:15:54.170
And the birds would mimic those sounds, and you know, back and forth they would mimic each other.
00:15:54.329 --> 00:16:03.210
And it was truly amazing some of the sounds that he made, because it was like if you close your eyes, you really wouldn't know which was the bird, which was him.
00:16:03.450 --> 00:16:11.769
So I thought, well, I guess that's significant, but I guess I didn't really know that that would be a sign from him.
00:16:12.089 --> 00:16:19.849
So then about a week later, same thing where I went out in the morning and I was looking down the street and I thought, I wonder.
00:16:20.009 --> 00:16:22.970
And I looked up there, the same kind of bird.
00:16:23.130 --> 00:16:30.490
I can't say that it was the same bird, but there were two or three other birds up there with this one.
00:16:30.650 --> 00:16:41.529
He the bird actually hopped over to the corner and nudged one of them out of the way and was looking at me again and just turning his head every which way.
00:16:41.849 --> 00:16:45.690
And I thought, well, maybe if I say something, that'll scare him.
00:16:45.849 --> 00:16:47.849
And so I said, Hi there.
00:16:48.730 --> 00:16:53.690
He kept looking and looking, and I was like, I don't know.
00:16:53.849 --> 00:16:54.809
Is this a sign?
00:16:54.970 --> 00:17:00.089
I don't know because I I'm too busy in my life to stop and look down.
00:17:00.490 --> 00:17:11.210
Maybe if I slowed down in my life and paid attention to my surroundings, maybe he is sending me signs because I I'm getting I'm feeling ignored.
00:17:11.369 --> 00:17:14.809
I want I want signs like what Valerie's getting.
00:17:14.890 --> 00:17:16.329
And I know he can do it.
00:17:16.490 --> 00:17:19.369
He was an engineer just like Valerie's husband.
00:17:19.529 --> 00:17:24.650
The four of us always had fun together, like peas in a pod.
00:17:24.809 --> 00:17:25.210
Yep.
00:17:25.450 --> 00:17:28.970
But that's my story, and I hope next time I have more.
00:17:29.690 --> 00:17:33.130
Please hope and pray I do, or I'm gonna get mad.
00:17:34.410 --> 00:17:37.450
Well, I do believe that you're on to something.
00:17:37.690 --> 00:17:46.250
One of the things that we do need to do in life is really take time to slow down and just notice our surroundings.
00:17:46.490 --> 00:17:51.369
And you have such a bubbly, fun, on-the-go personality.
00:17:51.690 --> 00:17:53.769
I can see why you say that.
00:17:53.930 --> 00:17:58.250
However, I think the signs are around you, right?
00:17:58.569 --> 00:18:09.769
And maybe once things settle down after you celebrate your husband, you will have a little bit more time to embrace what's coming around.
00:18:10.250 --> 00:18:29.210
I personally and my daughters here today, too, who introduced me to Louise, were discussing how I think it's unique that the bird that you saw was communicating with you or connecting with you without voicing anything like your communication was with him at the end.
00:18:29.450 --> 00:18:29.930
That's right.
00:18:30.730 --> 00:18:36.330
And he bumped somebody out of the way to say, I need her to see me again, right?
00:18:36.890 --> 00:18:42.970
So I think if we embrace the little starts to it and say, Yes, that was, or what if that was?
00:18:43.210 --> 00:18:43.450
Yeah.
00:18:43.690 --> 00:18:45.370
What what if that was Craig?
00:18:45.610 --> 00:18:49.610
And you can ask for a specific sign going forward.
00:18:49.930 --> 00:18:53.529
I mean, Valerie said, Come on, you can do better than this, right?
00:18:53.690 --> 00:19:04.170
And her husband did, but you can actually think of something that you two were connected to or that meant something to Craig and see where you run across it.
00:19:04.490 --> 00:19:07.370
And I have an episode coming up with my brother.
00:19:07.529 --> 00:19:08.890
We did the same thing.
00:19:09.049 --> 00:19:18.730
We did a little trial of asking for a really crazy sign that meant nothing to either one of us, and to see how long it took for us to receive those signs.
00:19:18.970 --> 00:19:20.730
And it did happen, everybody.
00:19:21.049 --> 00:19:27.930
So I think Louise, we've got your back, and we're gonna make sure you get those signs.
00:19:28.330 --> 00:19:44.890
You know, it's been so many years since he and I could communicate, and that's that's the part that was really, really hard because I uh he was in group homes for three years.
00:19:45.130 --> 00:19:59.930
And when I would visit him, you know, there was no, he didn't know who I was, and so many times his eyes did not track anything in the room, and I I didn't know if he could see or hear.
00:20:00.250 --> 00:20:16.650
I I think he knew my touch because he he he really he would kind of move his hand over for me to touch him more, and so I would always rub his arms and so I uh it's like to hear his voice.
00:20:16.970 --> 00:20:21.049
If I ever heard his voice on a recording, I I think I would freak out.
00:20:21.210 --> 00:20:27.210
I I don't have, oh, we'd probably have videos, but actually I saw a video just the other day.
00:20:27.370 --> 00:20:28.650
Oh, I just thought of it.
00:20:28.809 --> 00:20:45.610
Oh, I it was him playing with the twins when they were in little swings, and he was making them think they were running into them, into him, as the swing would start to hit, and you go, whoa! Yeah.
00:20:46.009 --> 00:20:47.450
I did just hear his voice.
00:20:47.529 --> 00:20:48.890
I just now realized that.
00:20:49.049 --> 00:20:50.330
I did hear his voice.
00:20:50.570 --> 00:21:03.450
It really wasn't talking, but I had been, I had just been saying to somebody, this is all I had just been saying to somebody if I could even just hear his voice.
00:21:06.090 --> 00:21:06.890
You didn't realize it was.
00:21:07.289 --> 00:21:08.090
I didn't.
00:21:09.690 --> 00:21:25.210
We were getting pictures together for his celebration of life, and I came across this video, and I was watching it, and I know my daughter said, No videos, we're just getting still pictures, we're getting, we're putting them into a program.
00:21:25.930 --> 00:21:29.370
And I said, I know, but I just I want to watch this.
00:21:29.850 --> 00:21:30.809
Was that a sign?
00:21:31.130 --> 00:21:31.930
Yes, yes.
00:21:33.610 --> 00:21:36.650
Well, now I know where to go back and hear his voice.
00:21:36.890 --> 00:21:39.690
I still like to hear his voice now.
00:21:40.009 --> 00:21:46.009
Yeah, but I think there's so many people that can relate to you, Louise, in so many fashions.
00:21:46.170 --> 00:21:56.890
Number one, I think that it's very difficult in this world because so many people have unfortunately been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia.
00:21:57.210 --> 00:22:03.690
And the loss of your loved one in that fashion is just heartbreaking because you know what they're like, right?
00:22:03.930 --> 00:22:04.410
I know.
00:22:04.650 --> 00:22:12.970
And so that connection when you know that they're free from those ailments is something that we do yearn for.
00:22:13.529 --> 00:22:18.650
And we've just spoken about two signs that have come to you in different ways and fashions.
00:22:18.970 --> 00:22:26.490
And you're kind of probably in a phase where everything is still a bit overwhelming from the recent loss.
00:22:26.650 --> 00:22:37.690
There's a lot of planning going on, and you are receiving them, but sometimes it takes us to have these open conversations with others for confirmation.
00:22:37.850 --> 00:22:41.529
No, what you were thinking was correct, it was there.
00:22:41.850 --> 00:22:49.769
Or for us to realize wait a second, I did just ask that I wanted to hear his voice, and here I did, but I didn't correlate.
00:22:50.090 --> 00:22:56.650
I didn't know, I didn't think of it as a sign, but I know it brought tears to my eyes, you know.
00:22:56.890 --> 00:23:00.970
My daughter had me do something very, very smart.
00:23:01.529 --> 00:23:05.370
I was telling her that I wanted the celebration of life.
00:23:05.850 --> 00:23:09.930
Because I was having a hard time remembering good times.
00:23:10.090 --> 00:23:17.210
Yes, we went on trips, and yes, I can picture ourselves together, but it's in a flat picture.
00:23:17.450 --> 00:23:19.850
I I can't get the feeling.
00:23:20.170 --> 00:23:34.570
So she said, Mom, go through the last 15 years of photos and send me photos of dad with the various grandchildren or wherever something is significant.
00:23:34.890 --> 00:23:37.610
So I started with the most current.
00:23:37.930 --> 00:23:46.650
And, you know, and of course they had pictures of him progressing in Alzheimer's, and those were very hard to look at.
00:23:46.890 --> 00:23:54.650
But we were taking pictures so that we could share with Craig's brother and sister who do not live in Arizona.
00:23:54.890 --> 00:24:05.289
So I kept going back and I would send her pictures showing, you know, the growth of the grandkids, and Craig loved his grandkids.
00:24:05.850 --> 00:24:24.730
And as I got further back, you know, to the beginning of where my pictures start, there was a picture, and I it truly, truly brought tears to my eyes because it was before, before that what I will call the chaos.
00:24:24.970 --> 00:24:34.970
And he had his hands in his pocket, he was smiling, and the look on his face was with so much love and happiness.
00:24:35.210 --> 00:24:39.769
And I when I saw it, I said, Oh, there you are.
00:24:40.170 --> 00:24:43.850
I remember when you were like this.
00:24:44.250 --> 00:24:46.809
And so I printed the picture off.
00:24:47.049 --> 00:24:54.410
I said, I want this on the table as you walk into the celebration of life.
00:24:54.650 --> 00:25:01.049
This will be the cover photo for the DVD that my niece and daughter are making.
00:25:01.529 --> 00:25:23.130
I told my daughter what you told me to do was a blessing because it brought me backwards to where I found, I found Craig before the craziness started because I was so angry and isolated during taking care of him.
00:25:23.370 --> 00:25:28.970
And it I could not release that feeling right when he died.
00:25:29.130 --> 00:25:35.370
Yes, I was upset, but I couldn't get back to the warm, fuzzy love.
00:25:36.250 --> 00:25:38.490
And that picture brought me back.
00:25:39.289 --> 00:25:45.769
I think that really takes us just ready to pause for a moment and really let that soak in.
00:25:45.930 --> 00:26:04.170
That if you are kind of in a space where you're looking to reconnect or to go back to those memories, I think it's really good advice your daughter gave you to go back through and you actually reclaimed a moment where you're like, This is my loved one, this is who I remember.
00:26:04.809 --> 00:26:10.410
And I encourage anybody listening today to try your instructions on that.
00:26:10.650 --> 00:26:13.289
Let's pick up Valerie and hear some more.
00:26:13.930 --> 00:26:17.690
Well, first of all, tell me what you think of your friend Louise's stories here.
00:26:17.850 --> 00:26:23.370
Tell me if you think those are signs for her because you've known her for 45 years, 50 years.
00:26:23.690 --> 00:26:24.410
Yes, yes.
00:26:24.650 --> 00:26:26.090
And I want to know how you support me.
00:26:26.490 --> 00:26:28.570
Well, I absolutely do.
00:26:28.730 --> 00:26:50.730
I mean, we've been I only have one friend that I've known longer than I've known Louise, but I definitely think that he is sending her, you know, but uh sending her signs, but they aren't as significant as some of the ones that I've gotten over the last two and a half years.
00:26:50.890 --> 00:26:51.210
Yeah.
00:26:51.529 --> 00:26:58.570
So, you know, she just needs to be patient, and I'm sure that I'm sure she'll get some more.
00:26:58.809 --> 00:27:02.650
Yeah, because this is just really like Oh, it's early.
00:27:02.809 --> 00:27:04.570
Yeah, it's only been about a month, right?
00:27:04.970 --> 00:27:09.930
So but I do love the fact that you two have had conversations around this.
00:27:10.090 --> 00:27:10.570
Oh, yeah.
00:27:10.809 --> 00:27:17.610
So that you have each other to lean across and to share when it comes across to confirm, right?
00:27:18.090 --> 00:27:24.170
So right after I moved into my apartment, I had, you know, movers do my furniture and everything.
00:27:24.250 --> 00:27:32.090
And I was just that very first day, I was looking around and I thought, well, I think I kind of want the table a little more angled.
00:27:32.170 --> 00:27:41.450
And so I was moving things around a little bit, and I moved the couch away from the from the wall, and there was a shiny penny right there.
00:27:41.850 --> 00:27:42.650
Just one.
00:27:43.370 --> 00:27:48.250
You know, it was like approval, you know, that he's still with me.
00:27:48.570 --> 00:27:49.210
Yes.
00:27:49.529 --> 00:27:55.850
So I have his pictures everywhere, you know, and the flag that I got at the veteran cemetery.
00:27:55.930 --> 00:27:58.809
And yeah, I mean, he's just he's there.
00:27:59.450 --> 00:28:11.529
But also, on the day that would have been our 45th, 45th wedding anniversary last October, I was feeling not particularly sad, but a little melancholy.
00:28:11.769 --> 00:28:14.570
And I was taking my walk around the property.
00:28:14.730 --> 00:28:19.850
It's about two miles, but I walked one way and then I turned around and come back.
00:28:20.090 --> 00:28:35.130
And on my way back, on the same sidewalk that I had walked before, right in the middle of the sidewalk was a bright shiny penny, which I had not seen on the way out.
00:28:35.370 --> 00:28:38.970
But the best one was the most recent one.
00:28:39.210 --> 00:28:46.410
That about a month ago, I was just thinking to myself, I haven't gotten any signs recently, and I wonder if they're over.
00:28:46.970 --> 00:29:11.130
And so I was taking my walk, and I, you know, I walked the distance that I normally do, and I came back and I was looking all around on the sidewalk, and all of a sudden I looked out into the road or the street, neighborhood street, and I saw something that was small and round.
00:29:11.690 --> 00:29:34.890
And I don't know what led me, urged me to go get it, but I went over, I picked it up, and it was dirty, and so it was obviously a coin, and I took it home and I washed it, and it was a 1980 penny, and that was the year that we got married.
00:29:39.529 --> 00:29:43.529
That something just drew you over to go pick it up, bring it home, and wash it.
00:29:43.850 --> 00:29:45.690
For me, that's the one you're married to.
00:29:45.850 --> 00:29:47.610
Your loved one's still sending your signs, though.
00:29:48.009 --> 00:29:48.490
I know it.
00:29:48.650 --> 00:29:49.289
I know it.
00:29:49.450 --> 00:29:55.370
I just I'm so overwhelmed by that one in particular.
00:29:55.610 --> 00:29:55.930
Yeah.
00:29:56.090 --> 00:30:09.289
So and when you think about that deep connection or overwhelming feeling, tell me how that makes you feel when you go to bed at night or when you're wondering when the next sign is coming.
00:30:09.450 --> 00:30:09.769
Yeah.
00:30:10.250 --> 00:30:13.289
Well, I don't actually wonder when it's coming.
00:30:13.450 --> 00:30:18.730
I mean, if if I don't get any more signs anytime, I'm fine.
00:30:19.210 --> 00:30:23.289
You know, I know he's there, I know he's watching me.
00:30:23.370 --> 00:30:26.250
Yeah, I know he cares about me.
00:30:26.809 --> 00:30:29.850
He was not overly affectionate.
00:30:30.009 --> 00:30:33.130
He certainly was affectionate, but not overly so.
00:30:33.690 --> 00:30:38.009
But I just know that he still loves me.
00:30:38.330 --> 00:30:40.250
So it's it's wonderful.
00:30:40.410 --> 00:30:47.850
It I just I'm so glad for your book because it opened my mind to all the possibilities.
00:30:48.170 --> 00:30:54.970
And just, you know, I don't think I would have noticed some of the things, you know, the feathers, especially.
00:30:55.289 --> 00:31:03.529
And I'm just really so pleased that Louise gave me your book and that you wrote it.
00:31:03.769 --> 00:31:07.450
And uh yeah, I'm just happy.
00:31:07.930 --> 00:31:14.730
I'm so excited that you were able to share these inspiring sign stories with us today.
00:31:15.049 --> 00:31:24.730
For people that maybe haven't received a sign yet or doubting their signs, what type of advice or thoughts do you have to share with them?
00:31:25.450 --> 00:31:30.970
Well, the first thing is read your book because it gives so many examples.
00:31:31.210 --> 00:31:31.529
Yeah.
00:31:32.009 --> 00:31:34.650
And just be open to it.
00:31:34.970 --> 00:31:39.370
And you can, you know, ask them up there.
00:31:39.529 --> 00:31:41.769
Yeah, could you just send me a sign?
00:31:41.850 --> 00:31:50.170
You know, make it anything, but make it so that it's so unusual that I'll know it's a sign.
00:31:50.650 --> 00:31:52.730
My podcast, uh, curating connection.
00:31:52.890 --> 00:31:56.970
I tend to ask everybody, what are you curating connection with in your life right now?
00:31:57.210 --> 00:31:59.130
That's a really good question.
00:32:00.170 --> 00:32:01.690
Certainly family.
00:32:02.410 --> 00:32:08.009
The last four years that Don was alive, he did not feel like doing much of anything.
00:32:08.410 --> 00:32:12.809
He had cancer, stage four metastatic bone cancer.
00:32:13.529 --> 00:32:19.450
And I mean, I certainly didn't fault him for it, but it was very isolating.
00:32:19.769 --> 00:32:33.370
And I mean, even when people offered to come over, sometimes, I mean, he would try as hard as he could, but sometimes he would say no, or sometimes when they were there, it would just be too much for him.
00:32:33.529 --> 00:32:33.850
Yeah.
00:32:34.090 --> 00:32:45.450
Because when our family gets together, it's, you know, a little bit, I mean, not raucous, but people talk, and you know, he was very sensitive to a lot of noise.
00:32:45.690 --> 00:32:46.009
Sure.
00:32:46.250 --> 00:32:52.490
And, you know, we have small great grandchildren, and it's just it was just too busy for him.
00:32:52.730 --> 00:32:53.049
Yeah.
00:32:53.289 --> 00:33:09.930
So well, I moved into independent living, and I'm also I play cards twice a week, and I've joined the Reader's Theater, and we are rehearsing now for a production in May.
00:33:10.250 --> 00:33:14.009
Oh, how exciting! Yeah, it's pretty cool.
00:33:14.330 --> 00:33:17.210
And I don't know, I'm just making lots of friends.
00:33:17.450 --> 00:33:27.370
I took a trip to Iceland last summer, the previous summer I went to Alaska and took the uh train on the interior.
00:33:28.250 --> 00:33:33.850
And um I also went to New England with my sister in the fall.
00:33:34.170 --> 00:33:37.690
Okay, and this year I'm going to go to Scandinavia.
00:33:38.330 --> 00:33:48.250
So um, you know, I feel like time's a wasting and I should not put off anything that's possible to do because you never know.
00:33:48.570 --> 00:33:49.049
Correct.
00:33:49.289 --> 00:33:55.769
You know, I mean I feel healthy and I don't have any really serious diseases.
00:33:56.009 --> 00:34:00.490
I have a chronic disease that I maintain well, and I don't know.
00:34:00.570 --> 00:34:07.610
I I have a much more positive outlook than I thought I would in this circumstance.
00:34:07.850 --> 00:34:08.250
Yeah.
00:34:08.409 --> 00:34:13.610
So it sounds like you're really curating connection to what is bringing you joy and happiness.
00:34:13.769 --> 00:34:14.170
Yes.
00:34:14.489 --> 00:34:22.409
As you're transitioning into a new life phase, but also know that you're still fully connected with these signs that you're receiving.
00:34:22.570 --> 00:34:26.650
So it might be just a tad easier some days to get through your new life stages.
00:34:26.889 --> 00:34:27.210
Yes.
00:34:27.929 --> 00:34:28.489
Yes, correct.
00:34:28.809 --> 00:34:29.289
That's correct.
00:34:29.849 --> 00:34:30.250
Awesome.
00:34:30.489 --> 00:34:32.570
Yeah, I'm I'm in a happy place.
00:34:33.049 --> 00:34:37.610
No, but I'm not sure it would be so happy if I hadn't gotten these signs.
00:34:37.849 --> 00:34:38.250
Yeah.
00:34:38.570 --> 00:34:47.449
Well, thank you so much for your support of the book, but also for sharing and connecting with others around the possibility of receiving signs from their loved ones.
00:34:47.690 --> 00:34:48.570
Oh, absolutely.
00:34:48.809 --> 00:34:53.690
Anytime a friend of mine, you know, loses somebody, I order your book.
00:34:53.929 --> 00:34:54.090
Oh.
00:34:55.049 --> 00:34:57.690
Have it sent to them or give it to them personally.
00:34:58.090 --> 00:35:12.969
And, you know, it's been received in a wide range of frames of mind, but I usually ask them before, you know, because if they're not into it, they would not enjoy it as much.
00:35:13.369 --> 00:35:13.690
Correct.
00:35:13.769 --> 00:35:16.010
Yes, you do have to be a bit open-minded about it.
00:35:16.329 --> 00:35:16.970
And you are right.
00:35:17.130 --> 00:35:35.130
It is a fairly light read because I feel like people that are receiving the book are probably having a some heaviness or grief or sadness in their life, that they're looking for short, simple ways to find the information to connect.
00:35:35.289 --> 00:35:35.610
Yes.
00:35:35.769 --> 00:35:42.329
And to pick them up, andor to realize that the way they're feeling is normal and that they can get through it.
00:35:42.570 --> 00:35:46.250
So the creating hope, providing belief, and affirming connection.
00:35:46.570 --> 00:35:46.889
Yes.
00:35:47.050 --> 00:35:52.889
And I just want to thank you today, Valerie, for helping affirm connection from beyond that's still with you.
00:35:53.130 --> 00:35:54.090
You're very welcome.
00:35:54.329 --> 00:35:56.570
And thank you to your husband for sending the signs.
00:35:56.809 --> 00:35:58.090
Yes, yes.
00:35:59.690 --> 00:36:00.889
He did real good.