Love Notes from Heaven

Ep. 040 with Julie Craig

Do you ever feel like you get a love note from heaven? This is a question I often ponder as I navigate my journey through grief. My heart has been touched by moments that seem like gentle reminders from our loved ones who have passed on. Today, I want to share some of these profound experiences with you—moments I like to call "love notes from heaven."

The Significance of Butterflies and Songs

One of my dear friends lost her daughter, and she often associates butterflies with her little girl. Whenever something significant happens, it seems there’s a butterfly nearby. Whether it’s a butterfly-themed gift or a butterfly fluttering past at just the right moment, these occurrences bring her comfort and serve as reminders that her daughter is still watching over her. This connection to nature is a beautiful testament to how our loved ones can communicate with us in ways that feel deeply personal.

I, too, have experienced moments that feel like love notes from heaven. My daughter and son-in-law once went car shopping—a task that my late husband, Steve, would have approached with great diligence. As they were narrowing down their choices, a song played over the dealership's speaker system. This song had special meaning for them, closely tied to Steve. In that moment, it felt like a love note from heaven, a sign that he was present in their decision-making, guiding them from above.

Dreams and Unexpected Encounters

I also recall a beautiful moment from my very first episode with guest Stacy Henry. While she was on a spiritual quest to connect with someone in need of God’s love, our paths crossed in an unexpected way. We were strangers, yet we found ourselves walking together, sharing stories about our late husbands. At that moment, I realized how significant this connection was—an affirmation that our loved ones have a way of bringing us together, even when we’re lost in our grief.

A Special Moment at the Beach

Recently, I experienced another love note from heaven during a family vacation at the beach. My little grandson, just two years old, was playing in the sand when I noticed he was holding a little rubber ducky. While this might not seem extraordinary at first glance, it carried a deeper significance for me.

You see, Steve had a unique fondness for rubber duckies. He grew up in a home without a shower, and throughout his life, he enjoyed taking long baths, often bringing his work along with him. It was not uncommon for him to be on the phone with colleagues while splashing in the tub. His big rubber ducky, given to him as a gag gift, became a cherished symbol of his playful nature.

As I watched my grandson with that rubber ducky, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This was one of the first family gatherings with my new husband, Michael, and I had been praying for signs of joy and connection as we merged our families. I wondered if Steve was aware of us and if he could help us bond in this new family dynamic.

When I saw my grandson holding that rubber ducky, it felt like an answer to my prayers. But the most astonishing part was yet to come. Upon closer inspection, we noticed that the rubber ducky had the name "Steve" written on it. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and assurance—a clear message from my husband that he was indeed aware of us and loved us from beyond.

Recognizing the Love Notes Around Us

These moments—these love notes from heaven—remind us to look beyond the ordinary and recognize the signs that our loved ones are still with us. They often come in the form of small, seemingly insignificant occurrences: a butterfly, a song, or a rubber ducky with a name that holds special meaning.

As we navigate our own paths of grief, I encourage you to remain open to these signs. They can provide comfort and connection when we feel the weight of loss. The love we shared with our loved ones transcends time and space, and they find ways to remind us of that love.

So, as you go about your day, keep your eyes open for those little coincidences that might actually be love notes from heaven. Whether it’s a memory that suddenly comes to mind, a special song that plays at just the right moment, or an unexpected encounter, these signs can serve as gentle reminders that we are not alone in our grief.

Finding Joy Amidst Grief

Grief can often feel all-consuming, but these love notes remind us that joy and sorrow can coexist. It’s essential to allow ourselves to feel joy while still honoring our loved ones. This balance is a vital part of the healing process.

When we allow ourselves to recognize these signs, we can foster a deeper connection with our loved ones, even in their absence. It’s not about forgetting; it’s about cherishing the memories and the love that remains.

Let us embrace these love notes from heaven as we navigate our journeys of healing and remembrance. They are signs of hope, love, and connection that can inspire us to keep moving forward, even in the face of loss.

A Journey of Faith and Healing

In closing, I want to emphasize that grief is not a journey we take alone. Our loved ones may be physically absent, but they continue to exist in our hearts and memories. By embracing these love notes from heaven, we can find solace and healing in our grief.

I hope you find ways to remember your loved ones as they remember you. They are always with us, guiding us, and loving us from afar. Let these moments be a source of comfort, reminding us that love is eternal and that our connections can never truly be severed.

As you reflect on your own experiences, may you discover the love notes that surround you and find peace in the knowledge that your loved ones are always watching over you.