The Open Road ... Summer 2006

Mystical Dimensions

Welcome Back Pat!

Submitted by the Muskoka Spiritual Growth Study Group

Pat had been a dynamic member of our study group for some time when she finally succumbed to cancer. We missed her terribly as she had been not only a cherished friend but also a great source of information for us. As a hospice worker herself she had many experiences and insights into crossing that mystical veil called death. She had been departed from the earth plane for several months when one night during our study group meeting when her name was mentioned the lamp started to flicker. No one paid any attention to it really, until in the closing prayer circle when the lamp went completely out for a few minutes and then came back on. Immediately, we all tuned into to Pat’s presence. We remembered her in prayer with much love. The lamp had never flickered before nor has it since. Some months later, when the group had moved to another location, on three different occasions, the door bell rang during the meeting. Of course, no one visible was there. That door bell had never rung before on its own, nor since. We casually mentioned that perhaps it was Pat again. The following week while we were in meditation a shelf in the kitchen holding pieces of pottery fell off the wall and crashed to the floor with a thunderous clatter. At this point, we pulled up a chair for Pat and welcomed her to the group, continuing to remember her in our prayers ,as well as all those who have crossed through the veil. That was over a year ago and we haven’t heard from her since. God Bless you Pat as you continue on your journey.

The Visit

Submitted by Paulette Micks, Chatham, Ontario

I woke before dawn because my bedroom was freezing. I was talking myself into getting up to get another blanket when the cat jumped on the bed and laid on my chest facing me. I didn’t want to disturb the cat because I felt honored; he rarely bothered with me. My first Siamese cat bonded with me and ignored the rest of the family. He died several years ago and was replaced with a Siamese that bonded with my young daughter. The odd time this cat sat on my lap he always faced away from me. There was something unusual, not only about the way he was facing, but about his physical appearance. I was groggily staring at him, trying to figure out what was different about him, when a tiger walked around the side of my bed, turned, and walked back out of the room.

I was completely paralysed with fear. It was a real tiger. I felt the air move as it passed me. It’s body swayed as it walked. I thought I was dreaming and kept pinching and poking at my legs, since my arms were under the sheets laying beside my body. I took deep breaths and concentrated on convincing myself that I had been dreaming when the tiger came back and once again walked past the bed and out of the room. I knew I was awake this time. I was panicking and exploring other explanations: hallucinating? insanity? The third time the tiger appeared he stopped and looked at the cat and made a noise of impatience and walked away...the cat got off my chest and followed.

I know I was awake because I didn’t go back to sleep. I laid there until the sun came up. Sometime, while I lay there trying to make sense of it all, I realized what was different abplt the cat. The cat who had laid on my chest wasn’t the one who loved my daughter. The cat that had been resting on my chest was my old cat. His face was perfectly pointed while the new Siamese had a more rounded face. Then I knew what had happened. My old cat had been the terror of the neighbourhood. Large dogs would cross the street to avoid him when he sat on the porch. It would be typical of him to choose a fierce playmate. He came to visit me and brought a friend.

Happy Mother’s Day

Submitted by Marguerite Rantz, Port Sydney, Ontario

My sister Helen received a large assortment of flowers and plants at her funeral. We all chose a plant to take home and donated the larger arrangements. Mom chose a hibiscus plant. This was in July and by January the plant was looking poorly and Mom wanted to dispose of it. I told her it still had a few green leaves and looked hopeful. I think I was trying to hang onto anything that reminded me of my sister. By May the plant had formed a few buds and when I visited with my Mom on Mother’s Day the plant was in full bloom. The most gorgeous red flowers. I told Mom that I felt Helen was saying “Happy Mothers Day Mom.” I wish I had taken a picture of it to show others, but I know I will never forget the image in my memory.