spring

Wisdom Gained in Chile, and Celebrating Spring Holidays

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Welcome to April! We are now officially in Aries, the first sign in the Zodiac, corresponding with the March 20 Vernal Equinox.

This would be a good time to check things out with your local, trusted astrologer. Let them get you up to speed on all that’s happening from their astrological perspective, and see what resonates and works out.

This April has many religious holy days — Passover and Easter being the most well known here in the U.S. Many of these days reflect Spring celebrations and beginnings. Eggs are set at the table for Easter and Seder, and lamb and greens are served at both celebrations. Yes, whatever your religious persuasion, a table with lots of food to eat makes for a grand time.

I know that for many families during this holiday season, what is very important is enjoying the children who are smiling and having fun. Coloring Easter eggs, going on Easter hunts, etc. At Seders, the little ones get to sit next to grandma and ask four questions.

One theory holds that the symbol of the bunny rabbit on Easter stems from a pagan tradition, specifically the festival of “Eostre” — named after a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

I recently traveled to Chile. OK, you’ve heard me rave about Africa, still my favorite trip. But I now have to say that Chile comes close to tying Africa as my favorite destination. If Chile is not on your travel list, I would highly recommend that you add it, and don’t hesitate to go!

I know many of you have heard about Patagonia, a famous place in Chile (seen in the picture above). However, there are many other beautiful places there, including deserts, lakes, and mountains where the third largest glacier is.

Mother Earth (Mama Pacha, as the Chileans refer to her) is revered by the indigenous people who live in harmony with the Earth, and do all they can to preserve their traditions, land, and country. Chileans are very proud of their country, and are very willing to express their love of Mother Earth with others.

A shout-out to Almendia, who enlightened me regarding the Chilean land, history and culture. Lots I didn’t know. For instance, there is a huge German population that emigrated to Chile.

People travel from all over the world to get to Chile, and it’s very cool to interact with those fellow travelers. Mostly I met Brazilians and Argentinians, but there were also lots of Brits, Germans, Canadians and Asians, as well as many Americans.

Interestingly enough, although Chile is a Catholic country, while there I heard that many parents have left the Church, because they are disappointed with much of what’s going on within the Church itself. The holidays remain important in relationship to the family, but not the Church. I’m sure many of you can relate.

I’ve always been a big believer that sometimes we need to stretch out of our comfort zone, to better ourselves. Traveling to Chile, or to another country, or even another area in your own state, is one way of stretching out.

There are many ways to travel, and many wonderful companies that can arrange your adventure at a very reasonable rate. One thing I’ve noticed is that many retired teachers love to travel! They deserve it for all the services performed to help educate children.

Speaking of children, I’m doing a fundraiser on April 4th, for TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) — a small grassroots non-profit social service agency in North Grosvenordale, CT. They began in 1985 as a group of volunteers that joined together to meet the needs of “Three Rows”, the largest mill village in the North Grosvenordale section of Thompson. The community volunteers determined their focus was to create a safe place for children to play and to foster “self-help.” In 1988, TEEG was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. At TEEG, they have always believed that the quality of their service rests on two things: Compassion for those who seek their service, and accountability to those who fund their programs.

Ah yes, Spring is here! Enjoy this wonderful time of the year. And kids, it’s time for those seeds to be planted! Quite literally, and of course symbolically on other levels as well.

I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming events. Yes, it’s all about those we love.

Presence Through Transitions in Life

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Let’s start this newsletter with a {{{{{drum roll}}}}} for the greatly awaited Spring Equinox, coming March 20th!

For those of you who may wonder what an equinox actually is . . . well, an equinox is commonly regarded as the instant of time when the plane of the Earth’s equator lines up with the center of the Sun. This occurs twice each year: around March 21st and around September 21st. It is the moment when the center of the visible Sun passes directly over the equator.

Interestingly enough, the March Equinox occurs when many folks are beginning a new project for which Winter hadn’t provided any inspiration. Spring is also a time when many folks look for a different job, career, or new relationship.

I, for one, am always chomping at the bit waiting for Spring to arrive. Don’t get me wrong, though. Winter, like all the other seasons, has its beauty and place. But I’m a Spring and warm weather gal at heart.

I’m also a gal who has certain moments when I realize what it’s like to be living (as I do) in two different “worlds” — not only doing the routine things here on Earth, but also of course connecting to the Other Side. Somehow this realization reminds me of how precious each moment on Earth is, and how life can change on a dime. Like when suddenly we are faced with losing a loved one to physical death.

I recently went through something like this with my sister, who lost her sister-in-law (her husband’s sister) who had made her transition. The sister-in-law was the center and “the Rock” of her immediate family which was devastated by her loss.

The family really doesn’t yet have a clue how to put any of the pieces back together again. Life will never be the same for any of them, and adjusting will take time. Yet, this tragedy can be an opportunity to grow.

I actually got to meet the departed sister-in-law several times before she crossed. Not only was she the Rock, but she was also “the Connector” to her siblings and their 93 year old mother.

This is a pattern I often see — many women serve as the Rock in the family. And when they cross over, well, a new reality of life begins for all those whom “the Rock” has touched. Indeed, there is a ripple effect among all those who loved her, and for all those who were loved by her.

In my work, I have met many folks who have gone through this difficult experience. Ultimately, every second, minute, and hour of the day has to be experienced from a new perspective. Life doesn’t come with a manual, and death affects each of us in different ways. We have to figure out how to move on. But, it ain’t easy!

For the record, the last thing many of the mourning want to hear is something like, “She’s in a better place,” so consider avoiding that phrase (even though it is literally true) because at that moment, the deceased’s family’s world has fallen apart, and “good news” words like those don’t truly resonate with everyone.

During the conversations I had with my sister, all I could repeat to her during her sobs was that she should hold the husband’s hand, listen to what he has to say, and mostly “just be there.” And yes, tell him how much you love him, how much your sister loved him, and that Love never dies.

Of course, we can never walk another person’s path, or pain . . . but it is good for those who can be there to just be there.

Remember that if you believe that Love never dies, and if you can keep your heart and mind open, you can hear or feel your DPs around you. It takes a big leap for some to accept this, but that is what continuing Love is all about — opening up your heart, paying attention, and connecting.

Sending you my thoughts of Love, along with this reminder — we are not walking this journey alone.

As always, looking forward to seeing so many of you this upcoming Spring when the cycles of life in Nature remind us that rebirth is upon us.

Check my website for my upcoming events.

Honoring a Mother’s Love

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Welcome to the merry month of May, in which we celebrate Mother’s Day! In my work, the busiest times of the year are when my office phone rings non-stop around Christmas and Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day is a hallmark “holiday” that can and does bring up every possible emotion – from intense love to intense anger and everything in between, depending on who you are and what your situation is. Of course if your mother has passed, then even more emotions may rise to the surface. And as I have noticed, losing a mother for many can be painful even twenty-years later.

I recently did a session with three sisters who had just lost their mom. They all lived together. To say the session was intense would be a gross understatement. These three sisters shared the task of caring for their mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. Each of them did their best. One acted a nurse, another handled all the finances, another took care of the household chores. In order to care for their mom, the three sisters needed to take out a reverse mortgage so their mom could stay in the house. These three sisters also gave every penny they had to take care of their mother because they promised their dad that they would never put Mom in a nursing home.

During the session, while connecting to their mom, I listened to the sisters’ describing their emotions and thoughts of devastation and loss. They also wondered whether they had done enough. Now, I can tell you of so many . . . many . . . sessions I’ve experienced where devotion to a mother was the predominant theme, but the devotion of these three sisters clearly placed them in the Top Ten!

The sisters felt such a powerful devotion because their mother had provided them with a wonderful life, and they felt that caring for her when she was ill during the last phase of her life, was the least they could do in return.

A twist on this story involved the fact that there was a fourth sister, who had bluntly stated that she had dealt with Dad, so she would not deal with Mom. The fourth sister also made it very clear that she had her own family (two of the other sisters also had children), a “rich” life, and that she wasn’t going to put her life on hold to help take care of Mom.

The three sisters just couldn’t understand the fourth sister’s not caring. They kept asking me how the fourth sister could do this, noting that it was clear that she had the financial (but maybe not emotional) means to at least pitch-in, in some way.

It was not my role as a medium to understand and judge all that may have transpired among these four sisters. But clearly, there were three out of four sisters who bonded together in every way they could, in honor of and respect for their mother.

This situation was unique because usually the mom sessions involve one sibling holding much of the family together, and acting a guiding force. This session is also an example of what I had indicated previously, that there is a litany of emotions that can arise when a mother dies, within yourself and family members. One thing is for sure, the three sisters will have a bond together for the rest of their lives, given their common devotion and sacrifices made for their mom.

I just couldn’t resist sharing this story during the Month of Mother’s Day. Hope you enjoyed it.

On another note, I don’t want any of the “guys” to feel left out of my Mother’s Day tribute, because I’ve met many devoted sons who have honored their mom by taking care of her during the toughest of times.

Oh, and before I forget, especially during the month of Mother’s Day, let us never fail to thank Mother Earth, the caregiver to us all!

It is my hope that, whatever your personal journey is with your mother, or mother figure who cared for you during your life, send her Love, flowers, notes, and/or whatever she would prefer, and whatever else strikes you, along with a heartfelt Thanks for all your mom provided you! If your mom is on the Other Side, thank her for all she did, and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day – she will hear you, I promise.

So, with that, let’s bring on Spring, Spring, Spring, to celebrate all life!

Welcome Spring!

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Welcome Spring! Birds singing, rivers running from snow melts, greens surfacing, animals and humans shedding their heavy coats. Yes, it’s Spring – home to the Easter and Passover holidays!

I know that for many Christian families, Easter is a very important holiday, if for no other reason than enjoying the sight of children smiling. Children always have fun at Easter time, with all the Easter eggs, and Easter hunts, fancy dinners, and competition over who gets to sit next to grandma. And of course, there’s all that candy ostensibly brought by the Easter Bunny.

According to Time, the origins of the Easter bunny are clouded in mystery. One theory is that the symbol of the rabbit stems from pagan tradition, specifically the festival of Eostre – a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

However, according to another version broadcast by the History Channel, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” The children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across the U.S. and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left out carrots for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.

Most importantly, Easter and Passover are times to connect or reconnect, enjoy, be still, and bask in the experience of being with loved ones. On these (and other) holidays, folks that don’t have any family or places to go are often invited to a friend’s or neighbor’s Seder (the Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner for the first night or first two nights of Passover) or Easter Dinner.

Like so many of us do during the emerging Spring, I stare in awe of Nature’s changes and all the emerging beauty that occurs during this time. It’s not always perfect, given some of those noisy birds, especially the woodpeckers. But it’s still fun to see squirrels and chipmunks scurrying around, the trees waiting to bud, and the grass starting to grow.

Recently, while doing a bit of Spring cleaning, I came across Rachel Carson’s Book, Silent Spring. Rachel Louise Carson was an American marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose writings are credited with advancing the global environmental movement. Clearly she was a woman who was way ahead of her time.

One matter of concern is that we need to do whatever is necessary to make sure our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, etc. get to share in the beauties of Nature. It’s an understatement, but one that needs to be observed: it’s crucial to protect the environment. There is a Native American philosophy that we need to save the Earth for seven generations. (Now an environmental company has adopted this philosophy, see https://www.7genergy.com/stakeholders/environment.) This is not something any of us can leave for others, including the government, to do. It is something we need to do in any way we can-become an activist, donate to true and effective environmental causes, recycle, etc. – because we want the next generations to inherit clean air and water, and all of the beauty that Mother Earth provides which sustains us. Just as we protect those we love, we need to protect Mother Earth.

In my travels, I often have conversations with people who are not only concerned about the environment, but who just love to talk about the Spring which of course includes discussing Nature, gardening, taking hikes and enjoying the sun. Honestly, those conversations warm my heart.

On another note, let me offer a great BIG thanks to all of those great people who attended my recent events in Louisiana and Canada. Met some wonderful mediums as well.

Of course, I look forward to seeing so many of you during my upcoming Spring events. Some new and of course repeats: Connecticut, St. Louis, Michigan, Minneapolis, and Chicago to name a few.

So, yes, it is now Spring. Open your hearts and savor the moments.

And as always wishing you the best of holidays!

Coming in Like a Lion!

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As the old saying goes: “March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” No truer words were ever spoken for the beginning of this March in the Northeast. We got slammed with a doozy of a storm as the month began, and as I key we are awaiting a snowstorm! Mother Nature doing her thing just when we began to hope for signs of Spring.

I’ve learned long ago, don’t get your hopes up looking for that green to emerge. Right now, in upstate New York, there is still lots of snow on the ground.

Do I dare say that the Spring Equinox is March 20th, just a couple of weeks away? There are two equinoxes each year, one in March and the other in September. It’s when the sun shines on the equator and there are equal periods of day and night.

There are many ancient sites that mark the Equinoxes. At Chichen Itza in Mexico, Mayans built a huge pyramid around the year A.D. 1000. The play of the Sun’s light on the pyramid signals the beginning of the seasons. On the Spring Equinox, the light pattern looks like a snake. Mayans called this day, “The Return of the Sun Serpent.”

I remember in 2012 when I visited the pyramids in Mexico. There were so many sites reflecting the Mayan history and calendar. I remember leaving the hotel at two in the morning to be at the pyramids at sunrise. So many spiritually-minded folks from various countries were welcoming that important calendar year.

I remember also that that was two years before Masaru Emoto, whom I met there at the Mexican pyramids, passed away. (As per Wikipedia, Masaru Emoto was a Japanese author, researcher, photographer and entrepreneur, who claimed that human consciousness has an effect on the molecular structure of water. “Emoto’s conjecture evolved over the years, and his early work explored his belief that water could react to positive thoughts and words, and that polluted water could be cleaned through prayer and positive visualization.” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Emoto) He was an amazing and dedicated man, to be sure. It was wonderful to meet him and his son. He was ailing at the time of the 2012 event but managed to donate his book, The Hidden Messages in Water, to all of Mexico – honoring the 2012 Mayan calendar event.

I am not surprised about all the attention that the Spring Equinox is given because, after all, who does not love Spring (aside from some of those with Spring allergies)? Personally, I think that it is actually Spring rather than the “New Year” that is the time for putting into action, things you want to change in your life. One goal for sure is getting into shape and shedding a few pounds. With the warmer weather, it is easier to go outside and enjoy yourself. Also, we don’t feel that we need to eat as much when the weather gets warmer.

With the coming of Spring, it’s also a pleasure to experience the awe-inspiring changes that surround you. The Winter is much more of a solitude state, unless you live in a warm climate of course – but then the other side of that coin is that you have to get inspired in another way when Springtime rolls around.

Part of the oncoming of Spring is the fun we allow ourselves to have on St. Paddy’s Day, on March 17th. The tradition of food, dancing, and singing, along with the bagpipes (and of course drinking – don’t overdo it!), helps make St. Paddy’s Day one remarkable event. Indeed, March 17th is the time for one of the largest parades in NYC and Boston. Like we should do on all holidays, take what makes you laugh and enjoy, and leave the rest behind.

And let us not forget that later, at the end of March, begins Passover.

Ah yes, March! I’m truly looking forward this month to returning to Lafayette, Louisiana and Toronto! Gotta love that Cajun and Creole food and culture!

Happy Spring Equinox to all! And let us not forget:

One swallow does not make a Spring.
Bluebirds are a sign of Spring; warm weather and gentle south breezes they bring.
In Spring, no one thinks of the snow that fell last year.
Don’t say that Spring has come until you can put your foot on nine daisies.
Spring-time sweet!
The whole Earth smiles, thy coming to greet.

Honoring Mother’s Day, Spring, and the Grieving Process

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Oh my my! My favorite month has just arrived, the merry month of May! Where we find that April showers do indeed bring May flowers.

In case you missed it, I did my spring video showing off my beautiful fuschias! Here it is.

There is always so much to see in the beginning of May. Not only the fuschias but of course my other favorite, the daffodils, both yellow by the way, such a joyful color.

Yes, the season begins! To me, the beginning of May marks the real beginning of Spring, a time when many of us want to break out in song, because we feel a little lighter as the cold weather becomes a thing of the past.

However, for those who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one, even the Spring flowers blooming, and green leaves returning, may go relatively unnoticed, or have little impact. When we lose someone, everything else can become secondary, as we grieve.

Although there is no formal manual for processing grief, I can offer a few tips. First of all, the process is totally individual, and thus varies from person to person.

If you’ve lost your mom recently, Mother’s Day – this year arriving late on Sunday, May 14th – may be particularly difficult. Even if your mom passed years ago, Mother’s Day may still be a sad day for you.

But keep in mind that grief will lessen over time, especially if you’ve had a visit from, or connection with, your deceased mom (or another deceased loved one who comes to mind on Mother’s Day). After making that connection, you might even be able to smile on Mother’s Day, especially if your loved one is near.

Pay attention! A visit from your mom on the Other Side may be more likely to occur on Mother’s Day than on a routine day of the year. If the connection occurs, it will make the loss so much easier to handle because you will very well realize that death is not the end. The spiritual self, our true essence, continues after physical death, as does our eternal Love for one another which keeps the connection intact.

Again, remember that everyone is different. If you feel you want to be alone on Mother’s Day to take a walk or a hike, read a book, or go to the movies – do so! In contrast, some folks like to play bingo! Whatever works! It’s all just fine. There are no hard and fast rules.

However, being flexible might help, just in case your sad mood suddenly changes for the better – perhaps because your mom was close to you even if the visit didn’t register consciously – so you can decide at the last minute that instead of being alone, you’d rather go out to dinner or do whatever with a friend, partner, or family member who just happens to be around.

Another suggestion I’d like to offer is this: On Mother’s Day, if the opportunity presents itself, give a toast (outwardly or inwardly) to your mom or other loved one who has passed, or light a candle (not necessarily in church). The same applies if it’s their birthday, or day of passing, or some other day or holiday that was/is still special to them.

You know more than anyone else about the Love you had, and still have, for the person who has passed. Sometimes that Love is manifested through focusing on special memories of the person, like when you laughed so hard together till you cried, or still cry when you look at their picture, taken perhaps during one of those trips you went on together and will never forget.

In short, trust yourself and honor your feelings with regard to the passing of your mother, mother figure, or anyone else. Allow yourself to be any way you want to be on Mother’s Day, and/or any other day. Be sad, be happy, be thoughtful or even angry. Walk your life without judgment if you can, and know that your departed loved ones are just a thought away, smiling at you and thanking you for all the good you did for them.

Looking forward to seeing all you New Jersey, Baltimore, Rochester, and Afterlife Conference folks in Portland soon!

Spring Holidays and Traditions

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Welcome to April! Having just passed the Vernal Equinox, which arrived officially on March 22nd, we are now in Aries. The rites of Spring and new beginnings are upon us! Let’s enjoy!

Aries is the beginning of the Zodiac. Indeed, most of you Aries folks are aware of this, but for those not in the know, it’s a good time to check with your favorite astrologer and ask them to bring you up to speed on what the stars say is about to happen in your life.

This year, April features the holy days of Passover and Easter, which are so very popular here in the US. These religious holidays are reflections of Spring – and symbolize joy, re-birth and new beginnings.

Interestingly, Passover is celebrated at home whereas Easter is primarily honored at church (although, of course, Easter dinners are quite popular). While Easter begins at sunrise and Passover starts at sundown, both events feature family gatherings and traditions. For children, there can be the fun of an Easter egg hunt, or getting to see and maybe sit next to Grandma and Grandpa at the Passover Seder.

Interesting too that Jesus’ Last Supper is often thought of as a Passover Seder meal (although there is some disagreement about this among religious scholars). In any event, Leonardo Di Vinci’s great artwork, “The Last Supper,” continues to remind us that Jesus was a Jew who observed Passover.

Speaking of great art, if you have never experienced listening to the magnificent “Saint John Passion” or the “Saint Matthew Passion,” both composed by Bach, give it a try. Both are moving, inspiring, and beautiful works of music that can elevate your spirit.

Speaking of which, the story of Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday not only elevates the spirits of Christians, but symbolizes for all of us that there is life after death. This interpretation reflects the reality of my work, which is to help you maintain your continued connections to your loved ones who have crossed over to the Other Side.

Easter is also a reminder that by listening, praying, meditating, and keeping our minds and hearts open, we can communicate with our loved ones who have crossed over. For we are all spirits having a human experience on Planet Earth. While our bodies may eventually turn to dust, the true essence of what we are, like Love, does not die.

But getting back to Earth for a moment, I would suggest that you take advantage of this wonderful time in April. If you have any little ones, you know that they love painting eggs, and participating in egg hunts. Even at the White House, people are participating in “Easter Egg Rolls.” For my Jewish friends, make sure you attend that traditional Seder. If Grandma or Grandpa or any other loved one has crossed over, think of them while your are at the table, and perhaps say their names out loud if you feel that would be appropriate. At the very least, honor their memory in your heart. They will hear you. Chances are, they will be very close by. Our DPs love to come around on holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Given the state of world affairs, there are many countries where the population is unable to celebrate their religious holidays the way most of us are able to do here. I would suggest that you send those folks some Love, for we are all connected no matter what our religious beliefs may be.

And finally, let us all be grateful for what we do have – which is something we should do everyday, but especially at this time of the year, as we begin a new cycle.

Looking forward to all my visit to your town, some new but many once again. To name a few: Chicago, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Rochester and New Jersey.

Happy Spring!

The Merry Month of May!

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Happy Month of May! Most of you know that this is my favorite month of the year. Not because it’s my birth-month, but because in May, one can really feel that Spring has arrived.

I think it’s no coincidence that Mother’s Day comes in May, since May truly signifies the birth of Spring.

Needless to say, mothers are very important to us all, often THE most important person in our lives. Whether your relationship with mom is/was good, not so good, or really, really, really not good, it is still a key relationship. In one way or another, your relationship with mom will impact your entire life, and many, if not all, of your interpersonal relationships.

My friend Jane is always saying how she thanks her mother for all she’s learned, even though they have shared a very difficult relationship. There is wisdom in that perspective. We should all be thankful for the challenges we endure because, like old-fashioned photographs, we develop from the negative.

I recently had a wonderful session in which a young lady (let’s call her Mary, not her real name) came to me because she was receiving messages from her deceased mom and wanted to see if I could validate what was happening. What I got was that this was one wonderful mother who shared a rare honestly with her children.

There was a beach house that had been passed down from Mary’s grandparents who had borrowed money so that the family would be able to enjoy their summers together. Mary’s mother then passed the beach house to her and sisters but purposefully left out one sister who the mother knew would, because of her personality, create immeasurable problems in the family. Also excluded from the will was Mary’s only brother who was/is a gambler and drinker.

This was a mother who not only knew her children well but had the courage to make sure that the sharing of the beach house, which has now been in the family for generations, would remain a place of enjoyment. I don’t have to tell you how expensive beach property is, and nowadays buying one would be beyond the economic capacity of this extended family to purchase. I am sure Mary’s mom went through much soul searching before deciding to exclude two of her own children from her will for the sake of those that would continue to keep the beach house special, and free of acrimony.

During the session, as I sat there feeling how amazing a woman Mary’s mother was/is, I could not help but focus on the courage it took to exclude two of her own children from her last will and testament. More often than not, in my work, I often see how issues like this are often ignored, and then all the unfinished business causes chaos and splits families apart.

I’ve said it before and will share it a thousand times more – For those of us fortunate enough to possess some material wealth, there are three things we need to have:

  1. A will. It’s not only about money and property but also about your wishes regarding how you feel things should proceed after you transition. Be wise in whom you name as executor of your will. This should be someone you can trust to honor your wishes.
  2. Health proxy. Many of us know, or have at least heard about, the nightmare of not having someone appointed to make major decisions when a loved one is in a coma or on life support. Make sure you designate some who is NOT weak of heart. This needs to be someone who will, no matter what, follow your wishes, for example, with a DNR (do not resuscitate).
  3. Power of attorney. Again, if for some reason you cannot or are unable to make a decision while you are still alive, make sure you appoint someone who will carry out your expressed wishes. If finances are involved, give them the authority to pay your bills, etc. Often this will be the same person you name as the executor of your will, so when the time comes, that person will be familiar with your wishes and economic condition.

Although I connect freely with the Other Side, my work is about the living, as I’ve noted so many times before. For it is we who are left here on Earth, until our time comes, who must process our grief, and figure out how to move on after a loved one crosses over. It’s a challenge! And a time for soul growth. Of course, this may be especially tough for those of you who, this month, will celebrate your first Mother’s Day without your mom. But one thing you can be sure of this: she will be around. Watch for the signs, and trust what you feel and experience. Love never dies, especially a mother’s love.

So, in sum, on this coming Mother’s Day, make sure to celebrate all the mother figures in your life, whether they are alive or crossed over, and whether they are your natural born mothers or someone who has given you that motherly nurturing and loving. This of course includes grandmothers and great grandmothers, etc! Oh, and a reminder for all you husbands out there whose wives are moms-let your wife know how happy you are to be the father (or step-father) of her child or children. Make her feel special because, after all, she is!

One final reminder – never, never, never leave out Mother Earth from your Mother’s Day remembrances. She is the grandest mother of them all, the one who feeds us, houses us, clothes us, and allows us to breathe – while providing so much beauty in the world.

Please note that I will be doing two Mother’s Day events this year. I’m returning to WXLO in Worcester, MA for my 11th year on Friday, May 6, and I will be doing a very special Mother’s Day event in my own city, New York, with fellow medium Thomas John. I’m very excited about both. And, of course, I will again be at the Afterlife Conference in St. Louis on May 12 – 15. I’m so excited to be returning to Kansas City; I’ve been away too long.

Have a marvelous May. I’m so looking forward as always to connecting, spending time, and seeing so many of you again in my travels. As always, new friends are also most welcome!

Signs from the Animal Kingdom

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“Who says silence is golden?” I ask, somewhat rhetorically, while sitting in “the quiet of Nature.” As I write, the birds are in rare form shouting, “Spring! Spring! Spring!” For me, this is much more pleasant than experiencing silence. I also love to hear the calm wind blowing through blooming branches, and the sounds of the squirrels and chipmunks scurrying. All those wonderful sounds of life signaling the renewal of Spring. The cycle begins again.

As we all know, humans can make wonderful sounds too, with their voices and/or musical instruments. To name just a few of my favorite compositions: Rite of Spring, The Lark Ascending, Flight of the Bumble Bee, The Four Seasons . . . They’re all wonderful works well worth listening to, again and again. Of course, there are so many pop songs that pay tribute to Spring, and connect Spring to Life and Love, that I dare not start listing them lest I never finish this newsletter!

As we are all so well aware, Life (but not Love) ends in death. Remember though that death is merely a transition to renewed life in another form. This is a positive aspect.

Another positive aspect of death, say of a loved one, is that the experience can lift us to a new level of understanding. I am always quite amazed how death and grief often force us to look within ourselves, which opens a door to discovering what is truly important.

There is and will always be one constant in our earthly lives, and in our lives after death, and that is Love. Love does not die. Love continues on both sides when our loved ones make their transition into the Spirit World.

As I’ve said many times before, it is our DPs’ (dead persons’) responsibility to let us know that they are OK on the Other Side. Likewise, it is our responsibility here on this plane to listen and open our hearts to allow our DPs’ messages to come through.

There are so many ways through which we are able to connect to our DPs – dreams, smells, feeling a presence, electric or electronic happenings, special letters and/or numbers on license plates that grab the eye and heart, billboard messages that resonate, etc.

In many indigenous cultures, animal spirits are key to making a connection to the Other Side. Dr. Steven Farmer, whom I had as a guest on my radio show, is an expert on animal spirits and indigenous traditions. During the show, he focused on the native Hawaiian culture; an excerpt follows.

As I mentioned, every culture has a slightly different take on this idea of animal spirit guides. From ancient Hawaiian spirituality, still alive today, comes the concept of aumakua – spirit guides clothed in the language, customs, and mythos of this culture.

Aumakua (ow-ma-koo-ah) are very simply the spirits of deceased ancestors. They can be called on for protection, guidance, and spiritual support. The very first aumakua were the children of humans who had mated with the Akua, or primary gods, the main ones being Ku (Koo), Kane (Kah-nay), Lono, and Kanaloa (Kah-nah-low-ah). When someone died, they went through a period of time where they stayed with these Akua and thereby acquired a degree of mana, or power. Eventually they could make themselves known to their descendants. One of the most prevalent ways they could make their appearance – although not limited to this – was through animals and animal spirits. They could also show up in the wind, rain, or lightning, or in your dreams. . .

Very soon after her father’s death, Ellen took a walk on the beach. She noticed a dolphin jumping along the water, much closer to shore than usual. She realized that this was her father’s spirit expressing through and in cooperation with the spirit of Dolphin, embodied in the one that was tracking her as she walked along the shore. Ellen was reassured that her father was just fine in the spirit world. His spirit had elicited Dolphin’s help in getting this message to his daughter. This was her aumakua.

(Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/aumakua-familiars-and-spirit-animals-oh-my.html)

These wonderful animal spirit traditions exist to this day, but all we need to do is hang out with our doggie, kitty, bird, or whichever animal being(s) we are connected to, and listen! They will teach us much.

I will never forget the story about when the Tsunami hit Phuket, Thailand, all the elephants went to the high lands, and were saved. You can read about it here. The article discusses how we can learn much from the Nature and Animal kingdoms.

Let me close by reminding you of The Afterlife Conference I do each year, this time in May. The conference always ends with a water ceremony of one kind or another, which provides a wonderful closing to a very special weekend. Hope to see some of you there. I’ll also be appearing in Cromwell, Connecticut; at my special New York City “Mothers’ Day Event”; in Kansas City to which I’ll be returning after a few years; Chicago, and more!

Now . . . Time to get outside and play! It’s Spring! Enjoy!

Deep Thoughts for Spring

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Welcome to the advent of Spring! The Spring Equinox arrives March 19th.

Most folks, myself included, love the beginning of Spring! “Bring it on,” as they say. It’s time to plant seeds, literally. And, metaphorically, it’s time to plant “seeds” to bring about the needed changes in our lives – mentally, emotionally, physically and of course spiritually, the core of our being and soul.

March, of course, is filled with many fun holidays, including one of my favorites, St. Paddy’s Day. And for the more religious among us, Purim, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter . . . Whew! Quite extraordinary.

Just recently, a colleague of mine experienced something quite extraordinary, but in a negative way. A neighbor shot her kitty cat, wounding the animal seriously.

While there are many ways to handle painful situations, the rules change a bit if one is a spiritual counselor, as is my colleague. There are do’s and don’t’s.

Of course, we all have experienced the impulse to respond – as they say in the Old Testament – with an eye for an eye. Especially when someone in our family has been hurt. And, as we know, our furry companions are our family!

But that is not the way to go for anyone, especially a spiritual counselor. For we are all part of God. My colleague was of course angry and expressed that to the neighbor but took no steps of revenge, knowing, of course, that, “Karma is a bitch!”

We are all accountable for our actions, period. The person who shot the kitty will be held responsible, at some point, and pay a price. On a brighter note, although the kitty had to have his leg removed, he will in time heal, especially since he is surrounded by a loving family.

Of course, it would be a less joyful world without our furry companions. They are part of the ecological cycle and make the world a more precious, warm, and loving place to live and share. Be clear, that those who honor Mother Earth, also honor the creatures with whom we share this blessed space.

On another note, I recently received an email from a family I saw several years ago in Toronto . . . after my TV show The Afterlife was aired on OutTV in Canada. I remember, it was a very intense session, so much so that I wrote about it in my newsletter. It was wonderful to hear from them again, and learn that their transgender son’s passing did and continues to bring the family closer together in a way they hadn’t been prior to his crossing over to the Other Side.

It had been a heartwarming experience for me to serve as medium for this family, and I can’t help but note how things have changed here in the U.S.A. regarding transgender people. Most of us have moved on from total shock toward an acceptance of the differences among us. The hit TV show Transgender, and the movie The Danish Girl, helped spur things along. And then of course, there’s the story of Caitlyn Jenner.

Reflecting on all this, I recall how honored I felt to be chosen by this family which felt that I would be particularly sensitive to the issues at hand, and that I wouldn’t judge their transgender child who had committed suicide. Thankfully, I was able to convey all the feelings and thoughts that this family so needed to hear and know, from their loved one on the Other Side. Specifically, how the child felt incapable of being who he was, and how he felt to have taken his own life.

Thinking about this family, and knowing what they went through, and realizing that they can still love and forgive, and keep their hearts open, is an inspiration. How wonderful that they can continue to share the experiences their son, who became a daughter, taught them.

Now my friends, I know this is Spring, and that this is not one of my usual light Spring topics. However, I felt that I would be doing a disservice to all those parents and children who have gone through either one of these “taboos,” if I didn’t relay this story. I trust you will understand.

On a related note, hearing Jeffery Tambor speak, after winning the Emmy for his performance as a transgender person, about the greatest blessing he’s ever experienced playing that part, warmed my heart. The world is changing. But the bottom line is, we all want the same things in life, including someone to love.

And we all want warmer weather. So, in the spirit of Spring, remember . . . it is a new beginning for all. Let us head the words of the master, Jesus: “Judge not.” For we are all a part of God. All of our children are and will continue to be part of God. And yes, we will all be met by God and all our deceased loved ones when it is our time to cross over.

But in the meantime, come on! Everyone! Get ready! Soon it will be time to stop hibernating! Lose those coats, jump up and down and watch as the flowers begin to bloom. The breath of Spring is upon us!

Looking forward to sharing some spring fever with many of you!!!!! Check out my calendar for when I may be coming your way!