My Upcoming Radio Show Interview

This Wednesday, August 22, I will be a guest on Pamela Marie Edmunds blog talk radio show, "Bridge Between Two Worlds."  I will be discussing my book of poetry and the turn my life has taken with the passing of my son, Graham.  I hope that you will be able to listen.  Here is the link to the show-

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bridgebetween/2012/08/23/a-mothers-tears-with-author-claire-ann-stevenson

 

If you're unable to listen to this live, the show will be archived. 

Homecoming

When we cross over after we die,
There’s a celebration on the other side,
Do not cry when earthly life is done,
We are back home, moving to a higher rung.

The soul is eternal, we never end,
And we will all be together again,
Our loved ones cheer our return,
Rejoicing with us in what we have learned.

Our concept of time is limited while here,
We only think it’s linear,
There is no measurement for time,
In the universe’s eternal rhyme.

Give me the enlightenment to see,
That all is as it’s meant to be,
Time can seem to move too fast or too slow,
But with a spiritual perspective we come to know.

That whether life is short or long,
We are where we belong,
Playing out the plans of our soul,
On the path to becoming whole.

If I Die Young

Yesterday I had an appointment.  I was having a conversation with two of the women working there as I was getting ready to leave.  I was letting them know about Pamela Marie Edmund's radio show that I will be the guest on next week and the next thing I heard was the song, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry playing!  I looked at them and said, "You see, Graham is always letting me know that he is here.  That song is one of the songs on my playlist."  One of the women said, "Oh, I have goosebumps!"  It's these signs from our loved ones that help us to keep going.  In case any of you have not heard this great song, here it is.  My favorite line is "Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother.  She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors."
Love to all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0iEj7alzAI

Mothers Hold Their Children's Hands for a Little While but Their Hearts Forever

A few days ago I spent a lovely day with two friends.  We drove to a special spiritual store at a lovely outdoor mall in Richmond.  We had lunch and shared many things with each other.  When I was talking about my son, Graham, tears naturally came.  I showed them the bracelets I was wearing and the significance of them.  One bracelet I wear almost every day has this wonderful inscription on it - "Mothers hold their children's hands for a little while but their hearts forever."  When we left the restaurant I was still teary eyed and thinking about Graham.  As we were walking by the store windows, one of my friends said, "Look at what is in this store window."  There was a pretty display of decorated canvases. Several of them were about mothers.  The one in this picture was in the center and one of the sayings on it is the very same inscription I had just shared with them from my bracelet!  We all felt that was not coincidental.  I think Graham wanted me to have this.  I bought it and have it in my bedroom.  I am so grateful for his messages of love.

Hummingbird Video

We were able to get this short video of a hummingbird tonight! Hummingbirds show how to accomplish what seems impossible and how to bring the miracle of joy back into our lives. They are a reminder for us to find happiness in all things. I work every day on rediscovering joy. Aren't they beautiful little messengers?

  (Note:  This was taken in HD, but apparently blogger.com does not have the capability of displaying videos in HD.)

For Good

This is a lovely song.  Yes, Graham, because I knew you, I've been changed for good.  I love you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtMN3mXmvqU

Heavenly Team

I believe that we all have a "heavenly team" of helpers. Our team is comprised of many different beings - passed loved ones, ancestors, spirit guides, angels, saints, and ascended masters. While out driving today this message was brought very clearly to me. When I was behind a car today I did a double take when I noticed the license plate. The license plate read ANGEL-85. 1985 was the year my son, Graham, was born! I kept thinking about this sign. When I was driving home I was amazed when I noticed another license plate on a car in front of me again. It read ST RAFEL. St Raphael, or Archangel Raphael, is the angel associated with healing. I found this link about him if you are interested in more from Doreen Virtue. http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Angels/2010/06/Healing-Miracles-of-Archangel-Raphael.aspx?b=1 You know how validations often come in threes? Well, there was one more sign. One last car I noticed had a fish with the word JESUS inside it! I was feeling the need for a message and I feel that my heart's plea was answered. We are never truly alone. Love and blessings to us all.

Butterfly Release and Memorial Garden Dedication

This past Sunday my husband and I attended a very special event. We are a part of the Bereaved Parents of the USA Northern Virginia Chapter. The chapter had a butterfly release as part of a memorial garden dedication for our precious children. The garden is lovely. It will be wonderful to have this tranquil garden of love and healing to visit and find comfort in. Our treasured children, always and forever. We love you. 

Here is a link to more pictures of this special day: Memorial Garden Butterfly Release

Always and Forever Song

I was driving the other day and this old song came on the radio. I was so surprised! I believe that my son, Graham, wanted to give me another "always and forever" message of love. I cried all the way to the store.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UniZucAo0r8

Fourth of July Memories

 This picture is from the Fourth of July, 2007. We had family and some of the neighbors over for a little celebration on our patio. It's one of our favorite pictures of Laura and Graham. We treasure this wonderful memory. We love you, Graham, and miss you so much.  I thought this song, "Firework," by Katy Perry, would be a perfect accompaniment - it reminds me of Graham.  He was like a brilliant firework.  Happy Fourth of July to everyone! 

Angel Standing By - Jewell song

I think this is a lovely song.  Bless all of our angels.   Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61XkGntxMdY

The symbol of rebirth and resurrection

In April we had a lovely water garden built in our backyard.  (See my April 2012 posts for some pictures and explanations.)  Included with the water garden were several aquatic plants.  I didn't know what they all were; they were chosen by the water garden designer.  It turns out that one of the plants is a beautiful white calla lily.  It blossomed this past week.  I was curious about the symbolism of calla lilies.  I looked up the meaning of this flower and discovered that it represents rebirth and resurrection.  That's why they are often used in weddings and funerals.  White represents purity.  I don't believe that it was a coincidence for the calla lily to be included as a part of our water garden.  I am so pleased to have this special flower as a part of our memorial water garden for Graham.  I believe that it was meant to be, a message from my son. It inspired this poem.

Calla Lily

A trumpet shaped calla lily tall and upright,
Majestic and lovely in the morning light,
Heralding a message of victory and rebirth,
Resurrection and faith from fertile earth.

White, the color of angels and divine purity,
Holiness and Mary and sympathy,
Beauty and comfort that inspires and uplifts,
One of nature’s most beautiful gifts.

A balloon message

These last several weeks seem to have been a time of a lot of signs and messages!  I am so grateful. Here is the latest one I feel I received. 

Last week I went to a party store looking for some birthday balloons for my mother's birthday. While I was there looking at all the balloons to choose from on the store's display wall, I saw this heart-shaped balloon that said - Love Always and Forever! I felt that it was another always and forever sign from my son, Graham. I had to go back today and take a picture of it to share with everyone.

A never alone song and message

I clicked on this music video shared by a Facebook friend this morning to listen to.  The song is "Never Alone" by Lady Antebellum.  It is such a beautiful song.  The message is wonderful.  As I was listening I walked into my kitchen and saw my phone turn itself on!  I know it was my son validating the message in the song - never alone.  I am so grateful for Graham's signs and messages.  They bring so much comfort and reassurance of our eternal connection. That means everything to me.  Our loved ones are always with us.  Thank you, Graham.  I love you.

Never Alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pXrMPtCVcE