It Isn't Always Imagination

Before you begin reading, I would like to post a "Tissue Warning" for all the em-paths. (Before I get a telling-off again!)

I have noted with interest, that many folks post stories from their childhood, in which they recall sightings of ghosts or spirits. I have also noted just how many folks claim that nobody believed them. I, personally, think this is a crying shame!

We have an eight -year- old granddaughter; she lost her mother to cancer, last year. One evening, shortly after our loss, we were waiting in our car for our Kentucky Fried Chicken order that we placed. As I was in the front passenger seat, I rolled down the window, and lit a cigarette. Shenay, sitting in the back seat, suddenly piped up "Mommy says that you must give up smoking, it is very bad for you!" I was taken aback. She went on to say, "Mommy can see how many cigarettes you smoke; she is sitting here, right beside me." I quietly threw my smoke out of the window. I believe that Shenay has a gift!

This was not the first time that Shenay had displayed her gift; I didn't take this as a "flight of fancy". Sometime ago, last summer, if I recall correctly, my husband Ray and I decided to pay an unexpected visit to our youngest daughter, Angel. She lived to the south of Johannesburg - approximately 45 minutes drive from our house in Randfontein. As we pulled up in front of Angel's house, we were surprised to see both Angel and Shenay standing, waiting on the top step, at the open front security gate.

Angel looked surprised; Shenay was dancing with glee! We soon learned the reason why! After the usual hugs and kisses were exchanged, Angel explained that Shenay had said," Mom and Doll (our grand-children's names for us) are nearly here! Let's wait for them outside." Angel had obligingly complied with her daughter's request, and had been pleasantly surprised to see that Shenay was correct. There was just no way, that Shenay could have known in advance, as it was an 'impulse' visit on our part.

The next time that Shenay showed 'insight' (to our knowledge), was two days before her mommy was taken from us. Angel had been taken to hospital by her friend and neighbour, "K", on Sunday. On Monday morning, we visited Angel, before fetching my brother Rob from the airport. On Monday afternoon, after fetching Shenay from school, "K" took Shenay to visit her mommy in the Alberton hospital. On the way home, Shenay told "K", "My mommy isn't coming home from hospital, this time!" In my mind, this is a very profound statement for a seven - year- old to make. This was a prediction, which was proved so true.

"K" kindly continued to look after Shenay, letting her stay in her home. The morning of 6th June, Shenay woke "K" at 5:40am; sobbing, saying that her mommy was dead. She had had a terrible nightmare, in which a man, dressed all in black, had killed her mommy, and taken her away. In fact - Angel took her last breath at 6:10 - I was with her, holding her hand; looking into her eyes, when it happened. I was there to give her 'permission' to 'leave'.

On the 14th June, a memorial service was held for our Angel, in a church in one of Johannesburg's southern suburbs. The church was filled to capacity. I never knew just how much our youngest daughter was loved and respected by so many people. Toward the end of the service, the Pastor motioned for Shenay to come up to the pulpit, saying that she knew that Shen had something to say to the congregation.

Shenay stood up straight, looking out over the congregation; her blue eyes were rimmed with tears. She told us with conviction that she was glad to see us all there; that her mommy was at now at peace, no longer in pain, that she was now 'dancing with the Lord'. She then went on to hug each and every person that was assembled there - there wasn't a dry eye in the place!

Later, when all were having refreshments, the folks commented that Shenay had spoken like an older child would have, older than her years. Shenay later told the family that she felt her mother's hand on her shoulder as she stood by the pulpit. She had also heard as Angel had whispered instructions into her ear, as what to say and do.

About 3 ½ months later, after Nicky (Angel's eldest, unmarried sister) had taken on the burden of Shenay's up-bringing, having moved Shenay into her tiny townhouse, the following scene took place: Nicky and Shenay were in the lounge chatting. Nicky had her back towards Shenay's bedroom door. They were talking about the death of one of Shen's hamsters. Suddenly, Shen started laughing. Nicky asked, "What is so funny?" Shen replied, "Mommy. She is making faces at me. Maybe she is trying to cheer me up." Nicky asked, "Where is Mommy?" Shenay answered, "In my door way!"

A friend of Nicky's now fetches Shenay from her 'new' school, taking care of her and seeing that she does her homework, until Nicky can fetch her after work. This lady tells of how Shenay has, on occasion, mentioned that her Mommy is in the front passenger seat in the car. Luckily, this lady too has a son who also sees spirits - so it isn't something 'new' to her.

It gladdens my heart to know that Shenay is growing up with friends and family who understand her and can appreciate what she is going through, that nobody (to my knowledge) has told her that she is crazy, or that it's all in her head. It would be a long and lonely journey for her, if it were all in her imagination!

Thank you for reading Shenay's experiences. I am sure there will be a lot more in the future.