Ruth Williams

I’ve had an interest in sleeping and dreaming since I was a little girl. Because of this, I’ve been keeping a dream journal for many years. I turn to it first thing in the morning, hurriedly recording the sometimes surprising and often revealing details of the adventures of my subconscious. In fact, I have several reference books that reflect on the symbols of dreams.

Many people share that their dreams play an integral part in their journey of grief. Some report having vivid dreams of loved ones. My own belief is that it may indeed be very real. One challenge is that many who desire some “tangible” kind of reassurance that their loved one is all right (in whatever/wherever they believe to be the next phase of existence) don’t always have that hoped-for dream as confirmation. And, obviously, such phenomena cannot be forced or rushed. For some, such a dream could even be frightening or unsettling.

The subconscious understandably has been the subject of curiosity for centuries. Why one is the recipient of a “visitation” in a dream and another is not, I’m not sure. We are all unique individuals and therefore experience grief uniquely. Not everyone is even conscious of dreaming, rarely recalling a dream.

Gifts come in many different forms. Seeing, feeling, hearing, or even smelling loved ones in dreams or in waking hours following their death can be one of many memorable experiences to treasure. Questioning whether or not it’s “real” – to me, at least – is unimportant. To be grateful for the gift can be a welcome part of the healing.

• Dreamers claim they can talk to dead loved ones (WSMV Channel 4 News)
• Visits from the dearly departed: Hallucinations or sacred encounters? (Alive Hospice Blog)