Many people think after someone has died they can no longer stay connected. It may seem impossible – not true my friends.

Relationships can continue – they are simply thoughts about another person.

Some ideas to maintain connection are: 

*Write letters to the person in your journal or in an actual card.

*Share stories about them to relatives, friends or even strangers.

*Talk out loud or in your head to them.

*Practice embodying values they held, like “My mother embodied kindness, she would have….” and then do it.

*Wear something that was theirs and sense the connection. I have a red fleece that was my grandmother’s. When I wear it I feel like I am getting a hug from her.

*Do a charitable deed in honor of them. One friend I know hosts a yearly bike race in the honor of her spouse. The donations go to research the disease he had.  He loved to bike.

*Celebrate the anniversary of the death or birthday by going to the cemetery, cooking a special meal, lighting a candle or sharing memories.

Back to the butterflies… My granny loved Monarch butterflies. Recently I read they were going extinct. Now they are making a comeback. She loved yellow and orange. Whenever I see a yellow or orange butterfly, I say to myself or whomever is with me, “Granny is visiting. I wonder what she wants to tell me.”

See what works for you.  Bottom line – if you want, you can stay connected to those who have passed.

Please reach out for a free session regarding caregiving or anything else for that matter. I would love to help.

P.S. I went on a walk after writing this and before I posted it.  A bright orange butterfly flew next to me.