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Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
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Realms of Light

0 posted 2003-09-30 01:39 AM


My nephew Chad was eighteen years of age when he disappeared into the icy waters of Lake Ontario on March 17, 1995. The bodies of neither he, nor his five companions, have ever been found.

Chad may no longer be with us in the physical sense, but he is with us in spirit. He makes his presence known at family gatherings and, whenever any of us are in need, he's there to lend a helping hand.

A couple of years ago, my parents had a family Christmas in their home.  After the dinner, we all gathered around to take photographs for our family albums.  Remarks were made on how we wished Chad could have been there with us. After photographs were taken, the television was turned on and there was Chad on the television screen smiling and waving at us!  Apparently, "Vigil of Hope", a documentary on the disappearance of the Lost Boys, as they have come to be known, was being re-televised at that very same time. My sister had previously submitted a home video to the producer and portions of it had been included in the documentary. Chad smiling and waving had been one of the clips used! To say the very least, there was not a hair in that room that was not standing on end! Our beloved Chad had been there with us after all!

A couple of years after Chad's disappearance, my husband and I were selling our home.  The day after the "For Sale" sign had gone up, a couple walking past our house noticed the sign and decided to knock on our door.  They asked to look through the house and after having done so, they said they would like to buy the house and pay by cash!--and then offered a sum that was close to our asking price!  They suggested a closing date of over five months away--September 30th!--Chad's birthday! This is but one instance of how he lends a hand from the beyond.  He is our ever-watchful angel.

Last year, near the time of Chad's birthday, I was on my computer and "surfing the net". Suddenly I saw a flurry of activity out of the corner of my eye.  I then noticed that one of my "Favorites" folders was open. It was the one in which I store hundreds of the poems that I have submitted to an on-line poetry forum.  When I looked back to the centre of the screen, there was "Blue Jay In the Making", a poem that I had written for Chad for his tenth birthday!

Recently my sister, and Chad's younger brother, moved a great distance away. The evening prior to my sister's flight, while I was working at my computer, I heard the wind chimes in the dining room ringing so loudly that I had to put my hands over my ears! No windows were open, all the doors were locked--and I was home alone--or was I?

After several minutes the ringing subsided and I mustered up the nerve to go and investigate.  The wind chimes and the chandelier from which they were suspended, were softly swaying back and forth. The room felt charged with electricity and tingling sensations ran up and down my spine. I was surrounded by etheral, tinkling sounds that I cannot describe other than to say, I felt as though I was in the presence of an angel--Chad?

The ringing of the phone broke me out of my reverie. It was my youngest daughter calling to say she felt the urge to come over for a cup of tea. That certainly was timely, as I did not relish the idea of being "alone" that evening with her cousin's spirit. Shortly after her arrival, I was on the phone with a friend of mine, and I related the events of the evening to him. He said that he'd feel much better if he knew that it had been Chad's spirit that had been ringing the chimes. I told him that in my heart of hearts, I believed that it truly was his spirit, but that perhaps I would receive a sign from him, to rule out any uncertainty.  I then headed for the living room, where my daughter was switching through the television channels. As I entered the room, she paused on one of the channels and a man on the screen shouted out, "...and there's Chad!" I froze in my footsteps and asked my daughter, "What did he say?" She then replied, "...and there's Chad!"  We looked at each other with our eyes wide open, for we indeed then knew, that Chad was there with us. I believe that his visit tied in with the moving away of his mother and brother the following morning.

Chad is alive and well, and he continues to drop by our homes, from time to time, to pay us a visit.  We now know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our spirit lives on beyond physical death.  He has been there for us in our times of need, and has shared in our times of joy. He is our loving angel, forever on guard.

+*+*+*+
On completion of the above story, I happened to notice that it was only five days away from what would have been Chad's twenty-seventh birthday, and I truly believe that he had a hand in the writing of his story. I had no prior plans of writing it. I awoke in the morning and went straight to my computer and instantly found myself staring at an "Amazing Story Contest." Before I knew it, I had written the above story and clicked the "Submit" button! I then told all my friends and family that I was going to win that Short Story contest--and sure enough!--I did!--with Chad's help!

Happy Birthday, Chad!!!

Love,
Aunt Linda ~ your "Second Mom"

Postscript:

I just learned this evening (September 29, 2003) that earlier this week, my sister, Chad's younger brother and his girlfriend, had visited the mountains near where they now live. Being out in nature brings Chad even closer to us all.  As they beheld the beauty of the mountains and the small, pristine lake, they were overcome with their love for Chad and felt his presence. They spoke of how they wished that he could be with them on his up-coming birthday.

The three of them had walked out onto one of twenty or more of the docks that jutted out onto the lake. As they came to the end of it, they lowered their eyes and gasped in unison. There, engraved in large letters in the wood, was "CHAD"!

Post Postscript: 9/29/2003

On the 29th I also learned that I--rather, Chad and I, had won the Amazing Story contest! --a present from my beloved nephew who was like a son to me. Thank you, Sweetheart!

Post Post Postscript: 9/30/2003

Chad's spirit has been very active today ~ his birthday. This morning I felt compelled to email Chad's story to a woman whose poetry I had enjoyed reading in the past when she had been an active member of a poetry forum. She responded by copying a song from one of her CD's and emailing it to me. It was about dying young and going to glorious heaven. The first and last names of the song writer are the same as Chad's brother's middle and last names!  ~ Goosebumps, anyone?

~ Happy Birthday, Chad! ~ and many happy returns! We will love you forever!

----------------------------------------------------
Dear Chad:

Though you now live in
an unseen dimension,
you pierce the veil
to be with us in our
times of need, and to
share in our times of joy.
In some ways, your passing
has brought you even closer...

Eternal Love,
Aunt Linda

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (10-02-2003 10:02 PM).]

© Copyright 2003 Linda L. Dowd - All Rights Reserved
garysgirl
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Florida, USA
1 posted 2003-09-30 02:23 AM


Oh my goodness, Linda...this made me have chills, but they're good feeling chills!! This is an amazing story.
And, congratulations to you and Chad on winning the contest.
Happy Birthday to you, Chad!!  
hugs to you both,  
Ethel

QjQ
Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756
U.S.A.
2 posted 2003-09-30 02:36 AM


a terrific penning and tribute,,,

                                                            

Ringo
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3 posted 2003-09-30 03:40 AM


As I have mentioned before, I very rarely get emotional about much of anything, however the joy and love that you share in this was jsut all to real, and all too consuming.
I am so very glad that you have realized that our loved ones never truly leave... they remain a part of our lives as long as we allow them to.
Congrats on winning the contest. It was very truly deserved.

We are all equal but we’re individually different
and able to reach the impossible if we try.

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
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4 posted 2003-09-30 06:24 AM


I visit Prose, once or twice a week, and didn't know I'd be in here today, on the 30th of September...

just in order to wish Chad a Happy Birthday...

Now, Linda?  Will he make the hairs standing on my arms please, to go back to their proper place...

and pass the Kleenex?

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
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Canada eh.
5 posted 2003-09-30 09:10 AM


A wonderful loving tribute to your nephew.
I do believe death is just another level/plance of existence..
a mere footstep away, as I have many similar stories of departed loved ones.
Congrats to you and happy birthday to Chad!

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
6 posted 2003-09-30 05:45 PM


Happy Birthday Chad and thank you dear Linda for sharing this wonderful story.
And congratulations for winning ... to both.
Chad is so cute and all his gifts of presence just show his love for you.
Love, Margherita

Martie
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California
7 posted 2003-09-30 11:22 PM


Linda...thank you for this...and happy birthday Chad!!  
Earth Angel
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8 posted 2003-10-02 09:09 AM


Ethel ~

I literally could fill a book with his shenanigans! Here's another one for you:

My husband and I had been out for a long drive and came upon a town where a friend of his had moved to the year before. We didn't have his address or phone number so we went to a gas station to get the number from their telephone directory. As soon as I opened the book, the name "Chad" immediately caught my eye! We then headed into town and as we stopped at an intersection, I saw Chad standing on the far corner--smiling and waving at me--and wearing the same clothes that he worn the last time I we had been together. I was trying to wave back but I could barely move. My husband asked what I was doing and as I haltingly started to speak, Chad was gone! Instead, there was another boy standing there--and he did not have the faintest resemblance to my nephew.

Love & Eternal Life,
Linda

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (10-02-2003 09:11 AM).]

Earth Angel
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9 posted 2003-10-02 09:12 AM


Q ~

I than-Q! & Chad thanks you, as well!


EA & Chad

Earth Angel
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10 posted 2003-10-02 09:23 AM


Ringo ~

I appreciated receiving your lovely reply.  My sister and Chad's brother are so touched by the outpouring of love from the Pipsters. I am also sending the emails that I have received in response to my story about Chad.

Thank you, Paul! I mean John--I mean George--I really mean Ringo!--'cause you're the Starr!

Love & Eternal Life,
Linda

Earth Angel
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11 posted 2003-10-02 09:25 AM


Sunshine ~

It looks like Chad had wanted you to drop by on his birthday! He is a powerful manifesting spirit--I'm sure he's the one who returned all your raised hairs back to their proper position! lol

Love & Eternal Life,
Linda



Earth Angel
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12 posted 2003-10-02 09:33 AM


Enchantress ~

Nancy, I knew that you would have had similar experiences in your life!

--and yes, the Other Side is but a "footstep away"--and three feet off the ground!

Love and Eternal Life,
Linda

Earth Angel
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13 posted 2003-10-02 09:37 AM


Margharita ~

You're a pet! A beautiful response to Chad's and my poem!  While I was writing it, my pulse was racing to over 140 beats per minute. (It's the nurse in me, I checked it! ) When the story was completed, I lay down on my bed and within a few minutes it was back to normal. His energy melds into mine when he is nearby and it revs up my own vibrations.

Love & Everlasting Life,
Linda

Earth Angel
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14 posted 2003-10-02 09:39 AM


Martie ~

My Dear Martie, I understand where you are coming from when you thank me.  I am thankful if this true story of the spirit surviving physical death has helped you in any way.

Love & Eternal Life,
Linda

skyshine
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15 posted 2003-10-02 02:41 PM


THANK YOU LINDA!!! I NEEDED TO HEAR A STORY LIKE THIS!!!! Isn't it awesome how spirits are always there with us? Let me tell you my story, because I'm sure you will enjoy hearing it. On a Sunday evening last fall, I had a feeling that one of my friends needed me to pray for him. So I did. I wasn't worried or scared or panicked, I just felt like my friend needed my prayers at the moment. The next day, Monday, we had class (choir) at 11 and he was about 15 or so minutes late, which wasn't unusual for him. We were in the middle of warming up when he did get there, and I wasn't looking too closely at him so I didn't see anything unusual. But after that our choir director Pauline told us to stand up so we could start singing the songs we were working on, and our other friend Tyler yells out, "I think we should let Andy sit because he was in a car accident on his way here!" (Andy is my friend that I was praying for.) So Pauline asked Andy to tell us all what had happened. Turns out he was getting ready to leave for class, got into his friend's car (in the driver's seat), and before he had even closed the door another car came down the street, out of no where and going much too fast. The car door ended up slamming on his foot and almost broke it but didn't. I know that if he had been just an instant longer in getting in the car it could've been a lot worse than that and I was incredibly grateful that I had prayed for him the night before! A few days after that I wrote it all in my journal. It was a bit of a rough time for me, because Andy is my ex boyfriend, and we weren't even speaking to each other at the time. I still cared a lot about him (still do) but I was beginning to have a lot of doubts about things, like what was my purpose, I wasn't close to him and I felt like it didn't matter whether I knew him and cared about him because he didn't care. But this showed me that he did need me there, even though he didn't know it, because he needed somebody to pray for him. Even though we didn't talk right away after that it showed me that it is important to care about people and pray for them even if they are not nice to you. Guess when exactly all this happened? The Sunday evening was September 29th, 2002, and the Monday morning was September 30th, 2002! Isn't that amazing! So it was just about a year ago and Chad's birthday as well. Maybe he's helping me and my friend too!

I'm really glad I read this story today, Linda, because once again I was beginning to doubt. This day, October 2nd, is when I was beginning to figure everything out a year ago (it's in my journal so I remember the date and thoughts very well). And now exactly one year later here I am reading your story and it just reinforced everything for me. Now I know that I should never stop caring for my friend no matter what happens. I'm sorry that I turned this reply to your story into another story but I wanted you to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing your story because it helped me a lot. And congrats to you and Chad on winning the contest! Email me if you want.

~Elizabeth

Dreams last for so long, even after you're gone...
~Jewel

Earth Angel
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16 posted 2003-10-02 10:01 PM


Elizabeth, your story gave me the tingles! That was amazing! You probably saved Andy's life! There definitely is a soul connection there.

Time has a way of healing and sometimes we find ourselves back with a loved one when the timing is right. Perhaps, in time you two may be reunited. This has just happened to me, and I do believe Chad had a hand in this. The synchronicitous happenings that brought us back together are beyond coincidences. And believe me, there was a plethora of them!

I do appreciate you sharing your story. It is additional proof that there is more going on around us than meets the eye!

Loves 'n hugs,
Linda

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (10-02-2003 10:18 PM).]

River
Senior Member
since 2003-09-16
Posts 627
my own little world
17 posted 2003-10-17 09:20 PM


wow, this is amazing...i would feel kreeped out if it happened to me =) but not in a bad way...just...happy eerie. i hope someday when you reunite with Chad you can give him a hard time about what a rascal he's being to you all by giving you goosebumps

            - River

Love hurts as bad as it feels good.

Earth Angel
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Realms of Light
18 posted 2003-10-21 02:47 PM


River ~

I love your name! ~ and your reply! lol Thank you!

To Life Eternal,
EA

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
19 posted 2005-02-09 05:26 PM


To quote you in part with my sentiments after reading this amazing tale, "to say the very least, there" is "not a hair in" this "room that" is "not standing on end!"  WOW!  Congratulations to you both for winning the story contest....I think Chad gave everyone a gift.  Thanks, Linda, to letting me know about this and sharing it with me!  KBHBLY....lily jo
JamesMichael
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since 1999-11-16
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Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
20 posted 2005-02-10 06:34 PM


Wonderful writing...James
davidmerriman
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since 2003-04-30
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Dallas, TX
21 posted 2005-02-11 06:12 PM


hmm...New Age Chicken Soup for the Soul?
miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
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OH
22 posted 2005-02-22 12:39 PM


This gave me goosebumps, Linda.  (I felt the same spirit when my dad died.  He was there with us for a while, I'm sure.

Enjoyed your special story.

Mysteria
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23 posted 2005-02-22 12:57 PM


This made me smile to know it will continue in your life as well.  If we are close to someone who passes, and believe we can always reach them, we do.  I know we do.
Martie
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24 posted 2005-02-22 02:13 PM


Linda

I'm so glad this came back up so that I could read it again and library it!  

Martie
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25 posted 2005-02-22 02:15 PM


Oops!  Forgot to click the library button.
Earth Angel
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26 posted 2005-03-01 05:25 PM


iliana ~

The 10th anniversary of the disappearance of Chad and 5 of his friends, is fast approaching ~ March 17.

I just now got off the phone from being interviewed by a newspaper reporter. It was very emotional for me. It is nice to know that the "Lost Boys" have not been forgotten.

Love & Eternal Light,
Linda

Earth Angel
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27 posted 2005-03-01 05:27 PM


James ~

Thank you. When it's a true story, one writes straight from the heart.


Linda

Earth Angel
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28 posted 2005-03-01 05:28 PM


david ~

Hmm! Not a bad idea! I would love to read of other people's experiences!


Linda

Earth Angel
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29 posted 2005-03-01 05:31 PM


Miss C ~

As a nurse, I have been in the presence of many people at the moment their spirit has left their body. It is an undescribable feeling. I understand what you experienced when your father passed.

Love & Light,
Linda

Earth Angel
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30 posted 2005-03-01 05:32 PM


Mysteria ~

Yes, 'tis truly so...

Blessings to you,
Linda

Earth Angel
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31 posted 2005-03-01 05:35 PM


Martie ~

In a way, White Dove had a hand in this post popping back up. Iliana and I were talking about Becky and that in turn caused me to mention this post about Chad and about life after death.

Love & Eternal Light,
Linda

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
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Realms of Light
32 posted 2005-03-01 05:37 PM


Martie ~

I am pleased that you are saving this true story of life after death ~ Michelle is smiling at you.

God bless you both!
Linda

Seymour Tabin
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since 1999-07-07
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Tamarac Fla
33 posted 2005-03-17 08:31 AM


Linda,
The mind is the garden of the soul and you have quite a mind. Thank you for being you.

Earth Angel
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34 posted 2005-03-17 09:14 AM


Mr. T., it means a great deal to me that you read this post and I sincerely thank you for your kind words.

Chad's shenanigans continue ~ but that is to be expected! It's the Irish spirit in him! Shamrock 2

Angel loves 'n kisses,
EA

Magnus
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35 posted 2005-03-17 06:23 PM


I guess I can type, cause right now,  I
am rather speechless, a little overwhelmed
and extremely touched by all of this...

Little lady,  you are blessed, and so are
we for having you here.

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
36 posted 2005-03-18 12:05 PM


Barry, I just felt my own throat tighten with your very touching comments. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Love & Eternal Light,
Linda

ivordavies
Senior Member
since 2007-01-10
Posts 739
Chester, England
37 posted 2007-04-28 08:14 PM


Linda,

Have just found this after posting 'Fantasy Friends'.  I actually searched on your name as I fancied a little rhyming poetry to refresh my mind after a busy day.

Although it was obvious by the nature of yur work that you had travelled many paths akin to mine, I must admit I was somewhat surprised to see this posted as many people tend not to openly discuss subjects of this nature.

I myself do, but have even noticed a reduction in my 'admirers?', since openly posting spiritual content.

Chad sounds like he enjoyed your love and has become what I would loosley call one of your guides also.  We (society) normally try to teach our youngsters that spirititual friends are a figment of their imagination and they will be seen as 'mad' if they talk about them.  No wonder people are losing their ability to sense their  presence.

I have post work on only two sites, this one and Lit.Org and I have many kindred spirits on Lit, though that site has slowed down a bit now.  I hope to build up the same relationships here and I am sure you are aware that yu have joined the spiritual links I am aware of.

Another poet who shares my wavelength who frequents both sites is Grandma Bea,  although she does not always follow my train of thoughts and is not slow in telling me so!  She led me to Lit and led me here and I will alaways be grateful to her.

I have not had time to look at all your poetry but would be very interested to read more about Chad, has he influenced any of your poetry yet.  My poem 'Ashes in the Wind' was written directly by my daughter through me, whilst at work between car inspections, in a marquee on a superstore car park!

Excuse my ramblings, but it is always nice to meet somebody who has the sense to believe what they know to be true....


Ivor
(ivor@ivordavies.co.uk)

aziza
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since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
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38 posted 2007-04-28 10:53 PM


Linda

What a wonderful story.  When my brother died I remember my Mom talking of feeling him - she knew he was still with us.  I never felt it.

I had his car, stereo, tapes and some other things and I felt pretty guilty about owning these things that had been his.  I also missed him terribly; he was my big brother and I loved him so much.

One night I had a "dream" - in this dream my brother came to me and gave me all that I had of his.  He told me he loved me and wanted me to have his car, etc.  That it made him happy.  I woke up sobbing, but felt such a peace inside.  

I know he came to me that night.  He came out of love - and because he always took care of me.  He still does.

Love
A

miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
39 posted 2007-04-30 06:41 PM


When this came to the top again, I dove right in for another read.  Goosebumps, again...  

All the events couldn't be just coincidental could they?   So many times, I find those little serendipities!  I'm so glad I read this again.  It deserves the recognition it has received1


luv,
miscellanea

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