Category: unknown

We Buried Mom

Funeral Home Visit

I drove my dad and sister to the funeral home of Mom’s choosing to make the arrangements. The funeral home was vacant, except for one lone car. We were greeted by a friendly, casually dressed Funeral Director. To my surprise the funeral home seemed to need some upkeep. The concrete steps needed repaired, paint was chipping, cloth awnings fading. Once inside the foyer, the oriental rugs were worn, carpet ornate but faded. The home was massive. He ushered us into a large, but vacant side office. He was very forward about the costs, which was very appreciated. There was no upselling, no pushy sales and no false sympathy. He also let us know that the funeral home provided the death certificates. He would get us three copies, the norm he said. If we needed additional to let him know. Any questions I could text him. He led us into a very small showroom of 8 caskets, samples of other models, visitation books, prayer cards, etc., while he went into another office. During that time he asked if we were expecting others as two men approached the main entrance. Surprised, I said no, and he met two men at the door. The Director explained that an appointment is preferred. These men in easily in their late 60’s, introduced themselves and explained that they were in the area and had some questions. The director stated that he was currently with an appointment and to return in about two hours. Afterwards, I thought, who in their right mind, would just randomly stop at a funeral home – in this day and age- just to ask questions? After we made our choices, I asked him if Mom was here. He explained that though he lived there, this was a satellite location and Mom was at their main home about 8 miles away. Later, when I explained this to dad, he was a little upset, as this location was only 3 miles from home.

Mom Pre-Planned

Mom had pre-planned her funeral, in the sense that she worked out almost 2 years prior with our parish Priest her choices. Mom picked all hymns and scriptures. She left notes in her office of her preference in casket (cherry) and her clothing. You even wrote a poem to be read for her eulogy. So, these things helped immensely. Also, she wanted the visitation, Mass and burial all in one day. This is a relatively new trend in our parish, but Mom really liked the idea. Also, thankfully about a year earlier, Mom and I had purchased 8 plots in our parish cemetery. Our Priest gave us a great deal and squeezed out enough plots for our immediate family. We were going to work on opening and closing costs in the spring when I got my tax return. When it came time to write the obituary and eulogy, the Director let me know that newspaper obituaries in our area are very expensive. For a modest in length obituary, for only one day, was $600.00. Regardless, we chose to have it in two of our local papers, as I wanted as many people as possible to attend her funeral. In the obituary I asked that in lieu of flowers, that any mourners please light a votive candle for her soul. Our parish has an exact replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France behind the church, which leads to the cemetery. Inside the grotto “cave” are approximately 100 votive candles to be lit for various causes and prayers. Later, by our estimation at least 30 candles were lit for the repose of her soul. Mom being of Irish decent, liked the idea of a wake, and the Knights of Columbus Hall is adjacent to the church, so immediately after internment, all were welcomed for luncheon. The church has a funeral dinner committee and dad made arrangements with them to purchase the food/drinks for 120 people. It was a great bargain at $1000.00, including the hall, courtesy of our brother-in-law, who is a Knight. All said and done, with opening/closing, funeral home services, obituaries and food it was just under $13,000.00. Mom had $21,500.00 in life insurance, but it takes weeks to get the payout. So, dad withdrew from the savings to pay for it. We had a brief meeting at the Parish house with our Priest to go over the arrangements. He had visited Mom at the hospital three times to anoint her and called me during her final hours and after her death. He started with a prayer for her and went over Mom’s Mass notes. I was surprised to learn that Mom’s eulogy needed to be trimmed for brevity. This was due to his concern over taking from the point of the Mass. So, when I was finished with my draft, I sent it to Father for the okay. He did okay it, though long, most likely out of love for Mom. Later, I made four photo boards for the visitation and hall luncheon. I had to drop off Mom’s clothing, compression hose, undergarments at the main funeral home. This location was situated next to a vast cemetery. This funeral home was much older, and it too, needed some upkeeping. At the main funeral home, which was massive, I had to walk around three sides of the building to find the correct entrance. As all the other entrances were locked with a ‘see main entrance’ sign. Once I found the main entrance, more of a side doorway with three steps, I had to buzz an old-fashioned intercom. I expected to be buzzed in, but no. I stated my name and reason, and an elderly woman cracked the door open just wide enough to take the bag of clothes. I realized that extreme precautions are probably in place due to curiosity seekers, or worse.

The Funeral

The family needed to be at the church by 9:00 A.M. This was to give us some time with her before the public visitation. That was the first time we were to see her since the hospital. Once at the church, I was surprised to see that her open casket was at the back of the church, near the entrance. Mom looked good. The funeral home prepared her with minimal make-up. They curled her hair and left her hands untouched. None of the excessive heavy flesh tone, that I had seen at prior calling hours. I prayed for her every chance I had. Especially at her casket. Having read a lot about the poor souls in purgatory, I know that the dead need our prayers for their deliverance. Soon the visitors arrived, to sign in and greet the family. One an old friend who has the ‘gift’ came from over an hour away. She explained to me that later I needed to call her, she had some information for me. Others filed past mom, some visibly upset, most praying for her, even more looking over the photo boards. A lot were taking snapshots of her old photos. I had a friend discreetly take pictures of mom and film parts of the funeral Mass. About 80 people viewed mom and stop to chat with various family members. Most visitors found a pew to settle in, waiting for the Mass to begin. The entire time the funeral director would approach to let me know what cues to wait for during the upcoming Mass. He was always straightforward, no false sympathies nor mournful expressions. At this time, he let me know Mass was to begin shortly and that we needed to view mom for the final time. The casket would be locked for Mass and burial. I placed a blessed Miraculous Medal on moms folded hands, and let the funeral director know. He asked if she would be buried with it, and I said yes.

The First eulogy was read by one of mom’s friends who was also a reader in church. It was the funnier one, so Father asked that it be read before Mass.

The Mass

The Mass began at the back of the church, mom’s closed casket waiting at the end of the aisle. Father started with the prayers as all the mourners faced the back of the church. Father blessed the casket with holy water, and on cue, my brother and I placed the pall over the casket and the funeral director placed the large almost 3-foot-long crucifix that mom wanted to lay atop her casket. Father proceeded down the aisle, with visiting priests and deacons while the funeral directors wheeled mom’s casket in front of the altar. My brother and I followed the casket and then took our place in the pew.

Mass proceeded with all of the readings and after the gospel the second eulogy was read by another reader friend of moms. This one pertained to her love of the church. After Father spoke about mom’s faith and virtues, communion was served. Soon the Mass was ended and all of the eight pallbearers took their positions behind the casket. Once again, the funeral director coached them. They carried her casket down the two flights of stairs unto the awaiting hearse and helped place her onto the rollers, sliding her casket in. The cemetery was directly behind the church, so we never had to drive on the road. No magnetic funeral signs were attached to the vehicles. We followed the lead car and hearse up the steep hill to the main entrance of the cemetery.

The Burial

Due to the recent rain, the burial service was not held over our actual plots. Instead, the green funeral canopy was located just off the gravel path under a cluster of trees, surrounded by graves. Dad was a little confused and the cemetery foreman let dad know that the burial was only staged here. She would be buried in her plot. In fact you could see the yellow backhoe from where we were. After all arrived and surrounded the canopy, all of the family sat and stood around her casket. The directors placed the flower spray with the ribbons stating, ” Wife Mother Grandmother” atop her casket. Father began the very brief prayer service reading from the Christian Burial Rites. Each of us took a rose from the spread and the funeral director asked all the please go over to the adjacent Knights Of Columbus Hall for the luncheon. The burial service was over.

The Luncheon Wake

We walked the short distance to the rental hall, the church funeral committee waiting for the mourners. I had removed mom’s photo boards from the church, plus added another for guests. Several of us loaded flowers, planters gifted from mom’s admirers and placed them in the hall. We all tried to maintain the front that we were strong and in good spirits. Several friends and extended family members came to the luncheon who missed the Mass.

After dining and much small talk, a sister spoke a few words about mom. The real highlight being my great nieces and nephew, only aged between 1 and 4 years old, running, crawling and laughing. How mom would have loved that! My oldest sister, who has Benson’s Syndrome, tried her best to socialize and walk by herself from table to table. This was a milestone for her. She even embraced her former husband. Of course, I knew that I could not nor would not even mention mom to my sister again. Any upset, hastens and deepens her dementia. Her health, especially eating, was progressively worsening. So no rocking the boat on my end.

As the attendees started to disperse, I made sure to insist everyone take home the flowers and planters, along with any take home food containers. After all was claimed, I loaded Dad into the Jeep for the short distance home. Dad was exhausted. But he repeated several times how all “those people told me how much mom meant to them.” Then he added and said twice “I’ve never felt so much love like what was in that room.”

Footnote: I started this blog post one year ago. It has taken me a year to even think about finishing it. It’s not for lack of content, as you will see in my next posts, but rather motivation. The moment, second mom died, something left me. I’ve determined that the “something” was my belief that I could no longer move the mountain of God. I would and could certainly pray, especially for others, but my prayers had little impact. After weathering a storm of family turmoil, I feel ready to start again.

Mom Has Died

Blindsided By Death…

I’m saddened to say that we buried Mom less than a month ago. Even though she had several ailments, we weren’t suspecting a possible stroke. All of us knew it would be an uphill battle, but we had hoped with therapy, she could swallow and hopefully, speak by Thanksgiving. Complication after complication mounted. Her weakened body, struggled to stay alive for us. She tried to breathe without the ventilator for exactly 24 hours.

Hard To Watch…

All of our prayers, joined together with parishioners, neighbors and friends could not bring about a miracle. So, our prayers changed for a miracle of another kind, that she dies soon as to relieve her suffering. Mom had a living will, so no extreme measures were to be taken. Due to the stroke, early on she tried to speak and sometimes you could decipher a word. But, as the days went on, she became weaker. Her not being able to tell each one of us something private, personal, left us without closure. Seeing your mother cry out of frustration and fear, took resolve not to react.

Dying Is Not Peaceful – She Suffered

Mom had shallow, labored breathing exactly two hours after being removed from the ventilator. The moment she started coughing and gasping for air the team had warned us, she would be switching from medical care to comfort care. Once that moment came, I feverishly prayed aloud for her soul. Afterall, what was left? We were losing Mom. They gave her more oxygen, until the pain medicine, which was given every 15 minutes started to relax her. Most of us stayed with her for another 8 hours, not expecting her to survive long, according to the medical team.

Clinging To Life

At 3:00 A.M. I called the hospital. There was still no change in Mom. Of course, it was hard to sleep, but I needed to stay home with Dad. Three hours later, more family was at the hospital, by her side. Still, her rhythmic, gasping breathing happened. Mom eyes closed, mouth open, lie motionless as the medication eased her struggle. When I arrived at 8:30 A.M., to relieve some family and pray more for her soul, I noticed here and there her breathing would take a split second longer.

Hospice Paperwork

Since Mom was in ICU, and not expected to live much longer, the hospital needed to move her to their Hospice wing. Dad signed the paperwork in the ICU waiting room. Later, the Hospice Doctor came by to see Mom and speak a little about what would happen. He examined her hands and feet. Took her pulse. He told me by his guess a few hours. I had heard that the dying waits for their family to leave until they pass. I asked him about this, and he explained that in his experience it’s either that OR they are waiting on a loved one to come. Yes, one wasn’t present, but had spoken on the phone. He paused and said, “Are you religious?” I said we are crazy Catholics and have been praying for her soul. He said; “Great. She should be fine.” I didn’t ask him to elaborate. I needed to start praying at her bedside.

Waxy Color

About this time, alone with Mom I noticed how yellow she was. The term “waxy” I had heard many times describing the dead and dying. But now I understood that to mean like the look of wax beans. The pale yellow, semi-translucent skin. Mom had purple and red small bruise-like spots over her arms and on her fingertips. Her feet were cold and then sometimes hot. Her left arm and leg had swollen, due to the stroke and lack of movement.

Her Death

After praying for her soul, really begging that her suffering be reparation for her purgatory, I spoke to her. I have known for some time that the dying can hear you. So, I had told her anything noteworthy about what was happening to her as well as any family concerns. This time, regardless of any past issues, troubles, I let Mom know something she has probably never heard. It dawned on me that neither her parents (which were never involved with her) nor her sisters or family had ever told her what she needed to hear. So, I told her. I told my mother that she was a success. That she was successful, more so than anyone in her immediate family. I told her that it was okay to go. And to look for the light.

I Took A Break

I let one of my family members know that I was going to step out, but that I should be back in about one hour. I no sooner drove about 2 miles from the hospital when I received the call. Mom stopped breathing; a nurse called for a doctor. When I returned to the hospital, Mom had been pronounced about 10 minutes prior. The nurse and family confirmed that as soon as they had mentioned aloud in front of Mom that I had left, her breathing became few and far between.

We Stayed With Her Body

Dad and I stayed with Mom for 2 and a half hours after her death. Mostly silent. I touched her hands and her face, her feet and her arms. I stroked her hair – all things we were never permitted to do while she lived. When I started to cry, I realized that I cried for myself out of pity and fear. I still repeat that over and over. I had taken a moment to call the funeral home of choice, there with Mom. I didn’t realize that she would go to the hospital morgue. Once received there, later most likely late into the night the funeral workers would transport her to the funeral home. Thus began the process of preparing for the funeral…

Limbo: Not All Souls Who Wander Are Lost…

I’ve read and experienced, that the dead communicate through dreams.

During prayer I asked that if any poor souls, albeit if I had worked with them and not even known them, needed my intercession to let me be made aware. As par for the course, two days later I had the following dream.

The Funeral Home.

I found myself in the main showing room of a vast, formal funeral home. I knew it was a funeral home and, like those you are familiar with, it was well lit with many lamps, coffee tables, loveseat, chairs and a desk. All the furnishings facing towards the lights. The was a massive funeral home. The ceiling soared almost cathedral-like. And like many funeral homes, there were partitions. This well-lit section was huge possibly enormous 75 feet wide by 50 in depth before the open partitions. These open, looming sliding solid wood paneled doors, divided the showroom from the foyer. As you approached the partition doors, the room became dimmer and dimmer. Centered squarely in the foyer was an ascending staircase. Upon the landing the railing went to the left and right, with the second floor disappearing in the darkness. I knew not to cross over the threshold of the partition doors, into the darkened foyer.

Three cats to comfort me …

I soon realized that three of “my” cats were with me in the showroom. They were comfortable, sitting on tables and the desk. I knew they were mine and clearly recognized one of them that I currently have. I felt the foreboding, I knew I didn’t want to be there, but I was aware that I must stay. Again, like typical funeral homes, I made my way instinctively to the kitchen. It was off to the right of the showroom, so no need to enter the foyer.

The Kitchen

Once I entered the small kitchen, I went to the sink and peered out the window. It was dusk outside. The cat I recognized, jumped on the countertop. I opened a cabinet door to find her something to eat. It was then that while still looking out the window, I said to myself: “If I could only make it to morning I’ll be fine. I must stay until then.”

Return To The Showroom…

Once back into the showroom, I thought: “I need to stay here by the desk, sofas, in the light until morning.” I was uneasy about the open partition doors. This opening, humongous, approximately 30 feet wide, made me insecure. I felt the need to have it closed. But yet, it remained open. I was not to attempt to close them. I innately knew I could have crossed over into the darkened area, I was permitted, but with reserve. I didn’t want to go but would have if the need arose. I scanned the showroom to make sure all the cats were accounted for, and well clear of the dimly lit area. I told the cats to stay on this side of the room. I looked at the sofa by the desk, again, all furniture faced away from the looming doors. I thought: “Good, I won’t be looking that direction. I can wait out the night.”

The Young Woman

Just then I looked up at the darkened opening of the doors. I caught glimpse of her walking mid-way through the foyer. Striding easily, from right to left, a young thirty something, woman. She had long blonde hair, pulled back and wearing a distinctive red vest. The vests worn by the big box home improvement retail chain. (Remember I had asked if any former co-workers known or unknown in need). I did not know recognize her, but of course remembered the workplace. I immediately yelled: “Hey!” She turned her head to face me but continued her pace until she disappeared from the frame of the doors, into the hidden darkness of the foyer.

I Pursued Her…

Without hesitation, I quickly went after her into the darkness around the left partition door. She was there but lying down in the dark. The residual light from the showroom enabled me to see her. I bent over her and said: “Do you know you’re dead? You can’t stay here in this darkness? You need to be with God.” I was insistent. She sat up and said: “No, I like it here. I’m staying. You should come here, too.” I was incredulous; “Why would you like it here? No, no, this isn’t good.”

Justification, Persuasion…

The deceased woman stood and tried to influence me by saying: “I can do what I want here, I’m staying.” She tried to coax, justifying her reasoning. She waved me on as she went deeper into the dark. I had the impression there were a sparse few along with her. Amazed I shook it off and stepped back into the showroom.

The Dream Ended…

Immediately the dream ended. Upon awakening, I knew that not all souls want to be prayed for. A token few like where they are at. They do not want to be helped along. They want to roam in limbo. It was a revelation to me. I have no idea who she was but, apparently, we worked for the same company at one time. Also, I feel for me the “three” cats meant safety, a sort of security, like home. As you can read, this was an Indepth dream, with a clear message for me. And I didn’t fail to receive it!

Dead Body “Blubber”

Tales From A Funeral Home Mortuary Plumber…

Another fantastic tale from an unlikely source, your commercial/residential local plumber. A mutual friend of mine told me about her run-in with her companies’ plumber. After fixing their restroom sink, the plumber met her for payment. He went onto tell her about his years as a commercial plumber. So let’s begin…

He started out as an apprentice for a local plumbing company. Since he was low on the totem, he was given all of the grunt work and grimy jobs. He was usually teamed with a journeyman plumber. His first solo assignment was at the local metro hospital. There was a backup clog suspected to be originating from the basement. Maintenance lead him down into the dimly lit basement, where he drilled open access panels. From there down in “the pit” he started to smell it. After cutting the water supply, he wrenched open all threaded sections until he located the source.

THE SMELL…

He knew he found the source, because the smell preceded it. After cutting the section of pipe, that when he first seen “it.”

THE “BLUBBER”

There inside the pipe, lining the walls, blocking the center was the “blubber.” The “blubber,” a yellowish white, substance that resembled a jiggly like mayonnaise or Go-Jo hand cleaner. The stench was over-powering. After attempting to scoop it out, he made the decision to cut in a new section of pipe.

Coming Up For Air…

He needed to breathe, so enroute he encountered the maintenance worker who let him know that the “blubber” he found was actually human fat! The network of pipe connects the surgery rooms to the hospital morgue. And over the years the buildup of fat collects in the pipes causing the back-up. It was explained that during the prep in the hospital morgue, that all fluids and fat are drained from the bodies – right down the drain.

Once completed, he crawled out of “the pit” and called into his employer. He had to go home. He went immediately home to shower and throw out his clothes. But – now he was considered the “blubber” specialist.

FUNERAL HOME “Blubber”

From there, he became the ‘go-to’ plumber for several area funeral homes. It was explained to him that, during the embalming process, all fluids, blood, infections, fat are sucked and washed away before the preservation can begin. Now, he arrives fully aware of the stench and wears disposable clothing. He also factors in a stop home to shower and change. He digs up the drains, cleans up pipes or replaces existing. Still the “blubber” and the are smell over-powering.

His Own Company – after gaining a reputation, he started his own plumbing company. He scored several more funeral homes – and another hospital.

Another Hospital

The latest account, another hospital had a serious clog, so once again he suited up and went in. A similar scenario of basement level pipe layout. Again, there was an access pit. He could smell it…

“PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, DON’T LET IT CONNECT TO THE MORGUE…”

As he was wrenching on the pipe the odor made him gag. “Please, please, please don’t let it connect to the morgue!” He was muttering. Yes, it did connect to the morgue. Coming up for air, he encountered a doctor. “How can you take that smell?” The doctor looked at him.

“DON’T YOU HAVE ANY PASTE?”

The doctor just looked at him. “Don’t you have any paste?” Here, those doctors and workers use a waxy paste on their upper lip/under their nose to cancel out the odor. The doctor was amazed that the plumber was able to withstand the odor. He said –

“YOU’LL SMELL THAT FOR A MONTH”

The plumber was given the paste and now puts it on every service call to a hospital or funeral home!

HAUNTED ESTATE SALE CLOTHING

When asked about any clinging ghosts, he had several stories to tell. These were from a different sort. His parents are both auctioneers. And the plumber collects vintage men’s clothing. If he finds something that fits, he absolutely adds it to his collection. Once home, things start to happen.

Kitchen cabinets are heard clanking and banging. Out of the corner of his eye, dark, darting shadows. Rapping on walls and windows.

Several Girlfriends Have Left Him

He’s went through several girlfriends who just can’t take the commotion. He even relocated, purchased a new to him home, and the ghosts came with him! She left him.

HE MOVED

He did move, met someone new and things went smoothly. Then he was taking a shower. As he was shaving, he seen it in the mirror. The hand towel on the rack started to shake. It was shaking violently. There was no tremor. He knew it followed him – again. He’s hoping that his new girlfriend doesn’t leave him.

He told my friend several times – “I think I attract them.”

My question is this – does the “blubber” flush into our water supply?


Soul Passing through Soul…Donna’s Near Death Total Eclipse

I recently ran into Donna, an acquaintance. Having just experienced the total eclipse in our area, I asked her if she had a chance to view it. She’s a store manager and knowing the long hours she works, I wasn’t sure if she would have taken the time. “Oh, yes! It was wonderful. It was really something. That white light (during the full eclipse) reminded me of when I died.”

This surprised me, “What? You had a near-death experience?” I had to know the details, and Donna told me her story. She started and told me several times “I really don’t like to talk about it.”

Donna died during premature Labor

Several decades earlier she was pregnant with identical twin boys. She started to go into labor at only 7 months. Her doctors felt that was too early, as she was carrying twins, and they weren’t fully developed. At the hospital, a monitoring strap was placed around her abdomen. All information would be read from the strap and a long ticker tape would print out. The nurse would mark the tape at intervals. At one point, the doctors decided to prescribe medication to stop the labor. A head nurse explained to Donna that she would receive an injection to slow the labor. Another nurse came in a few moments afterwards and gave her a shot.

Donna suddenly was above her body. “I was above my body, looking down at the nurse. She ran out of the room. And then like that – (snaps her fingers) I was in total darkness. Everything was black. I started to worry a little because it was so black. It didn’t feel right. And then-

Two Bright Lights Sped Past Her

Two incredibly bright lights sped past me – like SWOOSH SWOOSH! I mean they zoomed by. I turned to follow them and then I saw it. The whitest light, far in the distance. It was white like the eclipse corona. I knew that there were others waiting for me in that light. It was peaceful.

Suddenly Back In Her Body

Just then I awoke on the hospital bed. I said: “You killed me! You killed me!” The head nurse was there trying to calm me. There was a time lapse, it felt like I had died and was gone for some time, when only a minute or so had passed. The head nurse explained that the other nurse had mistakenly given her the dose all at once instead of in intervals. So, she had to give Donna another injection. Donna fought this, but she reluctantly received it.

Her Twins Died

It was explained later that the first injection caused her blood pressure to drop, which caused a stroke-like effect to her twins. They had died. After the immense grief her and her husband endured, Donna finally asked for her hospital records months later. None were found. She couldn’t even get in touch with the head nurse who attended to her.

“I realized afterwards that those two white lights that sped past me – were my sons souls.” Donna paused, reflected and said, “I absolutely know that there is a God, and my sons are with him.”

The What ifs

“Every so-often I think of the what-ifs. Of raising them, how they would have turned out. Wouldn’t it have been something to see? Those two IDENTICAL twin boys growing up…”

I didn’t press her for more as her voice trailed off with the wonder. Thankfully, something work related came up to distract her attention.

Whistling Past The Cemetery

True Ghost Encounters Late Night At The Cemetery!

An old friend reminded me of the fact that “the gift” runs in her family. In fact her Aunt, her two male cousins all have a “sixth sense.” Hers, deals with the discernment of spirits and communication with the dead, usually in her dreams. She recounted one of her earliest experiences. “When I was eight years old, I stayed overnight with my Aunt Carol. My Aunt also has the gift. Her house was directly across from an older cemetery, but still in use. She has two sons (both with some gifts, too) but none of us were scared of it. We were raised to respect the dead, so no thrill seeking. I stayed in her guest bedroom. Us kids went to bed around 9:00 P.M. Wee into the morning, I distinctly remember being woke up. Now, this room had a window that faced the cemetery. I was drawn to the window. After my eyes adjusted – I seen them! There were hundreds of spirits. They were dancing! These ghosts were of mixed eras – Civil War, Flappers, Dresses with corsets, I distinctly seen pinstriped suits, too.

I ran into my Aunts room, waking her up. I told her ghosts were dancing in the cemetery, come quick! She did follow me and peered out the window. I said, “let’s go over there!” But she wisely said, “I see them too, but we can’t disturb the spirits.” I really wanted to go over to them, but instead we watched them dance around for at least half an hour. Finally, my Aunt said we needed to get back to bed as it was almost 4:00 A.M. by this point.” I asked her to describe how they appeared to her. “Have you ever seen ‘Haunted Mansion’? They were like that, translucent, and white, but a tint of color.” So my take is maybe, just maybe, the film “Carnival Of Souls,” had it right!

Late Night At Old Cemetery

So here’s a few tales about visiting the old local cemetery at night. An acquaintance told me about her and her man visiting a local cemetery late at night. This cemetery sits high on hills and happens to have a shrine cut into the front of the hill. This is where pilgrims may light a votive candle, which at the time, was open around the clock.

So, neither one was Catholic, but decided to go because of all of the lore that surrounds this cemetery. First, there’s the “Stairway to Heaven” steps that rise up a large hill, leading to a life-size Crucifix. Again, this is a 200-year-old cemetery, so supposedly at night, thrill seekers have seen an eerie glow around the stairway. Second, there’s another nearby hill, where again after a series of steps, you reach a life-size Crucifixion scene mounted high on a granite base. Many have seen white mist surrounding this. So the couple are making their way to the candle shrine, when he suddenly stops. On the hill atop of the shrine were dozens of shadow figures, backlight by a white glow. She seen them, too. They watched for a few seconds as the shadows gathered closer to hill slope to watch them. The couple whispered to each other – “Let’s go.” And they back peddled out of there. When the had safely drove away, they discussed what had happened. They both concluded that the shadows did not want them there, because they were just thrill-seekers!

I have more tales about this cemetery which I plan on posting soon. Do I believe it’s haunted? No. I went to school there, classmates are buried there, I visit it regularly. Our family plots are there! If anything, this cemetery is blessed and serene. But I do know it’s protected, which I feel is what the couple witnessed.

Amityville – The REAL Story From A Resident

My Discussion With A Real Current Resident And Who Lived There During The Defeo Incident In 1974

I’ve met an acquaintance from Amityville New York. Once I heard that – I had to ask about THE House, THE movie and what’s it like now… :

It’s a fascinating story. I do remember reading that Alec Baldwin grew up in Amityville, too. He said that no one believed the Lutz story either.

Do you remember much about the aftermath? I’m assuming curfews, fear and camera crews? Were you/kids afraid to go near the place? And how do you handle all of the publicity and inquiries from people like me!?

Also – did the old movie scare the crap out of you? Or was it forbidden to watch? Is ten minutes away too close? I’m a sissy!

Here’s the response…

I’ve lived in Amity for about 50 years and in my current house 18 years. We live about 10 minutes from Ocean Ave. It’s a gorgeous neighborhood with trees up and down the sidewalks and a very wide street down the middle. Very picturesque. The facade of the house is very different than the one you are used to seeing in the posters/films. I imagine the work was done to discourage visitors to the house. I think someone lives there, but I can’t swear to that.

My family had just moved to Amity in 1974 when the DeFeo Murders happened. I remember my parents talking about it. I think Ron DeFeo died in prison a few years ago. As for the other happenings, there are many sides to that story. There is a documentary out there where Ron DeFeo says his sister murdered the father and the mother killed the siblings and he only killed the sister out of self defense. There are so many different stories from DeFeo that it’s hard to know what really happened that night. As for the Lutzs’, no one really knows if any of what they claim is true. None of the neighbors ever reported anything unusual about the house and as far as I know, nothing weird has happened since. It’s just a really beautiful old house in a nice quiet neighborhood.

I’ve lived here for so long, I never think the murders or the Lutzs until someone asks about the house. We are not so close that we see the house everyday but it’s about 10 minutes from my house. Personally, I think it’s a beautiful house and I would live there. I love that neighborhood…so beautiful and quiet and quaint. I don’t think news crews have been in front of the house for years. (Overnight parking is not allowed in Amity because of the chaos from the movie.) There really is no reason to. I saw the Margot Kidder/James Brolin movie in the theaters with my mom. I thought this version was much creepier than the Ryan Reynolds remake. 

 Also if you ever visit the Amityville Historical Museum, there is absolutely no mention of the murders in any way.

What a unique story and I am grateful for your answers. Thank you for sharing!

Haunted Retail – Stories From The Frontlines…

I’ve managed to accumulate several tales from the workers and managers at several local chain stores. And not all are grocery stores, in fact one is from a huge drugstore chain. Let’s start there…

Drugstore Mayhem

Recently, I was at our local drugstore chain. While talking to the shift lead, a stuffed toy simply fell off of the shelf. (This happens a lot when I’m near, and knowing the signs – I asked…) I motioned to the toy and asked “Is this place haunted?” Carrie, the shift lead said: “You know – it is! Many times we’ll come into the store in the mornings – and several things will be on the floor. And we know it wasn’t like that when we left.” She went on to tell me her personal experiences several years earlier as a bar chain manager. “I ran a small chain of 5 bars out west for over 12 years. The owner and his wife swear that two of them are haunted by former customers. During closing late at night, He would hear male voices near a cluster of tables, never quite able to make them out. On more than one occasion he heard ‘Hey!'” There’s more “We had a lot of regulars, retirees who would come in early and wait for their other friends to stroll in. One older woman had her own mug, which we kept frosted for her. She would usually come in first, always with her deck of cards in case anyone wanted to play. She sat at the far end of the bar on her favorite stool. Well, after several years she passed away. Several weeks later, I took out her frosted mug and returned it to the dishwasher. Wouldn’t you know it, late night during closing I thought I seen a shadow out of my peripheral vision. But, I dismissed it and started counting down drawers.” In about an hour the owner came out and helped me with wiping down and moving chairs. He joined me behind the bar and then we heard the sound of cards shuffling. It was loud and clear. Cards shuffling at the end of the bar, where she sat. I looked at him, he looked at me. He said ‘I heard it.’ I put her mug back in the cooler and there it stayed.”

Carrie Has More Encounters

She went onto tell me about her only son. Many times after closing the bar, her son would jump into the bed of her pick-up truck to hitch a ride home with her after bar hopping on the weekends. So she wouldn’t be alarmed, he would bang on the sides of the bed so she would know he was there. This is important later… Tragically, her son was murdered. The wake was held at her home. In the family room was a table shrine, with flowers, photos and cards from the over 200 mourners who came to share in her loss. After everyone had left, Carrie went up to the table. She caught a glimpse in the corner of her eye, of his lanky shadow. She recognized him instantly because of his shaved head, it was a perfect silhouette. Several days later she was cooking, something her son loved doing with her and she was overwhelmed by his “scent.” She explained that mothers know that each child has a “scent.” She smelled his and called out to he husband “He’s here.” Her husband nodded in agreement. Several weeks later, Carrie leaving the bar late at night in her truck, heard loud banging. “This was clanking and pounding and banging from the back of my truck. I thought ‘He’s hitching a ride.’ Then I remembered he’s gone. This banging sounded like canned goods were smacking the sides of my truck. Since it was late, I waited until I pulled into a well lit parking lot. I carefully got out and peered into the bed. There was nothing. I think he wanted me to know ‘I’m here with you Mom.'”

Dollar Store Shenanigans

Becky

Once again, this time in a dollar store chain, a random paper towel pack literally flew off the shelf in front of me. So I asked Sherry the store manager. “Oh, yeah. Once I watched a framed picture wiggle up and over the shelf rail and fall to the floor! Two of us seen it. I would find dolls misplaced after hours on the floor. So I call her ‘Becky.’ If the girls clothes are tossed around in the morning I yell ‘Becky behave!’ ”

About two years ago, Sherry’s husband died unexpectedly. He had been ill, but Sherry and family were not prepared for his death. Months later while trying to lie down to sleep, she felt his depression on the bed next to her. She wasn’t afraid, she felt his hand touch hers. It comforted her. She drifted asleep. She went onto to tell about when her father died years prior. Her mom called and asked if she wanted any mementos. At the time, they lived out of state. So Sherry asked about her Dad’s class ring, and a few photos. A week later, she opened the envelope her mom had sent. It had several photos, a belt buckle, but the ring was missing. Sherry didn’t mind. When her mom called to ask if she received it, Sherry said she had to photos and buckle. After they hung up. Her mom called back ‘Did you get the ring?’ No ring. A year later, doing some spring cleaning, Sherry got the step ladder to clean the top of the curio cabinet. There was the ring. “No way could it have gotten up there. I needed a step ladder, not a stool to reach that. No one would ever get that high to put it there. I think Dad found a way to get it to me.”

More Chaos

At yet another dollar store location, I was behind the counter speaking to the manager. Above my head on a high shelf, dryer beads fell right in front of me, just missing my head. Before I could ask he shouted to anyone: “Did you see that! That just flew off the shelf!” He went on “I told her (district manager) this place is haunted! I was on speaker with her after closing when I heard all of these thuds from the back of the store. She (district manager) was watching the monitors (remotely viewing the CCTV) and said ‘I see it!’ She seen all of these cereal boxes just flying off of the shelves.” He went on “So many times items just in the aisles after I went and picked them up, crazy.”

Dollar Store Storm

One of my first encounters with flying products was at yet another dollar store location. This time, for no reason I could think of, a can of tuna fell at my feet. The first time this happened, it scared me and I ran up to the manager (who I was acquainted with) and said : “Oh hey is this store haunted?” Both her and her worker said : “Hell yes! We have it on camera!” She went onto say that each morning they would come in to open, it would be a huge strewn mess, even after putting out all products from truck day. Even if all U boats of products, nothing left in the backroom, all aisles were tidy the night before, it would be disarray. When the store finally installed security monitoring, which would tape for several hours and loop over – they caught it. ”When we came in to the wreck one morning, we went to the cameras. It took a while to find it, but we did. We all watched it, even our district manager. In the early morning hours all of the sudden, things just started flying off the shelves, like someone to a broom and swept them. I will not work here by myself at night, period. No one will!”

I hear you!

The Prosperity Code

1522460674865680015683I’ve discovered the real Prosperity code. I’m sure all of us have endured school kids in their cliques. Why are the rich kids in one the middle class kids in the other and the poor ostracized? I believe through my personal observations what I’ve read and what have come to understand and I know the real Prosperity code.

Yes it’s starts from infancy. Certain rules have to come into play for you to be insured prosperity. Before I list these things via stages in one’s life I must let you know that if you don’t have all of these qualities you may obtain them but it’s going to be very hard. But it’s not impossible, very much so an uphill battle.

Here’s the breakdown of what needs to come into play for you to have Prosperity real Prosperity financial and otherwise in life.

CHILDHOOD

You must be raised with a sense of security. You must be secure in your home life , your parents instilling in you that you can achieve oh you will be supplied All You Have No Lack your parents will handle all finances and you are insured of any success that you pursue. You have the freedom to choose and they will support you emotionally financially. You also need to be raised and ungodly home church-going preferably School Sunday School catechism the like. Your parents donate a lot to your church. not only in alms but also in time they’re active in the church community. As a result your naturally confident. You are selfish Sheard and so you surround yourself and are attracted to others who are self-assured hence the popular clique. This goes for girls and boys.

ADULTHOOD

You maintain this attitude this lifestyle this pattern into adulthood. The churchgoing you donate a lot you participate in church you socialize and you’re great at communicating. You donate to the church and I’m not talking $5 in the arms basket on talking much more because you’re making a hundred thousand plus if not more per year. You surround yourself with positive people who are prosperous as well. Here’s a big important one you have children! Even if they’re adopted fostered as long as you take these children to church and raise them in a Godly home the prosperity cycle continues.

FUTURE

The Perpetual cycle continues you give alms your donations are large you participate in church you have friends who are positive you raise your children with the same confidence and faith that you have that their future is assured and all is well they can pursue their goals their interest in there behind them 100%.

 

ANALYSIS

As I said if you do not have all these qualities if you do not have all these assets if these resources are not at your disposal, you may still achieve prosperity but several of these things must come into play. If you do not have parents who raised you with these qualities of confidence of Financial Security if you find a mentor to tutor you to help you and nurture you then it will counteract the lack of finances and Parenting.

if you do not go to church and give on regular basis but if you have a moral code that you abide by you can counteract this by giving to strangers and let me stress it must be strangers. Family and friends is a given you’re supposed to do that so there’s no benefit to come back to you.

If you have no children I’d suggest giving as much as you can financially to say the Saint Jude Foundation the Ronald McDonald House your local children’s hospital just so it has something to do with children.

Here’s something else about giving do not give the shirt off your back . So it’s admirable you must keep a portion for yourself in other words if you have $150 extra do not give it all away to family a friend or even an acquaintance and need. Do not even give it all to a stranger! Instead you give a portion if you want to give something large you give $50 of that hundred fifty you keep the other hundred for yourself for a rainy day. That is biblical you give a portion don’t leave yourself and want. I say this because most of us are not at the faith level to where we can give it all away and know it will all come back to us and its entirety for now follow this Prosperity code.

Also just a thought on College. How many of us know college grads graduates who have majored in this or that who have even a master’s degree and have not pursued a job in their field? Why? The majority that I have found lack the confidence the prosperity code confidence that they can get it they don’t have that confidence to go out of state to a bigger city that would employ them they don’t have that innate security. Because they were not raised within the prosperity code rules.

Now again I stress if you have some of these qualities from childhood from adulthood and now and in the future you can gain prosperity. Again I say it will be harder because you have to compensate for these deficits in whichever category you lack.

Ponder would have said and I’m sure you will be hard-pressed to prove me otherwise but I’m very interested in any ideas you have about prosperity.

 

Thank You

The Omnific Word

If only I knew how to pronounce it! I’ve been reading lately the Aquarian Gospel of Jesus. It’s extremely informative on so many different levels. The main one of course is that Jesus heals , Jesus raises the dead, Jesus performs Miracles all by saying the Omnific word.

The only problem is no one is sure how to pronounce it! The omnific word of course at least everything that I’ve read indicates that it is the holy name of God. His name being so sacred that the Hebrews only used abbreviations or initials for His name. Over time it came to be known as Yahweh or Jehovah. Even I was taught that as a kid but both those names are wrong . It’s the acceptable pronunciation because you’re not supposed to say the holy and sacred name and it’s becomes a secret a mystery that Moses knew and shared with his people only.

Well according to these esoteric and secret writings like the gospel of the Holy twelve ,the gospel of St Thomas ,the Aquarian Gospel of Jesus and the Book of Yeshua, Jesus taught people to say within their soul (another words not out loud) the omnific word the holy name of God, in order to perform all these miracles healings and raising of the Dead. According to what I’ve read the Pharisees and the scribes took offense to Jesus teaching Christines the Christians to use God’s name to do these wondrous Deeds. Because of that they started to pass down secretly to only a select few the true pronunciation of God’s name. So that over time it was lost and only a Chosen Few even to this day know the true pronunciation and are permitted to use it!

What strikes me the most is that Jesus taught his pronunciation not just to the apostles, not just to his disciples, but to all the people in all the towns the cities in the nation’s that he visited. He taught these people how to use it to heal their own and pass it along. imagine knowing how to use it and being able to heal people. Being able to raise the Dead! Being able to perform miracles to help one another.

So I’ve been reading articles- there’s a lot and listening to hours of audio about these hidden and sacred texts that are not included in the Holy Bible.

No one can be sure at least that’s the great mystery but Jesus said : “If you seek you shall find nothing is hidden that won’t be revealed.” So several Scholars claim to have known the correct pronunciation. Most agree that it is spelled Yehovah. Pronounced Yah-who-wah.

Keeping that in mind you can’t just say the name to yourself. Jesus corrected some disciples who are not able to heal just by saying the God’s name in prayer. Jesus told him that they had to praise God’s name glorify him and then say the omnific word. Several other times when Jesus did create miracles it’s recorded that He said to God : “Make powerful your word!”

Also prevalent, Jesus made it very clear and there’s a Common Thread to a lot of these teachings that we ourselves as a part of God because we are made in God’s image, we ourselves have the ability to heal ourselves and to heal others with our thoughts. Our thoughts have to be focused on the good on everything good and on God because all good things come from God.

Jesus made a point state that our thoughts do become things. How often have you read that? How many of the Unity masters have stated that? Jesus drove this point home many times. Also reiterating that we ourselves have the ability to move mountains. We can if we focus on the good, do not hold grudges with any one, praise and glorify God and inwardly correctly pronounce the Omnific word – God’s true name. (If only we knew how)!

I promise if I decipher how to say it, the correct formula or procedure to communicate directly with God to get prayers answered, miracles performed, the sick healed and the dead resurrected, I will share this with everyone with ears to listen!

I encourage those seeking to review all of these hidden texts. God is trying to communicate with us. Jesus is trying to teach us. Let’s make a pact now uncover these secrets and share with each other. Let’s live our lives to our potential, the way God intended for his people.

If you feel inclined: please donate to the cause-thank you!

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