Some people would say I’m an atheist or an agnostic or a pagan or non-believer because I don’t practice any one faith in particular. I don’t go to church, I don’t pray in the traditional sense and I don’t know if I believe in God or not. I have my own flavor of spirituality that I’ve designed over the years and it continues to evolve as my life’s circumstances change and as I grow as a human being. I believe that we are supposed to question different beliefs in order to learn and at the same time remain understanding and open minded of those practices; from these ideas we can form our own perception of faith. Or not. Regardless, it is individual and personal and not for judgment.

Back in December when we heard of other bereaved parents’ experiences with mediums, someone who believes they are a liaison between the physical world and the spiritual world, we were curious and very interested. Then in February when our new friends (bereaved parents whom we love but wish we never had to meet) asked us if we’d be interested in seeing a medium, we eagerly accepted. It was to be a group session with no more than 50 people and the medium would speak to those whom “the other side” was trying to contact. There were no guarantees that you would hear from your loved one.

It is a natural feeling to want to connect with your loved one after death. There is a need for reassurance that they are o.k. no matter what you may or may not believe. Are they safe? Are they alone? Are they scared? Are they hurting? Are they angry at me? Mediums present this opportunity for some. We were very open with each other about our feelings on the subject and made sure we were on the same page with each other beforehand. And so we went, without expectations; if it was to be our night to hear from our daughter, great. If not, we’d be alright with that outcome, too.

Turns out it wasn’t our turn to hear anything or to have any connection. And we were really o.k. with that. But it was the night for others in that room and watching them find some piece of mind and peace of heart was comforting in and of itself. There were various stories and various connections. For some it was vague, for others intense and meaningful. Overall one left with a little bit of hope, a tiny step toward thinking that maybe, just maybe, things might get a little less hard.

We haven’t closed any doors and will visit another medium soon. Stay tuned.

A website has been established in our daughter's name. Please click here for more information about our mission.

FriendsofAine.com - Aine Marie Phillips

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