This past week, I experienced a really beautiful full circle moment. The story begins back in April of this year. I was on a flight home from Florida and struck up a conversation with the woman sitting next to me. This was very unlike me. I tend to stay to myself on flights—I rarely even engage in conversation with my husband—but something about her and me in this moment in time, I think we both needed it.

I was two weeks out of radiation, and had just spent a week on the beach with my family and parents as a celebratory healing vacation of sorts. It was not quite as healing as I imagined in my mind’s eye—I was still in pain from radiation, and wrangling two children, even with the help of my mom and dad, was a lot. But I will attest that the ocean was therapeutic in many ways. It did wonders on my radiated skin, once I worked up the courage to listen to my intuition and just go in, despite Google advising otherwise. As I sit here writing this, I would love to transport there now. Float in the salt water under the sun. There really is nothing better.

Heartfelt Reflections

The woman, Lynn, and I got to talking about my cancer journey thus far. It just so happened that she lost her husband to cancer 10 years ago, it came on quick, stage IV, he didn’t have much time. I admired her strength as she spoke about him, and she admired mine, a mother of two young babes, going through all that I had gone through up to that point. We spoke a lot about spirituality, surrender, and trust in the divine journey. I shared my beliefs about how we can get in touch with our loved ones on the other side, and recommended some of my favorite books on the topic, Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe, and The Light Between Us, both by the psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson. I asked her if she had a “sign” for her husband. The only thing she could think of was a cardinal she sees from time to time. She didn’t know why, but it always made her think of him.

When I returned home, I reflected on the beautiful conversation we had. I wanted to send Lynn a thank you note, but all I had was her first name, her hometown, and I knew she worked for a bank. I did a Google search: “Lynn” “Town Name” “Husband died of cancer.” BINGO! I found an article from the local newspaper that covered her family’s story. I now had a last name, and I was able to narrow down my search enough to find what I assumed was her address. 

I dug through my sack of crystals and other special spiritual totems to find a glass red bird. I had always thought of it as a cardinal, a reminder of my late grandpa Jerome. Lynn needed this more than me though. I wrote her a note and tucked it inside of a padded envelope along with the glass cardinal, what I hoped would become a reminder of her husband. I left UPS feeling energized, curious, and light. I wondered what she would think. I hoped the address was correct.

a joyful surprise

Fast forward nearly five months. A package I wasn’t expecting landed on my doorstep. At first I didn’t see the address but then…Oh, my! Lynn! I excitedly opened the package, and found a note along with a crisp white box.

Natalie – 

I am sending you a “Joy” journal, so if you choose to use it; it will be your story for your children.

I continue to pray for you and your family!

I was wonderfully surprised with your thoughtful gift, I look at that red cardinal daily.

Not sure how you found me, I am so grateful you did.

I am following the light!

Lynn

Lynn also shared her phone number and I immediately texted her thank you. We plan to meet for tea or to go for a walk sometime this fall. I feel so grateful that the Universe connected us, and that I listened to that little nudge to find a way to deepen my connection with her. When doubt arose in my mind (what if she thinks I am crazy for investigating her!?), I knew that my intention was so pure and full of love, that she couldn’t possibly think that.

We are here to connect with one another. To share our light. To share our love. To inspire. I hope this story did just that for you.