A visit from the afterlife.

‘Twas the week before my wedding, and all through the house,
Candelight, dogs, and me beside my spouse.

On a rainy Memorial Day Weekend, one that we usually spend away,
This year we’re home, resting as the festivities make their way.

Clouds cover the sky, but we don’t worry,
Because love fills this house, and we’re not in a hurry.

For in one short week, we’ll be surrounded by those who are dearest,
The ones flying for miles and the ones who live nearest.

We remember when the countdown felt light-years away,
And now that it’s less than a week, I’m awake before dawn every day.

Under the blankets, a hot water bottle rests on my tummy,
As I write my final newsletter as an unmarried honey.

As I cross this threshold into the next chapter,
I can’t help but grow emotional to the point of laughter.

All the joy, sorrow, pain, and growth that led me to this place.

I kiss it goodbye, thank it, and honor every scar,
Before walking through the door, toward exactly who we are.

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Hi everyone, I’m at a loss for words to explain the beauty that has been this week. I’m currently sitting at my desk as the rain falls gently on our windows. I got my period this morning, so thank God it’ll be done by the time I walk down the aisle. God is asking me to rest, and Jack and I are taking it so easy. We’re watching movies, packing for our honeymoon, closing loops, and eating incredibly nourishing meals.

Early yesterday morning on our weekend walk, Jack and I saw a cardinal get very close to us on the bridge. It perched on the handbar, watching us closely, shaking its head to get a better look at us. We walked towards it, but it didn’t flinch. We googled the meaning right then and there and learned that a cardinal is a message of hope from a deceased loved one.

Later in the morning, we went to Othership for a class on Gratitude. It was my first time at their facilities; I didn’t know what to expect. Othership is a bathhouse with a sauna and cold plunge, which I’ve done and love, but I’d never done a guided meditation inside a sauna.

Our guide Mihir was soft and gentle and took us through a meditation. Ice balls infused with orange blossom and sandalwood sizzled on the sauna rocks. Music played and the lights went down low. Before I knew it, I was having an extremely intense encounter with the Afterlife, one that I’m going to share with you here.

I was visited by a deceased relative whom I’d give anything to have there. I burst into tears. She came to me and hugged me, smiling. She was youthful and beautiful and happy. She got close to me and said to me,