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After Death Communication
~ Joyous Reunions With Deceased Loved Ones ~
©1995; by Bill Guggenheim & Judy Guggenheim
co-authors of Hello From Heaven! published by Bantam Books
Have you been contacted by a loved one who has died? After-death communication (ADC) is probably as old as mankind, but ours is the first complete research study of this field. These spiritual experiences are extremely common, and in many other parts of the world they are discussed openly and freely.
Between 1988 & 1995, we interviewed 2,000 people who live in all fifty American states and the ten Canadian provinces. Ranging in age from children to the elderly, they represent diverse social, educational, economic, occupational, and religious backgrounds. We conservatively estimate that at least 50 million Americans, or 20% of the population, have had one or more ADC experiences – and the actual numbers may be closer to double these figures!
We collected more than 3,300 firsthand accounts of ADCs from people who have been contacted by a deceased family member or friend. These are spontaneous and direct communications that may occur anytime and anywhere, but no third parties such as psychics, mediums, hypnotists, or devices of any kind are involved.
Based upon our research, the following are the twelve most frequent types of after-death communication people report having with their deceased loved ones:
Sensing A Presence: This is the most common form of contact. But many people discount these experiences, thinking, "Oh, I'm just imagining this." It's a distinct feeling that your loved one is nearby, even though he or she can't be seen or heard. Though most often felt during the days and weeks immediately after the death, you may sense his or her presence months and even years later.
Hearing A Voice: Some people state they hear an external voice, the same as when a living person is speaking to them. However, the majority of communications are by telepathy – you hear the voice of your relative or friend in your mind. When you have two-way communication, it is usually by telepathy. In fact, it's possible to have an entire conversation this way.
Feeling A Touch: You may feel your loved one touch you with his or her hand, or place an arm around your shoulders or back, for comfort and reassurance. You may feel a tap, a pat, a caress, a stroke, a kiss, or even a hug. These are all forms of affection, nurturing, and love.
Smelling A Fragrance: You may smell your relative's or friend's favorite cologne, after-shave lotion, or perfume. Other common aromas are: flowers (especially roses), bath powders, tobacco products, favorite foods, and his or her personal scent.
Visual Experiences: There are a wide variety of visual experiences, which we have divided into two broad categories: partial visual and full visual ADCs. Appearances range from "a transparent mist" to "absolutely solid" with many gradations in between. You may see only the head and shoulders of your relative or friend, or someone you love may make a full appearance to you, and you will see the entire body as well, which will appear completely solid. Some visual ADCs occur in the bedroom, next to or at the foot of the bed. Others may happen anywhere – indoors or outdoors – even in a car or aboard a plane. Typically he or she will be expressing love and well-being with a radiant smile. Loved ones virtually always appear healed and whole regardless of their cause of death. Verbal communication may take place, but not always.
Visions: You may see an image of a deceased loved one in a "picture" that is either two-dimensional and flat or three-dimensional like a hologram. It's like seeing a 35 mm slide or a movie suspended in the air. Visions are usually in radiant colors and may be seen externally with your eyes open or internally in your mind. Communication may occur, especially during meditation.
Twilight Experiences: These occur in the alpha state – as you're falling asleep, waking up, meditating, or praying. You may have any or all of the above types of experiences while you are in this state of consciousness.
ADC Experiences While Asleep: Sleep-state ADCs are much more vivid, intense, colorful, and real than dreams. They are very common. Both one-way and two-way communications are typical. You usually feel your loved one is with you in person – that you're having an actual visit together. These experiences are not jumbled, filled with symbols, or fragmented the way dreams are.
Sleep-state ADCs are similar to those that occur when you are wide awake. Your relative or friend can come to you more easily, however, when you are relaxed, open, and receptive, such as while you are in the alpha state or asleep.
Out-Of-Body ADCs: These may occur while you are asleep or in a meditative state. They are dramatic experiences during which you leave your body and often visit your loved one at the place or level where he or she exists. These are extremely vivid, intense, and real – some say, "more real than physical life." The environments usually contain beautiful flowers and butterflies, colorful bushes and trees, radiant lighting, and other lovely aspects of nature – and are filled with happiness, love, and joy.
Telephone Calls: These ADCs may occur during sleep or when you are wide awake. You will hear a phone ringing, and if you answer it, your loved one will give you a short message. Two-way conversations are possible. His or her voice will usually be clear but may seem far away. If you are awake, you will probably not hear a disconnect sound or a dial tone when the call is completed.
Physical Phenomena: People who are bereaved often report receiving a wide variety of physical signs from their deceased relative or friend, such as: lights or lamps blinking on and off; lights, radios, televisions, stereos, and mechanical objects being turned on; photographs, pictures, and various other items being turned over or moved; and a long list of "things that go bump in the night."
Symbolic ADCs: People frequently ask a Higher Power, the universe, or their deceased loved one for a sign that he or she still exists. Many receive such a sign, though it may take some time to arrive. Occasionally these signs are so subtle they may be missed, or they may be discounted as mere "coincidences." Common signs include: butterflies, rainbows, many species of birds and animals, flowers, and a variety of inanimate objects such as coins and pictures.
According to our research, the purpose of these visits and signs by those who have died is to offer comfort, reassurance, and hope to their parents, spouse, siblings, children, grandchildren, other family members, and friends. They want you to know they're still alive and that you'll be reunited with them when it's your time to leave this physical life on earth – and they'll be there to greet you when you make your transition. Their most frequent messages, expressed verbally or non-verbally, include:
"I'm okay ... I'm fine ... Everything is okay ... Don't worry about me ...
Don't grieve for me ... Please let me go ... I'm happy ... Everything will be all right ...
Go on with your life ... Please forgive ... Thank you ... I'll always be there for you ...
I'm watching over you ... I'll see you again ... I love you ... Good-bye ..."
You may be asked to give a message from your loved one to somebody else. We urge you to write down the message verbatim and to deliver it, if possible, because it may help the recipient far more than you realize.
Nearly all ADCs are positive, joyful, and uplifting encounters that reduce grief, provide lasting comfort and hope, and accelerate emotional and spiritual healing. We encourage you to trust your own experiences and to accept them as being real for you.
Unfortunately, some people react with fear when they have an ADC. This is usually because they are startled by the suddenness of the event, or they may have never heard of one happening to anybody else. Such people may assume they are "losing their mind and going crazy." And others find it difficult to reconcile after-death communications with their philosophical or religious beliefs.
Not all people are contacted by their deceased loved ones. We don't know for certain why some are and some aren't, but it seems that fear, anger, and prolonged heavy grief inhibit the possibility of having an ADC.
Based upon our research, we suggest the following: Ask for a sign that your relative or friend continues to exist. Pray for him or her and others who are affected by the death, including yourself. We recommend that you learn how to meditate, especially if you are currently bereaved or have unresolved grief. Meditation will enable you to relax and soften any fear or anger you may have. It will reduce your depression, improve your ability to eat and sleep, and facilitate your healing process. These deep relaxation exercises will also allow you to unfold your inner, intuitive senses. In fact, you may have an ADC experience while you are meditating.
Our research indicates that after-death communications are a natural and normal part of life. Therefore, we feel ADCs deserve the same public awareness and acceptance that near-death experiences (NDEs) have already received.
For most people, an after-death communication from a deceased family member or friend is valued as a sacred and profound experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. ADC experiences usually expand one's understanding of life and offer a deeper awareness of life after death. They consistently communicate an essential spiritual message: "Life and love are eternal."
Copyright © 1995 - 2009 The ADC Project. All rights reserved.
Webmaster: Will Guggenheim
Comment
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Comment by Storyas Fawnfeather on July 20, 2012 at 9:56pm
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jb - I am so sorry about your cousin dying so young and having that anniversary come up while you are grieving your father must be so hard. I am so sorry about that. I don't know why some people, especially good people, die so young. I don't think we will understand until we get to the other side and find out. I just don't understand it either. I'm helping a 13 year old girl and going to the hospital to visit her and seeing all of these sick kids and I just thought - Wow, I didn't realize how many sick kids there are. It really opened my eyes. I am really sorry your cousin died so young. 36 is very young. I'm sure you have always been a good person. I can tell you are a good person from your posts.
You know how you say some of your dad's funny sayings are coming out of you - that is weird cuz some of my dad's personality is coming out in me. I stand up for myself a lot better than I used to. I was always a doormat, and my dad never took no junk off any one. I'm not so much of a doormat now. I always stand up for myself. And, my dad loved country music but I didn't really like it that much (except the old bluegrass that is like Irish music). Now, I listen to country music all the time and love it. And, after my mom died, I began to realize how my door mat nature was not good for me - I'd get reminders of it all the time, like she was trying to tell me to take better care of myself.
I'm sorry you had problems with the nurses goofing off when they should have been caring for your dad. I had similar problems. When I fought for my dad, they treated me bad too. They called these lawyers who help the elderly on me. The lawyers came out, investigated and told me I was being a good advocate for my dad but that they saw the nursing home was neglectful and abusive. They started fighting against the nursing home, and six months later it was shut down. I bet if the authorities would have gotten involved that is what would have happened with you too - the hospital would have gotten in trouble. And, because I'd been fighting them so hard for so long, I didn't get much to eat that day. I have really bad hypoglycemia, so that night my blood sugar was dropping, and I was getting sick. I started getting impatient with my dad and then had to leave even though he didn't want me to. I kissed his forehead and told him I loved him and I'd be back first thing in the morning. I planned to come back at 6AM, but he died at 4:25AM. So, I never got to see him again. And, it would not have happened that way had the bad people at the nursing home not pushed my health so far while I tried to protect him. But, I have never forgiven myself for not being with him when he died. I cried and cried for months, because he told me he didn't want me to go, but I was getting sick and had to go. I know how you feel. It is an awful feeling not to have been with them when they go. A lot of people told me that most people wait til their family is gone to die, because they don't want their family to see them die. That didn't make me feel any better. I don't know why. I think maybe because I knew that my dad really did want me to stay wit him that night. I don't think he wanted to die alone. I will never forgive myself for having left. But, I will never forgive myself for not having held my mom's hand when she died. I was paralyzed with fear when my Mom died, because no one that close to me had ever died before. So, I didn't even hold her hand. I just sat on the chair next to her bed like a stone statue. She was almost comatose, but I think she would have still known if I was holding her hand. It's funny the things we can't forgive ourselves for when someone dies.
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Comment by dream moon JO B on July 20, 2012 at 5:11pm
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pluss my great cuzen who whites fthngs on bollings dose it on her mums birthday my cuzen my playmate wen we wer kids she dose it on birtdausys and her birthday and mothers day her drath aneversry wish is due nxt month and xmas wot makes t sad woz she died of brain canser just age 36 i often wonder why doae good people n die and suffer why evil get away with thngs i always say i hope i woz a good person in a past life
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the worst part is if i hadent bean playing war with nurse i wood of had more time to spend with him coz thy wer standing around doing nothing but gosping thet wer going to throw me out tht day but i kept saying my dad needs help all i got if i didnt behave thy wr going to get the plice to throw me out and iv never bean in trubel with the police
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today i said 1 of my dads funny sayings he used to say im harf right 1 side and harf left the ofer side i thnk sum of his funny sayings r starting to cum out of me now and like a kid storyas i luv thm slush drinks that make yore tung turn al sorts of collors my dad loved ginger bear we took to him to the last time he woz in hospital but on this dirty filthy ward the last word woz sea u tomrowo dad hope u r a bit beter thn we got called out by the time we got ther he had died
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Cat - the link you sent was a video, and I couldn't listen to it last night without disturbing the family, so I haven't been able to listen to it yet. I'll let you know what I think when I do.
jb - One is never too old to act like a kid. I do all the time. I love pens with lights and animals on them and I love big ear rings that usually teenagers wear. And your dad must love the balloons because he is communicating with you in a whimsical way with the balloons. My dad didn't really like cartoons, but once when he was in the hospital he really got into family guy and was watching it and smiling and enjoying it so much, and I still remember the happy look on his face like a little kid watching cartoons on Saturday morning every time I see Family Guy. I can't hardly watch Family Guy, because I cry. That memory makes me miss my dad so much.
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plus why shud the kids hav all the fun and we cant i fogot to tell u on my discusens storyas sum times my dad liket cartoons espesely the flintstones and all the other old cartoons not the 1s these days but the 1s in the 50s and 60s he didnt mind the simpsons he fort homer woz very funy
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i thnk yore rite storyas but i love witting letters to my dad i do the ballon eye dear woz a 1 i got from a great cuzen of mine but thn agan shes only 9 thn agane im a big kid at heart to buts its great how thy pop i woz going to take a foto of it before it popet thn let it go in the sky but i didnt hav any more ballons on me my dads molebilefone wang today to get insurence i fort no and switchit off coz my dad stopet bleving in insurense a long time ago he ddint get wot he paid in and tht dream i woz telling u abot him warking in to the room felt great till i woke up
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jb - it is amazing that your dad keeps popping those balloons. I'd say it has happened way too many times now for it to be a coincidence. He is letting you know he is okay. He has to be saying he's okay cuz he's being playful. If he wasn't okay he wouldn't want to be playful. That is amazing that the knock on the door happened too. My dad called me on the phone and I think my mom and dad both have been in the room with me at various times but never a knock on the door or anything like that.
Elaine - I think that was your son. There was a gentleman on here a while back who lost his son. He started a website that had pictures of his son, and many of them were orbs. I can't remember the name of the page right now. I went on it a lot for a while and have not done it lately, so I can't remember the name. I think it was like oursonbilly.com or something similar to that. I just wentt over to checked - it is www.oursonbilly.com. Check it out. He came to them in orbs a lot of times. There is one picture of an orb where you can see Billy in it in a movement almost like he is dancing. There are pictures of Billy when he was alive on the website, and the shape in that orb is built like him. It is amazing.
Cat - thank you for that link. I'm going to go read it right now.
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Here is a link to the life of The Buddha that you guys can look at when you have time. I have started practicing Tibetan Buddhist meditation and it's really starting to really help me cope with my beloved father's passing (it's been 5 weeks now).
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its to much for mu mum to keep on checking on it so i do it sum thm victorin graves woz a bit sad sean kids die as young as 14 and yunger in 1854
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