A St. Paddy's Day Miracle

I did not expect to share a miracle story about my mother’s passing at a St. Partick’s Day Party this week. Two new friends were standing by the beverage table having a conversation when I snuck behind them to grab a soda. One of the women noticed it was me and said something like, “Oh, John. Great timing. You would like this conversation.” 

It turns out, they were talking about what it’s like being with someone as they cross to the other side. This woman knew I worked with families and facilitated spiritual ceremonies, so she was correct about that being my kind of conversation. It felt significant that I was sharing this story with them exactly 14 years after it happened. 

It was March 17, 2011. My mother’s life force was waning. She slept a lot, and our conversations were limited. But she still loved her sweets, so I stopped by with cupcakes decorated with green icing and shamrocks for St. Paddy’s Day. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the energy to take even one bite of those cupcakes, which spoke volumes of her condition.

Shortly after I arrived, she fell asleep. I remember sitting on her bed and putting my hands on her back to send her healing energy. All the while, I was repeating these phrases from A Course in Miracles in my mind.

“You are not a body. You are free. You are still as God created you. You are pure Spirit, innocent and whole. All is forgiven and released.”

Imagine my surprise when, after about fifteen minutes, my mother suddenly sat right up in bed and asked, “What do you call that, honey?” She seemed wide awake and more coherent than I had seen in weeks! 

Still a bit stunned, I told her I was doing some energy healing and praying with her. What came out of her mouth next surprised me even more. “Thank you, honey. What can I do for you?” 

Now this was a question I had not heard in a very long time. As my mother’s world shrank and her life force diminished, her needs grew more and more. Understandably, it was mostly about what I could do for her by that point.

I took this question to my heart, and inspiration came. I knew what she could do for me. I asked her to let me know when she was ready to go, and if she wanted me to be there with her I would be. I also told her if she’d rather be alone, that was fine too. I just wanted her to know that it was okay to lay her body aside whenever she was ready, and to do it however felt best for her. 

She looked me in the eyes and said, “Okay.” Then she laid back down to resume her restful state as if nothing had happened. I’m sure I must have looked around the room for the candid camera. Did I imagine that exchange or did it really happen? I couldn’t believe her clarity. 

Less than three weeks later, my mother took her last breath while my brother held her hand and I rubbed her feet. Not a bad way to go if you ask me. I’d say she heard my request loud and clear. I’m so grateful for that Saint Patrick’s Day miracle and for the honor of being with her when she made her grand exit.

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about my mom and dad. Today, on my morning walk, I listened to a session from one of my favorite A Course in Miracles teachers, Jacob Glass. His message was not about death and dying. It was about following our bliss, but for some reason, he read the exact paragraph from Chapter 5 that I read at my mother’s Celebration of Life service. (It's the last paragraph in Section IV if you are curious.)

As you can imagine, my eyes got watery hearing those words. Of all the paragraphs he could have chosen in the almost 1,300 pages of the Course, he read that one. It certainly got my attention. Thanks for the message, Mom. I feel your presence.

Not to be outdone by my mom, my dad got in on the act too. A little later on that same walk, I found a red-magenta crayon on the ground. How is that a message from my dad? Well, his name was Harold, and there is a beloved children’s picture book (and a 2024 movie) titled Harold and the Purple Crayon. I admit it was a bit of a stretch, especially since the crayon looked more red than purple. 

He wasn't done yet. My dad wanted to make sure his doubting son knew it was him. About 2 minutes later, what did I encounter on the sidewalk? A purple crayon! Thanks for the confirmation, Dad. I feel your presence too. 

Some might argue I’m attaching meaning to these events. But why wouldn’t I if it’s helpful? Everything is just a story we are making up, so why not choose one that feels loving and supportive? It’s been a challenging week, so I’m grateful for these signs helping me feel the presence of my parents. I hope it inspires you to look for signs and miracles that you too are supported and loved. 

If you’d like some assistance in seeing life from a more miraculous point of view, I would be honored to assist you with a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions or a private Family Constellations Session. Both are great ways to shift your thoughts from fear to Love. Please look around my website for more information about these healing opportunities or to book a session. I look forward to working with you!

Until next time, may the luck of the Irish bless you with miracles at every turn…

I have given everything I see all the meaning that it has for me.

A Course in Miracles ~ Workbook Lesson #2