By When I was about to turn 30, living in San Francisco, California, I thought it would be a great idea to host all of my good friends at one of my favorite restaurants, Fresca. However, the restaurant unfortunately did not have the availability to accommodate my large party on my chosen date. But they suggested I host the event at their new location in another part of town, so I booked the venue sight unseen.
In a twist of fate, the location was in Noe Valley. Noe Valley had a special place in my heart because my beautiful mom, Delma, had moved to Noe Valley from her small rural village in the Philippines when she was just 13. Her aunt, Lola Elisa, had adopted her in the hopes of giving her a better life. Fun memories of my Lola’s beauty shop, bar and spa flooded my memory. Unfortunately, I lost my mom when I was only 15.
When my dad arrived at the restaurant the night of my birthday party, he walked in and out of the restaurant several times. I saw him step back outside, look up at the address, then come back in. I asked him what he was doing. He asked me what this restaurant had been before, and if I knew anything about the history. I told him I didn’t know much. It was the second location of a sister restaurant in another area.
He shared that before it was a restaurant, the building had been a hall you could rent for parties back in the 1960s.
My dad then told me that it was the very location where he and my mom had celebrated their wedding reception all those years ago. I immediately got chills and felt my mom’s presence over me. I knew she had guided me to this restaurant so she could be with me to celebrate my birthday.
I had no doubt this was divine intervention.
Every time I share this story, I remember what it felt like in that moment—which was the best birthday gift in itself!
Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…
“Christine’s story is a beautiful example of how our loved ones in spirit find remarkable ways to stay connected with us,” says Sunny Dawn Johnston, Angel Expert & CEO of School of Light, has created a movement dedicated to spiritual, personal, and business growth. Discover comprehensive, transformative education at www.SchoolOfLight.biz. “Choosing a restaurant with such a deep, personal history tied to her parents’ wedding reception wasn’t just a coincidence—it was divine guidance. Her mother’s presence was clear, offering love and support during a milestone moment. These signs remind us that love never ends and that our loved ones are always near, finding ways to show us they’re still part of our journey. What a powerful and heartwarming gift for her 30th birthday.”
