By My mom was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2004. It was devastating news for our entire family. My brother and sister-in-law lived in California, and I was in New Mexico, which meant my dad was taking care of her on his own. As her condition progressed, a hospice nurse—who was truly a godsend—began coming to the house to tend to her medical needs.
After the first of the year, Mom started to decline more rapidly. But she never complained, and we never saw her cry. She was such a strong woman.
On February 10, 2005, just two weeks after her 79th birthday, Mom passed away. I stayed with my dad for a while, and during that time, we talked, laughed and cried over all the memories we shared. At one point, I told him I hoped she would somehow let me know she was okay.
A couple of weeks later, I returned home. That evening, as I stood in my kitchen, talking to my husband and loving on my two dogs, I glanced out the big bay window that faced a hill beyond our backyard. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over everything. In the middle of a golden ray of light stood the most beautiful golden retriever, wagging its tail and staring right at me.
I blinked, shook my head and looked again. Was I really seeing this? I turned to my husband and asked, “Do you see that dog?”
But when I quickly looked back, it was gone. I ran outside, hoping to spot it again. From our deck, I could see all around the neighborhood, but there was no trace of the dog. The strange thing was, I had never seen a golden retriever in our neighborhood before.
Mom was an animal lover. I inherited that love from her, but dogs were always my favorite. In that moment, I knew it had to be Mom. I laughed, I cried and I told my husband, “That was her.” My heart rested so much easier after seeing that beautiful sign.
Angel expert Sunny Dawn Johnston says…
“Jan’s story is a beautiful example of how our loved ones connect with us in personal ways,” says Sunny Dawn Johnson, a global authority on the angelic realm, with a portfolio of 22 books, including popular titles such as Invoking the Archangels, The Love Never Ends, and 365 Days of Angel Prayers. “The golden retriever appearing in the ray of sun is a touching and symbolic sign, especially given her mother’s love for animals. These moments remind us that love transcends the physical and that our departed loved ones often find creative and meaningful ways to comfort us. This encounter brought Jan peace, a sense of connection and reassurance that her mom is always with her. Such signs are gifts, encouraging us to stay open and hopeful.”
