Charleston: Watched Over

“They are watching over you, the ones who have gone before, the ones who know you best, the spirits of a love that never dies, your ancestors of hope and courage, those bright souls who shaped your life and gave you life and showed you what life really was.”—Bishop Steven Charleston Daily Facebook Page.

I know I am watched over by loved ones who have died. I have no doubt about it. There are times when I can do things I know I could never do alone, without being helped and cared for by others.
My grandfather was the most significant person who taught me about unconditional love in my growing-up years. When he died, I was devastated. I wanted to do something to honor him. I knew he did not like my smoking. I had tried to quit many times without success. Quitting smoking for me was a spiritual experience. I have not had a cigarette since December 7, 1979, the day of my grandfather’s funeral. My grandfather loved me when he was living, and saved my life after he died.

One New Year’s Eve, I walked the labyrinth that evening at Christ Church. It was a cool evening, and I was wearing a long black shawl with fringes like ones you sometimes see over pianos. Suddenly, during the walk, I felt the presence of my grandmothers holding and surrounding me like the shawl around my shoulders.

This weekend, I dreamed that I received a letter from Peggy Hayes, my former spiritual director. I knew it was from her because of the address and writing, but I woke up before reading the printed handwritten message on the short folded-up letter. My prayers have been asking what was in the letter. I plan to ask my dream group about it this morning.

Joanna joannaseibert.com