8/8/09

Late Night Visit

I had a visit from my grandmother last night. Now, this might not be unusual for most people, but my grandmother has been dead for about 10 years now. As many of you know, my parents also died many years ago. (This is important to know for the story.) My parents have come to me many times over the years – in my dreams. They never appear together, and come to me at times when I am in great need of comfort. I am always surprised by these visits, but very, very touched.

Last night I saw my grandmother. I was walking through my school, and as I rounded the corner I bumped into her. This was our conversation.


“Baba, HI! What are YOU doing here?” I hugged her very, very hard.

“Well, I just wanted to see you. I want you to know how much I love your column. I read it all the time. Please, can you tell me a funny story? Tell me a funny story right now.”

And so, I proceeded to tell her a funny story. In the middle of the story she started crying. Tears were streaming down her face as she intently looked at me.


“Baba, why are you crying? “ I asked.


“Honey, I just miss you so much.”


Then I woke up.


Now, I’m the one who is crying. Again.


(I had to slip this one back in. It's dear to my heart.....)


78 comments:

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

lovely. so many special people to miss.

AS Amber said...

What the hell??? I'm number TWO!?!?!? Woooot!

I remember this one from before. I'm glad you reposted it. Such a sweet story!

Unknown said...

This one still makes me cry.


You need to email me.. we can meet and go to my SIL house, drink white russians, Cafe Patron, eat Brie with fruit and bread and almonds and play guitar hero... it would be a bllllllaaassssst

I know where the Dunkin donuts is you tweeted about 10 min from my house!

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

oh.. that was very touching.. I would love to see my gramma in a dream

King of New York Hacks said...

Beautiful. Touching. It is nice when our passed on loved ones visit, but I always feel the need to grieve again. Amazing post as usual Vodkamom.

tiff said...

what a wonderful dream...definitely pulls at the heart strings! it is nice that your parents and baba come to visit while you sleep!

LPC said...

It was worth the rerun.

darsden said...

oooh how sweet and sad.. big {hugs}

Unknown said...

I recently had a dream with my grandmother in it...it was kind of scary...Your's is so much more touching.

Lori P said...

That's so cool! My sister dreams of my father in that way and I am so envious. It's a special thing and it's the same with her - it happens when she's worried. I have theories about who is speaking, but I think either way that the recipient is extremely lucky to have that moment.

Mandy said...

I probably wrote this the last time you posted it, but I wanted to say it again.

My grandparents visited me in my dreams, too. I went to pick my children up at the babysitter's house and my grandfather opened her door. Stunned a little, I hugged him (tightly as well!) and asked if my Granny was there. He lead me to her and after hugging her, I ran to find the babysitter. She told me that they come by her house every afternoon to visit with my boys.

Thanks for the memory. :)

Michele said...

I have had dream visits from my mother-in-law and more than one visit from my father-in-law (go figure) but never from my dad who I really want to visit me. No matter who comes to visit you are blessed.

Anonymous said...

This was a good one, glad you saved it.

My grandpa visited me in a dream a few years ago, also when I needed comfort and a hug. He was him, but had a more youthful appearance and his hair was light brown instead of silver. Like he was young but still recognizable to me. It was really neat. I wish it'd happen again.

Irish Gumbo said...

Now I'm the one reaching for the hankies (sniff)...I hope your grandma and my G-maw can get together for a beer :)

Techno Angel said...

Consider yourself lucky. My parents died 4 years ago and, that I remember, I've never dreamed about them. I hope it's because they're both content in Heaven but I wish I had their guidance once in a while.

And now I'm crying....

Karen Harrington said...

Very touching. I hadn't read this one before.

Tara R. said...

This one really tugs on the heartstrings.

Brian Miller said...

smiles. i like the thought that they miss us as much as we miss them.

Michel said...

Oh! that is fab. I wish my grandma would come visit me in my dreams. Although, she'd probably lecture me on how my purse does not match my shoes and how a lady does not slouch. I'd point out that my shirt rarely matches my skirt and we should start with baby steps. Then we'd get into an argument and I'd storm off with a WHATEVER GRANDMA YOU DON'T KNOW!!!

Maybe she shouldn't visit. She actually wasn't that nice to me! I like yours better!

for a different kind of girl said...

So lovely...reminds me of just how much I, too, miss my grandma and can imagine how she'd perhaps say something similar.

Anonymous said...

Twice in my life I have had visits like this. One of them came with a miracle, and the other one came with answers at a time when I was really struggling to understand some things. Both were the most vivid and memorable dreams I've ever had.

It has to mean something when that happens. It has to.

Courtney said...

I often have dreams of my mother (who passed away when i was 15) when i am in a bad place in time or if i am in need of guidance. Instead of freaking out i find it so comforting. A piece of her still with me always.

Beth said...

You remind me of how much I miss my dad. He has been gone for almost 30 years now. I've never thought of him missing me, too. I just wish he did visit me in my dreams. Sometimes I struggle to remember the sound of his voice.

I'm crying, too.

Anonymous said...

*hugs*

There is always someone we miss dearly and no matter where they are they will remain with us.

That Janie Girl said...

Girl. You're killing me.

I love your stories...and your dreams.

Debbie said...

That is so very sweet. I'd like a visit like that with my grandmother.

Zip n Tizzy said...

I missed this the first time.
Thanks for reposting it.

Anonymous said...

I find this subject so interesting.

I've learned that your mind has to be open to the visits as yours is. One day, I'll tell about my out of body experience with the dead owner of the house we lived in.

Sharon Rose said...

Those visits are so incredible! Knowing for sure when you awoke that hug was still lingering. Been there with my father. . . still waiting for my mother. . .
This is lovely. . . and I too am sharing tears with you!

Captain Dumbass said...

I thought this one seemed familiar. It's still good. If I met my grandpa in a dream he'd probably just want to know why the damn baseball game wasn't on.

Desert Songbird said...

My parents visit me in my dreams, too, and, like you, they usually don't come together. Weird, huh? In my dreams, it's always a casual visit: chatting over coffee/tea.

They haven't come to see me in a long time. I wonder why?

AmyK. said...

I still miss my grandmother too, and she has been gone for almost 20 years. Always dear to my heart too...funny that she camed to you in school. I think my grandma would too!

Bethany said...

Oh wow, what a sweet dream. She must be looking down on you!

Anne said...

My grandma was a teacher and inspired me to be a teacher too. She gave me a glass bluebird that sits near my desk, but more special to me is the little card that reads, "Lovingly, Grandma" in her very precise penmanship. I would be sad if something happened to the bird, but I would be crushed if I lost that little piece of paper, a little piece of her!

Formerly known as Frau said...

I love stories like that they always give me goose bumps!

DKC said...

That is a special one.

Unknown said...

Comfort... coming from someone who is loved and missed... is priceless.

cheatymoon said...

I love it when they visit. Thank you for sharing your experience.
xxoo

Elle said...

That made my cry. My Grandmother died this past December and I think of her every day.

PhilB said...

That is special VM. My Dad coomes to me every now and then. The last time he just wanted to show me his new truck with a very cool lift gate. I was telling him how much I missed him, but all he wanted to do is talk about his truck...haha. That is typical though, he loved his truck.

Thanks for a really special post,

Phil

http://howtobecomeacatladywithoutthecats.blogspot.com said...

I wish my grandma would visit me!

Anonymous said...

I think it's amazing when things happen that remind us of people we hold dear, even greater when those people remind us they still hold us dear.

The Stiletto Mom said...

I love it when I get visits like that, makes me feel wonderful and sad all at the same time.

feefifoto said...

My grandparents visit me in dream sometimes. I always enjoy seeing them and they always look great -- healthy and happy.

Susan said...

I lost my Baba several years ago... my now 7 year old always says she sits on her shoulder when she needs help. I love that.

Beautiful story.

Unknown said...

So touching.

rachaelgking said...

Aww. At least you got to say hi...

Samantha said...

Don't you just LOVE those dreams!? We never forget the ones we love!

Girl Tornado said...

I haven't had one of those dreams in awhile. Shortly after my father died of a massive stroke in Oct 2006, I had one or two dreams about him. In one of the dreams, when I awoke, I could have sworn I had really just talked to him. It was so vivid. I hugged him and told him how much I missed him in the dream. And I'm getting choked up just writing this right now, so I'm going to stop!

Hugs to you dear!

Oz Girl aka Susan

Suzy said...

Whenver I'm upset or have had a grueling day, my little Yorkie comes to me. He died in 1991 and I say THE SAME THING to him in every dream he's in. "I can't believe you're still alive!"

the mama bird diaries said...

Oh that was beautiful.

Unknown said...

Okay. Thanks for the tear jerker!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

You always manage to say so much in so few words...a talent that I obviously lack! I loved this.

I had a similar dream about my chilhood dog once. Not the same as a grandma - but it was really nice to see him again.

anymommy said...

Yeah, I love this one too. Thanks for sharing it again!

Travis Erwin said...

I often dream of my grandfather who has been dead for eight years so i fully understand how emotional these visits can be.

Madge said...

((you))

Jeanne Estridge said...

At least you get to see her again....

Unknown said...

Vodka, those passing-away people we love are not really dead. They live in out heart forever and come along our life. After all, I love to read to your story. Thanks. Toddler Crafts Susan

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Moments ago had a discussion of this very type with my youngest son. If it is possible.Most interesting perpsectives from both of us.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

So glad you did, I missed it the first time around. My mother has only "visited" me once in my dreams. It was so real and comforting.

Jan said...

I'm jealous. Lovely post.

Sprite's Keeper said...

If it's even possible, I love you even more now.
I called my grandmother Baba too and since I held her in such high regard, I continued the tradition with Sprite calling my mother Baba.
(I really need to call my mom now..Sob!)
xoxox

Mrs. E said...

This is beautiful! I'm so jealous that your deceased loved ones come back in your dreams. I wish that were true for me. : (

buffalodick said...

If they are in your memory, they will always be with you..

The Good Cook said...

My grandmother visits my mother on occasion. Usually a holiday or her birthday. She (my grandmother) also makes the cuckoo clock chime (off hour) and helps to find lost things.

Amazing how the love connection lasts well beyond.

♥ Braja said...

You're so sweet....no wonder they visit you....

Real Live Lesbian said...

I'm glad you did. It's a keeper!

As Cape Cod Turns said...

That is so sweet!

*Akilah Sakai* said...

And I bet you know why she asked you to tell her a funny story.

It's 'cos you're meant to.

It's 'cos you should be published.

Go do your thing. Baba says so!

confused homemaker said...

whenever my Nana comes to visit I usually know something big is about to happen. it's nice to have that.

confused homemaker said...

whenever my Nana comes to visit I usually know something big is about to happen. it's nice to have that.

Anonymous said...

Now THAT's dream! If I met my grandmother in my dream, I don't think I'd ever want to wake up. I miss her so.

On another note, I'll be blogging about my experience doing the Master Cleanse fast this week. Stop by and keep me honest.

School's back in session here...drive safely everyone.

Unknown said...

Aren't these moments the best?
I once saw my girlfriend Evy (who died a few years ago from a blood clot at 45) in a dream...she was a curvy gal while she was alive ( Chubby chic as she put it)but in my dream she was fit and athletic...she told me that she was so happy and not to be sad...She also told me not to wear "That damn red sweatshirt anymore"....I have this red sweatshirt that she despised because the cuffs were ragged...
I wore it mostly because I have no shkorn about that kinda stuff and It is so comfortable...but I haven't worn it since she asked me not to! :)

Peace -Rene

mo.stoneskin said...

I'm not too sure what to write. Moving, makes me want to put more effort into seeing my grandparents while they are still around.

Joanie said...

You, my friend, have very cool dreams.

I dream of my ex. How do I make that stop?

Anonymous said...

I have dreamt before that I hear my dad in the next room. I wake up and go to find him and he's not there and his death hits me again as hard as it did 12 years ago. You never, ever get over losing a loved one. You just learn to endure it.

SSP said...

sniff....sweet and evocative...thanks!

Anonymous said...

aw...sweet.