PRESENCE

last month, when visiting my family in west virginia, i had a strange experience the first night i arrived at my mother's house. as i got into my bed, preparing for sleep, i felt a heavy, undeniable presence in my room. it was eerie, gave me chills, but didn't frighten me. i quickly realized that it was the presence of my father. i was immobilized, but also feeling a bit unerved and hyper. i jumped out of bed to go into the living room to make sure i had locked the door. i felt the presence in there too - following me through the house and then back into my bedroom. it wouldn't go away. but i knew it was my dad, and i said hello to him. he didn't hang around too long, but he was definitely there.

i am a believer in spirits, and i do not fear them. what was unusual about this experience is that my father died august 12, 1990 in our front yard, from a heart attack. i felt his presence in our house a few days after his death, but in all the years i've been going back home to visit my mom, to stay in my childhood home, i have never felt my father's presence. this experience made me question why he was suddenly visiting me, or my mom in our house. was it because he knew my mother had been very ill, near death, prior to our visit, and wanted to make sure she was okay? did he know i could use a visit from him right about now? did he want to meet a.?

i have no idea why he appeared after all these years. his presence ultimately comforted me, and i hope i can feel him again the next time i'm home.