I love collecting art and meaningful quotes about angels.

“In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.”

 -J. F. Smith

When I heard this quote many years ago at a funeral, I had not yet lost a baby or my mom, but I had had some tender experiences where I felt someone’s presence in my life who had died. 

I believe that those who have past on have unique roles as expressed in this quote and occasionally have opportunities to assist those they love or are connected to.  

One woman who I never knew in this life was my mom’s Grandma Rhoda. Grandma Rhoda lived in a basement apartment below where my mom lived as a child. She was my mom’s safe place, especially when her own home became dysfunctional and hard to handle. 

I have felt Grandma Rhoda’s kindness and warmth in a few tender and spiritual moments. I know she greeted Baby Winston when his body here on earth could no longer house his spirit. I recently found this picture of my Grandma Rhoda with my mom standing next to her (pictured above). It was remarkable that she had a baby on her lap. Though it is not my Winston, I like to imagine it is. I take comfort in knowing they are all together in a heavenly space, showing each other the ropes in heaven. 

This week I had a tender conversation with a cousin. She too never knew Grandma Rhoda. She too had had an experience where she was told her infant son would be ok after an accident. It was a sweet and emotional exchange as we realized the beautiful role this great grandma had played in our lives, even though we never knew her in this life.

What a beautiful gift to be eternally connected in meaningful ways! Even more wonderful knowing that there are divinely connected angels watching over our posterity. This holiday season, despite not having some of my family members still here on earth, I am grateful for magnificent, unique and loving families ties that are not limited to our time here on earth. I love thinking of my loved ones who are gone having their own personal gatherings in a heavenly landscaped park, exchanging conversations about how they have occasionally be given opportunities to magically influence us in divine and special ways. We are not forgotten. They still know and care for us. Occasionally, they may be sent to us or those we love, of that I am certain.

– Amy Harmer, Granite View Stake