My mother died Dec. 17, 2003.

I had been spending sixteen to eighteen hours a day taking care of her every need, since she was very ill. The night before she died, I was at the hospital with her. When it was time for me to go home, I asked her not to leave until I returned the next morning. She told me she couldn't give me that promise and that she loved me.

My sister stayed with her that night. When I arrived home, I told my husband that I would lie on the couch near the phone because I knew I would get a call. Around 5 a.m., while I was sleeping, my mother appeared to me. She was dressed in a white garment, and looked radiant. She never moved her lips but she told me that she was gone and that I should not worry -- she was with my dad.

I woke myself up yelling for her. As soon as I awoke, the phone rang. It was my sister calling to tell me that my mother had just passed away. I believe that, because she and I were so close, she felt she had to come and tell me good-bye.

Pat Padgett
Crossville, TN
patpadgett@multipro.com

Posted Aug. 25, 2004