When You Love Someone

Annie's hand

 

The day I left for California, Annie went to stay in a convalescent home. She hadn't been feeling herself, and she thought best to go and rest assured. She will return to her home in a week or so. I have gone to see her and she looks wonderfully well.

On Christmas eve I had a dream:

"I was in Annie's convalescent room. I went up to her caressed her cheek, asked her how she was, kissed her on her forehead, then told her I couldn't stay long, as I could feel myself waking up."

 

Annie prettier than a spring flower

 

When I woke up I was certain I had seen Annie. I told Chelsea that morning of my dream and how "real" it felt. I added, "It was like a Christmas gift."

The day continued as we prepared for Christmas. The phone rang, Chelsea answered it, Yann was on the line. The two of them talked. 

Yann told Chelsea that a funny thing had happened:

"Annie's son called me to ask if Corey had come home. Apparently, Annie saw Corey this morning. Annie was so convinced that Corey came into her room and visited with her, that her son asked the front desk, and the nurses if his mother had any visitors. Later still not sure if Corey had visited his Mother or not, he called me to see if she had come home earlier than plan. Annie is certain that she saw Corey."

When Chelsea relayed the message a strange rush came over me. I knew, as Annie did, that we had seen one another. 

 

P.S. Regarding the fire and my mother in law.

So much happened in such a short time that I had to first process it alone, which is so very unlike me.

Regarding my mother in law: She had a stroke three weeks before I left France. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure what was going on. Yann decided to stay in France instead of coming to California, which was true and loving. Yann and Sacha spent Christmas with his mom, and Yann stayed with her until I returned. My mother in law, Belle Mere, is doing well, though has expressive aphasia as a result of her stroke. I know you will send her good energy and prayers and I thank you in advance.

Thank you for your love and concern. The fire was the least of my worries after such a year. Though when I came home and saw/felt it I wanted to mention it.

We are fine and that is the main thing.

I haven't seen Sacha, though I have talked to Yann about the Avalanche, SCARY STUFF!! But all ended well. When I see Sacha I am still gonna BOP him!

Yann had a car accident while I was away, DANG!! He told me yesterday. I stared at him in utter disbelief. Then we cracked up laughing. He is safe, the other driver is safe and his mother's car is thrashed. Not funny, but given all that has happened laughter was needed.

 



Comments

60 responses to “When You Love Someone”

  1. Corey I adore this post. I know you and Annie had a visit. I have things like that happen to me as well. Big hugs for Annie.
    Prays and continued healing for your Mother in law.
    Big hugs.
    Strokes are very frightening. After having my mini one this past summer I am forever nervous now of another one happening. Best Wishes to Yann and I am glad he is fine from the car accident and glad you are all OK from the fire and the avalanche. What a year 2013 was for many of us. God bless us all real good in 2014 with only the very best. I send my love Corey. You have a beautiful way with words and your photographs always divine.

  2. Sending prayers for all you have mentioned…Annie, your Belle Mere, Yann, and YOU, Corey!

  3. Whew. You have had a whirlwind of events to take care of this past year. You have moved into each of them with grace and loving kindness. You are a blessing to all around you.
    So surprise about you and Annie visiting one another. Your souls are entwined and she will always be near by to love you and give you blessings. May we all learn from her wonderful example on how to live our lives with love.

  4. What a wonderful experience you shared with Annie, Corey. And all those hectic things happening in your life, no wonder you needed some time to process them. So glad you are all safe and that your mother in law is recovering.

  5. Oh my gosh Corey. So many unexpected trials. I hope that this new year is filled with easygoing good times and with no more troubles popping up – for all of us. Okay!
    And that’s so amazing about you visiting Anne and that she experienced the visit also.

  6. Dear Corey,
    Thanks for giving us some updates. I thought I had gone mad…my kids tell me I forget everything. How could I have forgotten a car accident and a stroke. Surely I’m not yet going senile! So glad that I didn’t forget. Also, glad all is well with FH and mama. Your story re Annie was moving. I think of her often, especially during this time you have been away. Tell her hi from one of your blogging friends.
    xoxo
    Gail

  7. Holy Smokes! (no pun intended) I am happy to hear that everyone is safe and sound. You are all in my prayers and in my heart…

  8. Corey, I am relatively often having similar experiences. When you are very close to someone, this happens. It’s utterly beautiful, comforting and a great gift by our God – I know that you both appreciate this gift, Annie and yourself – and that you are grateful…
    Smashed car – paah – of no importance – stuff…. (stuff it!)
    Mum-in-law: Not funny at all. It’s good of Yann to have stayed with her although how sad for you to have gone w/o him…. And about Sasha I haven’t even read – I had to give blogs a ‘break’ because my eyes are quite bad and I can’t stay long at the PC.
    But you are very often on my mind & many a prayer and sigh, often a loving thought and/or a smile go on voyage to you… I’m sure you know about it even when you don’t read me.
    Love!

  9. Alan from Chicago

    Corey
    I am so happy everything is working out. The story of you and Annie is amazing and beautiful.

  10. Holy Moses! Traveling on higher spiritual planes! Fire! Avalanche! Crash! Stroke! Your angels have been working OVERTIME protecting all that you love from such action!

  11. Corey you have had so much going on lately. Will you have any time to rest and spend some time with Annie once she comes home? Your visits with her seem to replenish you both, even in your dreams.

  12. Good Grief, Corey! Peace be with you and those you love.

  13. Barbara from Sydney

    Faith,love and laughter keeps us strong xxx

  14. yes, when next you see Sacha, BOP him a good one!

  15. christine

    Isn’t that amazing how connected you are to Annie and she to you…..such a gift is right. I’m so sorry that all this has befallen you and yet what can you do, every one is fine and that is the main thing…you’re priorities as always remain true but really enough now.
    Peace
    Christine

  16. Yes, I have to comment too on such a moving post about Annie-gives me chills and yet is comforting at the same time to know God lets these little miracle messages happen. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family and friends.

  17. I’m so happy everything is fine at the end! Hugs and love and best wishes for you and everyone dear to you.

  18. I have an Annie too, I saw her today, she has known me since I was an infant, she is now 90 with dementia, I left her presents for Christmas and she never got them, when I walked into her room, coming home like Annie, her eyes lit up, I dashed home, got another shawl of mine, she didn’t get the first cashmere one, some Organic Apple Juice she said she liked, and printed pictures of my me, mom, and dad she wanted, put them in a frame, and sat with her……I cried all the way home, my heart is so sad and heavy…..we are all one and feel together ~ xoxo

  19. Corey, we usually say bad things come in threes – I think you are over your limit and can be assured of only good things from hereon. Geesh! Prayers for all!

  20. Oh my! Hugs to Annie and truly you each are connected.
    Wow! Praying for your mother-in-law. A car accident, fire, avalanche – what more but to have smooth sailing through 2014. Yikes! Wrap your family in a protective quilt of prayer and protection.

  21. Hugs and prayers. It is all such a wonderful mystery…..
    Missy from the bayou

  22. Wow, I just got the chills after reading about you and Annie seeing each other – so amazing. I’m glad to see you still have your sense of humor after the year you have had plus all the recent events….Sending my love and prayers to you, Annie and your mother in law along with the rest of your family! xxoo

  23. Corey,
    Thank you for your example of grace and love under pressure. You show that you appreciate what is important in life.
    xxoo
    Gail
    P.S. Nice that you have a Paris Apartment to run to if the reconstruction gets too stressful !

  24. Very, very happy to read about Annie! The dream you both had, wow, you share such an amazing connection. I am praying for belle mere and will wait for an update . . . in my mind she is the quintessential French mom and matriarch of the family – I pray she is improving. Stay strong Corey, we are out out here for you!

  25. Iowa Julie

    You and Annie. Soul travel. Recovery wishes for the elegant Belle Mere.

  26. RebeccaNYC

    For such a short post, this one was CHOCK FULL!!
    First off, you and Annie have a connection that transcends time, travel and space. I hope this is a comfort as you face the inevitable.
    I am so sorry about your lovely Belle Mere, may she have successful recovery.
    Enough already, you have had your share. Keep Yann, Sacha and Chelsea at home in bubble wrap.

  27. Following her major stroke, my mother attended weekly sessions at Easter Seals for several years, which featured walking therapy and group speaking (no caregivers allowed, so the clients wouldn’t feel so self-conscious). I assume something similar is available to your belle mère to help her regain as much of her speech as possible.
    Glad to know that Annie’s perking up and will soon be home. Keep us posted, because we all adore her!

  28. Beautiful photo of Annie juxtaposed with the pink flower…both beautiful. I loved the story of your dream. So sorry to hear of your mother- in-laws stroke and the fire! I’m glad you were able to fill up on your willows family love before returning to hopefully a better 2014.

  29. Michele K. Waite

    Annie & You = Spirit, Angels, Goddesses & Love!

  30. Patti Lloyd

    I’m starting to wonder if your guardian angels have been on holiday regarding your family! The Annie story was beautiful…maybe those angels are back in force, now. The family you have on this blog always gives me a warm feeling and I can feel all the love coming your way. Maybe they are angels too. Somehow I see a halo over your head and feel blessed to know you and all my fellow humans on here.

  31. Time travelers, you and Annie.
    This will be your recovery year. I am sorry about your house fire and the health of MIL. I pray for recovery for her and for your strength during the week’s ahead.
    Give Annie a hug.

  32. Corey, I think you have a gift of bilocation.

  33. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2014 – no matter how bad things have been, they could have been worse, as you are aware – bon courage!

  34. Dear Corey, a goodhat an experience for you and Annie to have had. Truly amazing!
    What a year 2013 turned out to be for you and your family. Who would have thought so much could babe gone wrong. It’s obvious to me that in the midst of it all God was protecting you all from what might truly have been serious diasters.
    I’ll be praying for FH’s mother that she will
    have a full recovery. Also,for Annie’s well being and God’s continued protection over your family.
    Thank you so much for your blog and prayers you’ve said for me. I often think of the bells ringing at Notre Dame.

  35. Sending love, prayers and peace of mind, Corey. After reading today’s post I feel guilty for being a little flippant yesterday.
    I don’t consider myself superstitious but 2013 was not a good year for my husband and I either.
    May Annie and your belle mere enjoy full health again and calm be restored to your family.

  36. I love the story of your visit to Annie. I fully believe you were there. God can do anything and I believe he knew you two needed that visit. I’m praying for you and Annie and your amazing mother-in-law. May health and healing flow. Love abounds.

  37. I agree with Kiki that your time “with” Annie was a gift, and with Mrs. Pom that you’ve had more than your slate of group-of-three disasters. Of course, healing and happy vibes go out to you, Annie, and your mother-in-law!

  38. Hi Corey,
    I will pray for your mother-in-law and Annie as well. Your story of visiting Annie stirred an old memory for me. Much the same thing happened to me in my twenties. In a dream I had connected with a dear friend. Shortly after, this friend contacted me, relayed the same dream and revealed he had been in another country in a dangerous situation at the time of the dream. Love seems to know no boundaries. Take care.

  39. Cynthia Rieth

    Goodness gracious as my grandmother used to say, you’ve been through a lot! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way…

  40. My father had the same connection with his good friend. When I was growing up, my dad would say “I need to call Val” and always within a few minutes, our phone would ring and it was Val!
    I am glad Annie is doing well, so sorry for your Mother in law. Glad Yann and Sacha are safe! Cars can be replaced, homes can too but our loved ones cannot.
    Prayers and hugs! karen…

  41. Corey, it is a brand new year and everything is fresh and new with positive energy! Your family has had a lot happen, but all water under the bridge…so I’m wishing you a very wonderful, happy new year!!! CAROLYN

  42. Finally got time to catch up with your news, I’m really glad everyone is ok, material stuff can be fixed.

  43. Corey, Your guardian angel is working overtime to keep all well in the midst of so many challenges. May this new year find a road of fewer big bumps to challenge the journey with so much of the unexpected.
    The nighttime visit between friends is truly a story to remember always…not just for you and Annie, but for all of us privileged to share the story with you. Sent tingles down my spine.

  44. Sending hugs to you, your Belle Mere, and Annie! Here’s to a blessed and peaceful 2014!

  45. 2014 is going to sooo good for all of us + Peace be with you. xxpeggybraswelldesign

  46. sending love and prayers your way, Corey-girl

  47. Marjorie Sue

    The old adage is that ‘bad things come in three’s’. You’ve outdone yourself! Let 2014 be a smooth sailing year. Enough already!
    Prayers are coming for Annie and for you.
    Peace

  48. Corey, i understand your needing to step away and process all that has happened in such a short time. praying for God’s spirit to infuse you with strength and joy. xxoo jody

  49. Some things defy explanation … Your visit with your Annie made me a little teary … and your connection with Yann so healthy and good that you both laughed leaves some of us a tiny bit envious! All in perspective … these are the pieces that are sustaining. Loads of good wishes for you and your extended family, from your Belle Mere’s continuing recovery and Annie’s to Sacha’s completely understandable BOP!

  50. Thinking of you and your family with affection and best wishes.

  51. Shivering with delight upon reading Annie’s story. Simply divine! It’s been a long time since I’ve heard of this happening to others. You and Annie have a connection that is like no other.
    I sure bet you are happy it’s a New Year!!!

  52. Corey, I have a very close friend and when he was in Iraq we would meet in our dreams.
    Very real for both of us. For him it was a respite from all the tragedy of war and the responsibilities of his day-to-day life during that time. For me it was peace of mind knowing he was safe.
    The holidays this year have been challenging. They have seen my mother go into heart failure and have to be medically transported so a team of specialists could care for her. All the while, I take care of my father, who has Parkinson’s. Somedays I long for home (I live in VA where you send all my purchases(!)…and my parents live in CO) and the familiar routines, sights, sounds, and friends that make up home. But most days I’m glad I can be here when they need me.
    And then my niece announces her engagement and I think 2014 is already more beautiful than I imagined. Happy New Year! Best wishes to you and your family, but especially to Annie and your mother-in-law.

  53. Cousin Linda

    I hope the aphasia is a minor form and that your Belle Mere will have a full recovery. Hard to picture that vital woman unable to communicate with those around her.

  54. Margie in Orlando FL

    When I saw the picture of Annie on your post today my heart skipped a beat. I have wondered about her everyday since your last post of her. So I cried with relief and wonder at your dream of her and her of you. Amazing. You and Annie must surely have known each other in previous lives.
    My prayers go out to your sweet Belle Mere also. She has always been such a vibrant, active and youthful person. I wish her a speedy recovery.
    And as for everything else…you have had enough problems to fill at least two years so that means 2014 will be completely problem free!

  55. Jennifer Phillipps

    I think everyone has said very aptly what I am thinking. Go well family and loved ones, stay away from avalanches and car accidents, wobbly ladders for painting and repairs and keep smiling and telling us your stories. Stay well!

  56. Hugs, Corey, this is a lot to go through. I remember a similar experience of laughing when near disaster hits. An airplane I was in was having difficulty and when we landed, it went off the runway and dust was everywhere, the plane swirled then stopped. A business colleague and I looked at each other and started laughing. We couldn’t stop laughing…saying things like ha ha ha we almost crashed…I thought we were going to die, ha ha ha. Sounds weird but that was our response.
    Take care and many blessings for a beautiful new year.

  57. Oh Corey – that DREAM! I lost my version of Annie – my litle 94-year-old neighbor Ethel – in August. But I had this kind of relationship with Ethel. We knew what the other needed before we told each other, I’d be walking up her sidewalk and she’d have the door already open.
    Treasure your Annie. And take care!
    Amy

  58. Oh My Gosh… you have really been through the ringer lately. You and your family are in my thoughts. As far as “the meeting” with Annie, how amazing and amazingly eerie. I believe things like that can happen. I hope she is well.

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