The Photo on the Porch

After My Dad Passed Away

A few months after my Dad passed away, I asked God to share His love with me and give me what I so desperately wanted to feel: to touch my father, to hold him again. I knew that was not physically possible, yet the need was so overwhelming.

God responded in my heart by assuring me that Dad is with Him and he is okay. I prayed, “Lord, please give me something. I know I can’t have Dad physically, but I need something to let me know again, yet again, that he is with us and he is filled with love at this moment, that he is not sad ~ that he is with us every minute.”

I prayed this prayer right before going to bed. I never told anyone about it, for it was so very private.

The next morning, I awoke and went about the business of the day. My brother Al called and said, “Go to the screen porch; I left a photo there for you. I know you’ll want it.”

I quickly ran to the porch, as he waited on the phone, expecting a photo of the kids. I picked it up, turned it over, and saw the face of my Dad. Not only was it Dad, but it was Dad with his hand held up as if saying, “Hi! Please be at peace; I love you!”

Al had not known of my prayer request. I knew as soon as I saw the photo that here was another confirmation that God does allow our loved ones who’ve passed on to keep sharing their love with us.

I asked Al, “Why did you drop the photo off this day?”

He said, “I don’t know. I just had to give it to you!”

Let Jesus minister to you more: See our other WordBytes on Bereavement >>

© 1998 by Rosie Bridges

Please share this with others by using the social sharing icons at the bottom of this page. Or request a printable copy that's licensed for distribution here, unless it is indicated above that it is already available from Catholic Digital Resources.