My husband passed away unexpectedly several months ago. He was only 38 years old, and he died of a sudden heart attack. We have two children, a five-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy. I've had some strange experiences since he died, such as the lights flickering on and off right when I was asking him for a sign. The strangest thing, however, has been the way my son is acting. For example, one day he walked up to me, took my face in his hands, and said, You complete me! Not only is this strange coming from a three-year-old, but this is EXACTLY what my husband used to do and say. He has said and done some other things too. For example, one day I was deep in thought and feeling sad about my husband's passing. In my mind, I kept saying to my husband, Where are you? How could you leave me like this? My son was watching TV nearby, and just as I was thinking this, he suddenly turned around and said, I'm right here, honey. Now my son never calls me honey, but my husband always did. Do you think my husband is trying to communicate with me through our son?

-Robyn

Dear Robyn,

I am truly sorry for the passing of your husband. Death may be fabulous for those who are going through it, but for the folks left holding the proverbial bag, it's a different story. For the record, you are doing GREAT.

Your husband never actually left. He did cross over on the contingency that he could come back anytime he wanted. The angels that were there to greet him and show him the way assured him that he would be able to do that.

If he had not been given that assurance, your husband would have remained earthbound. That is how passionately he felt about continuing to look after you all. As a result, he spends large amounts of time around you and the kids.

Your son is still young enough to see and hear beings from the Otherside, including his father. Ask your son if he sees Daddy around or if he talks to Daddy. I'm sure he will tell you that he does!

When he turns around and says those things to you, he is doing what a typical three-year-old child does: He is mimicking what he hears from grown-ups. Your husband is there in spirit, and when he says that phrase, your son turns around and says it too. Your boy is just copying what his daddy is doing. Your husband spends a lot of time with your daughter while she is sleeping. He comes to her in her dreams a lot.

You keep asking your husband to give you signs. If you got any more signs, your house would look like a construction zone! Trust me when I tell you that the flickering lights, the phone ringing, the stuff the kids say, the way animals act, etc. - all of that is your husband showing you that he is still very much around.

He will always be around, but he will not always be as active and as present as he is right now. He wants to make sure that you and the kids are going to be okay.

When you start to live more on your own and need him less, he won't reach out to you as often, but he will ALWAYS be there for you if you call out to him. You just have to speak his name or think of him and he will be there.

He can advise you now in the form of your own thoughts. If you need his help, ask him your question and then just let the answer come to you. He will either pop it into your head in the form of something you think you thought, or he will be instrumental in making sure someone comes your way and gives you the answer or the help you need.

I wish you endless unconditional love!

Astrea responds:

Dear Robyn,

Many times when death is unexpected, the person who dies feels the need to stick around for a while, just to make sure their loved ones are all right and able to carry on. This is exactly what's happening with your son and his dad. The two of them are certainly adept at this sort of communication. This is possible because your family has a strong karmic connection. Be happy for that - it's a gift!

Your son is completely accepting of this connection because he's little and he doesn't know there is supposed to be a gap between us and those who have Crossed Over. Unless you help him keep this gift going, as he gets older it will fade and he'll be just like every other kid. Personally, I think that would be a shame, but some children don't want this sort of experience, and some parents can't accept it.

It seems your little guy is delivering messages from his father word for word, without interpreting or altering them in any way. This is not that unusual with very small children, and if he keeps relaying messages in this manner, he should be able to retain this skill.

While many children can perceive spirits, your son was born with special ability, and if he keeps it up, he will be able to help others connect with their loved ones in Heaven when he gets older.

At some point, you'll have to help him understand that not every spirit that comes through to him is going to be nice, and that he has the power to choose who he will and will not interact with. This isn't something you need to worry about now, however, as small children have great instincts and extra spiritual protection. If something frightens him, he'll let you know it.

Not every family gets a chance to talk this way, but you all have such a special connection - you may even be able to keep it going for a while. This situation is wonderful for you because you now have a direct line to your husband. While your son is young enough to relay messages, make the most of this time by saying everything you wish you could have told your husband before he passed away.

Your family needs to stick together right now - that's why your husband keeps coming through. It may be that he wants to reach you, or you or the children are drawing him near. Whatever the reason, this is happening so that you can heal any guilt, worries or sorrows left from his passing, and he can do the same.

When we're unable to say good-bye to someone we love, it's a divine blessing to get a second chance!