Messages ~ Love, Hope and Healing in Spirit

In college, a professor of mine wrote a piece of choral music, the refrain of which was simply, "Summer is Gone." It was an evocative memory piece written to express the sadness he felt during the last weekend of his summer holidays. It was hard for him to leave the lake behind where he and his brother, Frankie, had spent long summer days skipping stones and pretending to fish.

Our choral group was asked to tour Spain and sing in several prestigious venues. Of course, the professor was thrilled. It was odd then, that he was late to our first performance in Madrid.

Before the final song, "Summer is Gone," our professor dropped his head and there was a great pause, long enough to wonder if something was wrong. As our leader raised his head, we could see that his cheeks were wet with tears. When we sang, "Summer is Gone," it was with an intensity almost not vocally possible. I could see the outline of someone in spirit standing almost directly behind our professor. Emotion blurred my vision and I thought it was an illusion caused by the stage lights.

After the last chord, there was silence. We left the stage without taking a bow. Later on that evening, we learned that our professor's brother, Frankie, had died earlier that day. We had sung with the grief of those left behind. Summer was gone. But Frankie was still there.

Another time I shared a visceral, searing and uncomprehensible grief was on September 11, 2001. On that day, the song I learned long ago came to mind.

Our long summer of innocence was gone. The world was changed. New songs have been written to express what is inexpressible. Alan Jackson wrote, "Where were you when the world stopped turning?" two days after the towers fell. It touches me to this day.

Yes, summer ends. Yes, the world changes. But among things that remain constant is the love that those in spirit have for us and their continuing interest in our lives.

May the memories of summer keep you warm during the cool evenings of fall,

Hollister Rand

SPIRITS OF 9/11

On September 11, 2001, the private grief experienced at the loss of a loved one became a public grief shared for the loss of heroes, iconic towers and a way of life.

Within the limits of a short article, I can't possibly recount all of the communications I've had with spirits from 9/11 during the past 8 years. I can, however, answer a few of the questions I've been asked often in the days and years following.

What was 9/11 like from the perspective of those who passed on that day?

From our perspective, 9/11 is so significant that there are those who campaigned to make it a national holiday. It might seem surprising to learn that those who passed to spirit on September 11, don't necessarily acknowledge the magnitude of the event itself. Spirits of 9/11 have said things like, "I died doing my job." Or, "I died while helping a friend who couldn't walk."

What were the last thoughts of people who knew that they were going to die?

There were a number of people who were able to call their families after the planes crashed and before the towers fell. Their communications of love were far more important to them than anything else at that moment in time. It is much the same way with loved ones in spirit. Their interest is in sending their love and letting us know that they're okay. Nothing else is as important.

When lots of people pass at once, is heaven ready for them?

A group of friends, all mediums, and I held a circle a week following 9/11. We saw a number of spirits we called "helpers." These spirits did not pass during the events of the day, but were dedicated to making sure that everyone was well taken care of. These loving beings seemed to be organizing things - - much like volunteers at a mega outdoor summer festival.

Please do not assume that what we witnessed means that loved ones weren't also met by friends and relatives who had passed before 9/11. But our experience seems to indicate that there are additional helpers who show up when needed.

Are those who passed on 9/11 aware of the memorials on the anniversary of the event?

During private sessions, loved ones in spirit often indicate that they've attended their memorial services. We might think that this is so that they can see who is there and whether their favorite music is played! But that's not the case. Instead, they are there to comfort their loved ones and try, in some way, to let them know that they've survived death.

Those in spirit also appreciate the love and support provided by friends and family for those they've left behind. Each of us can be used by spirit in this way. You don't have to be a medium to help the spirits!

Messages of sympathy, food brought to the family after a memorial, or flowers sent to brighten a day, can be used by those in spirit to help break down the walls of loneliness and separation which can actually make it more difficult for them to get through.

Our loving thoughts and thoughtfulness matter to those in spirit because intentions can help create an atmosphere of healing.

In this way, my friends, even the most heartbreaking of situations can be transformed by the sharing of love between this side and the other side of life.

About Hollister Rand

Hollister Rand is dedicated to providing specific and healing messages from loved ones living in the spirit world.

She offers a variety of ways to experience the healing heart of mediumship from private appointments to affordable group events.

Holli is clairvoyant, clairaudient and clairsentient which means that she can see, hear and feel spirits.

As a teaching medium she leads workshops and seminars in major cities throughout the U.S. and the world.

Hollister has teamed up with internationally acclaimed psychic medium John Edward for Infinite Quest, a one stop portal of resources for the soul.