Rainbows and Scotch Whiskey

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Apr 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

divinerguy	22 Apr 2003
My Dad died last week. He succumbed to a rapidly moving cancer after just a few months. Before I knew it, he was gone. We had a special relationship. We didn't talk about his illness, because he wasn't that type of guy. In his last days, we talked about football and fishing and women, because those were the things he liked. Eschewing a christian funeral for his own brand of paganism, he preferred the company of friends at an old fashioned Irish wake. We brought his ashes to his favorite pub, and placed them on his bar stool. A bottle of scotch whiskey was placed in front of him, and for the better part of a day, we toasted his memory, sang songs and told bawdy stories. It was how he wanted to be remembered. His passing has been hard for me, very hard. But today, something profound happened to me. While driving through a wooded indian reservation near my home, it began to rain. The sun suddenly poked through the clouds, and not one, but two rainbows appeared. I can't help but think that it was a blessing from my Dad, telling me that everything is going to be alright. It was him, wishing me well, from whatever place his spirit calls home. I miss him terribly, but I know that he is resting in the gentle bosom of the Godess, and he will never again feel pain or want. Thanks Dad, and goodbye.

Butterfly	22 Apr 2003
Gentle Blessings and love to you Divinerguy. When my grandfather died, two rainbows appeared for me too. Rainbows have always appeared to me when I have needed comfort. Treasure your gift and know that all's well.

Kazz	22 Apr 2003
Quote: Originally posted by divinerguy We brought his ashes to his favorite pub, and placed them on his bar stool. A bottle of scotch whiskey was placed in front of him, and for the better part of a day, we toasted his memory, sang songs and told bawdy stories. It was how he wanted to be remembered. Thanks Dad, and goodbye. Divinerguy...sorry to hear about your Dad's passing, but I also believe he is in a wonderful place now watching over you and your family...he sounds like he was a wonderful man and a great dad..:) What a wonderful thing you did for your dad, I bet he loved it so very much.. You are in my thoughts divinerguy take care Cheers Kazz :TQC

RedWood	22 Apr 2003
I am sorry to hear about your Father Divinerguy...what an amazing funeral and rainbows...Just wow..

Astraea	23 Apr 2003
Divinerguy, it is so hard to lose one's father. You honored his wishes and he conveyed his love with that dual rainbow -- what a blessing. I am so sorry about the grief you must bear for a time, and wish you many, many blessings in your walk.

zorya	23 Apr 2003
what a beautiful gift your father left you with! each time you see a rainbow it will bring you close to him again. i am sure it was indeed a gift and very real. i have also recieved that farewell message of 'everything is going to be ok'. ...waves of peace and serenity wash over. it is real. ((((divinerguy)))) and how wonderfully irish to choose rainbows! lol

Dark Inquisitor	23 Apr 2003
I am so sorry to hear this Divinerguy !! I do believe we are given signs . After my mom went, the next day my droopy old indoor plant that hadn't had a flower in a year was sprouting a white bud & a friend told me it was a sign that she had successfully passed over. It sounds like you have lots of good things to remember . Take care ! Tarotphelia

Umbrae	23 Apr 2003
I'm here for ya.

Hedera	23 Apr 2003
Divinerguy, your story made me want to cry and smile at the same time. Heck, cross out the 'want to' . Thank you for sharing. From me: *lots of hugs* (and maybe a little more whiskey).

Belladonna	23 Apr 2003
Divinerguy, Thank you for your story. My thoughts and love are with you. I have similar stories of rainbows or rainbow lights (yes double ones, too!) appearing as signs from loved ones who have passed over when they are most in our thoughts. Take comfort that you are blessed in your grief. Belladonna

Diana	23 Apr 2003
Saying good-bye to a Dad or a Mum is always a very hard experience. Please accept my deepest sympathy, divinerguy. The message you received shows that this is not a finality. That your Dad has not died. Not one little bit. He's as alive today as he was last week. Nothing can destroy him. Neither cancer cells, nor the big reaper. Don't say good-bye, Divinerguy. Say "See you around, Dad!" (((((((divinerguy))))))))

Ravenswing	24 Apr 2003
Divinerguy-- I have yet to experience my dad's crossing. But we've talked about it. He says he's a Christian. I doubt that-- his wisdom is of a different sort. His wishes? Plant a tree over him and picnic under its shade. He sees his death as a joyous occasion-- just asks that we (me and two brothers) look after mom. He says he hopes he goes first. He knows my mom is strong enough to live life without him. He doesn't think he could do much without her. Memories and rainbows... fly well remember always Raven

Athara	24 Apr 2003
It's wonderful that the gone, or going, take their time to say a special goodbye to the ones they love. A very good friend of mine told me a wonderful story once. It was winter. She and her family (sister and parents) were at home. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a beautiful black (or dark) butterfly flies in their living room. An hour later they were called; my friends grandma had just passed away. Coincidence? No way. Just a sweet goodbye and thanks. Love and luck, Athara

Major Tom	24 Apr 2003
My Dad died in 2001. I remember the ache of his loss. My thoughts are with you Divinerguy. I think what you did to mark his passage is beautiful.

The Rainbows and Scotch Whiskey thread was originally posted on 22 Apr 2003 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.