As a reminder, I will once again be doing the “Mother’s Day Special” for radio station WXLO in Worcester, Massachusetts, to honor all mothers aound the world who, without enough recognition, do all those many special things that are so important to all of us.

While a title doesn’t necessarily earn you the reality, there is no doubt that by giving birth, a woman does become a mother. However, I have met so many women who could easily claim the title of mother even though they have never had biological children of their own. I can’t tell you how many sessions I’ve had where a “mother’s presence” is coming through and then I learn that the woman was not a biological mother, but the woman who was identified as a mother, because she played the part so well. I’d like to honor those women who take on the role of mother so eloquently, without claiming the title.

On another note, I’d like to share with you one of my favorite stories that is fitting for our Mother’s Day theme. I got an email a while ago from a mother, and it provides a unique insight into the lengths mothers will go to make things easier for their kids. See what you think.

Dear Suzane,
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to Heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in Heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love,
Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith, and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to Heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, “To Meredith” . . . in an unfamiliar hand writing. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, When a Pet Dies. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in Heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God

Just one example of the little things that mothers do for their kids – this time with a unique assist from someone in the U.S. Postal Service who also knows the importance of motherhood.
So let’s remember to give thanks this Mother’s Day to all those mothers and mother figures here in the physical or waiting for us on the Other Side. And let’s also take a moment to honor how much better it is to share a world with mothers so willing to prepare a loving meal, lend an ear to listen, a hand to hold, or a shoulder to cry on – whenever there are kids in need.
Have a Happy Mother’s Day!

For those who know me and the importance I stress regarding the integrity of my work, you recognize that I have always been very particular about with whom I align myself-be it a group, foundation or organization.  One key factor is their intent toward my work.  Sometimes, I come along someone very special, and just recently I had one of those experiences.

I spoke last month at The Afterlife Education Foundation, a non-profit organization started by Terri Daniels.

Terri is an Afterlife Awareness Educator, Certified Transition Guide, and author of two channeled books: “A Swan in Heaven” and “Embracing Death: A New Look at Grief, Gratitude and God.”  In her books, Terri offers a unique metaphysical perspective on birth, death and the afterlife, and teaches psychic development and after-death communication skills.  Terri started her foundation because of what she experienced while enduring the loss of a child.  Along the way, Terri was pushed to move beyond her grief and open a dialogue.  Her book “A Swan In Heaven: Conversations Between Two Worlds,” includes afterlife messages from a 16 year-old boy who began communicating with his mother telepathically after his death. What makes this account unique is that during his life, this extraordinary child was severely disabled and unable to speak. But after death his language was fluent and his words were insightful, inspired and eloquent.

Like others I’ve met and had on my radio show, Terri was able to open up a door of connection. This is a most significant healing process, as many have learned first hand.  In Terri’s case, she wanted to produce an event where everyone, from whatever perspective, could find a place to help them in their process.  Thus her presenters included prominent figures from the Academic, Science, Bereavement, and Spiritual communities, the latter of which I was a member.  You can read more about the conference here http://afterlifeconference.com/ and on Facebook.  If you have a chance, do try and be there next year.  The conference is an experience for anyone and everyone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one.  I will be returning there next year to help in my own way.

And isn’t that what life is all about. . . helping each other along our paths?

Most of us, including myself, are biting at the bit waiting for the warm weather to arrive.

Well, it’s just a few weeks away!  Get ready!

Although Spring is associated with new beginnings, it’s not always easy to get into that poetic mindset if you’ve gone through a really tough winter that included experiencing the loss a loved one.  I get a lot of questions about how to cope with loss, and one typical example, from Renee, follows:

“Dear Suzane, Thank you for the work that you do.  I received a message from my dearest husband through you at your seminar at the Omega Institute in New York.  I am surrounded by people who are in pain because of the death of a loved one (what I call the “walking wounded”).  It occurs to me that our culture seriously does not know how to deal with death.  People are left to fend for themselves, or are drugged, or just lose their minds.  Even after eight years, the pain of the loss of my husband is so great that I find myself withdrawn from the life that I once knew, and basically just waiting to die.  THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY!

I have read so many books (yours, Raymond Moody’s, Hank Wesselman’s, Dannion Brinkley’s and MANY many more…).  I have been through the eight week grief therapy process, and had personal counseling.  I have consulted mediums.  Now, I am trying desperately to come to terms with death and find meaning to the time that I have remaining here on earth.  At this point, I feel I should have some answers, but I only have more questions.  I found myself over and over again hearing these words, THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY”

I wish I could tell Renee, and everyone, “Yes, there’s a better way and here it is…”  But the truth of the matter is that grief is a process and we each have to get through it as best we can, in our own way.  There are no magic wands to wave, or secret levers to pull.  To be totally honest, while practicing mediumship over all these years, I am continually amazed by how well people actually deal with their grieving processes quite naturally.  This is perhaps a commentary about the kind of open-minded people who attend my events, and I am certainly honored that they come to me for whatever extra comfort I might be able to provide.  Yet, even in the everyday world, so many folks already have an intuitive sense of what it’s all about, and patiently get through the process and soon start looking forward to their “next Spring.”  I know that this may not be what Renee wanted to hear, but it is the truth.

Now, with all that being said, there are indeed so many things that can help you progress through the grieving process.  First of all, keep loving.  Also, try to go about your day as best you can, as normally as possible.  It’s important to keep sight of the fact that you have a responsibility to yourself and those around you to resume living your life to the fullest, and eventually recapture joy.  Read up on the afterlife if you feel drawn to that – one of my books or the many others that are available.  Be patient with yourself.  There are no deadlines to meet.  When you start feeling upset, focus on your breathing, and try to relax.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to cry.  When times get tough, remember that eventually your new beginning, your Spring, will arrive.  Have faith.  Yes, it’s difficult, but you will get through it.

One other thought, know you are never alone.  Your loved ones in spirit-along with your guides, angels, spirit helpers, whatever you want to call them-are there keeping an eye on you always.

This Spring I’m so looking forward to getting back into my gardening work, planting those seeds and watching them grow.  It is so amazing how that magical journey unfolds. But before we get there…I am very pleased to announce that I’ll be at the Afterlife Conference in Virgina Beach-one of my favorite venues-beginning Friday March 9 and lasting thru the weekend.  Lots of wonderful speakers and presenters, as you can see here:

http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=975447 Hope to meet up with you there, if you can make it!

To all of you, THANKS for being a part of the work I love to do.

Love, like everything else, is a vibration or energy.  And so is prayer, which is a topic I want to focus on this month. I’m often asked, “Do our DPs hear us, and do they hear our prayers?”  The answer is yes, absolutely!  Indeed, prayer can be used to create healing vibrations that transform our own lives and assist our beloved DPs on the Other Side as well. Also, thru prayer, we can prepare ourselves to receive our DPs’ transmissions, by letting them know of our love for them, and showing that we want to hear from them.  Never think that your prayers are not felt or heard-they most certainly are!

One of the most respected members of his field has shown time and time again how prayer can have a very positive effect.  Of course, I’m talking about Dr. Masaru Emoto, of whom I’ve written about before.  His philosophy is that with the power of prayer, all of us can be conduits in healing the planet.  He demonstrated the validity of that message in July of 1999, at a ceremony offering prayers to Lake Biwa, which had been extremely polluted.  About 350 people gathered and participated.  A month later, an article came out in the newspaper saying that this was the first year they didn’t receive hundreds of phones calls complaining about the foul smell from the lake!

In a recent article from the magazine “Pure Inspiration,” there was an interview with Dr. Emoto which focused on his discoveries regarding the power of prayer, and especially his observations about the power of water.  As I recently took a walked along the beach, I couldn’t help thinking about Dr. Emoto’s philosophy in relation to the greatness of the ocean. The ocean does, without question, take your breath away with its magnificent beauty and power.  More about Dr. Emoto’s theories can be found in his books, “The Hidden Messages in Water,” “The True Power of Water,” and “The Secret Life of Water.”

When thinking about the power of prayer with respect to water, I am reminded that throughout history, most indigenous cultures have had a deep respect for Nature.  They also had ways of giving back, ways to say “Thank you,” to show their gratitude for what our Higher Source and Mother Earth have given us.  Native Americans and other indigenous cultures have always believed that Nature is divine, and have always demonstrated a deep respect for that which we are only part of.  Indigenous cultures engage in many celebrations as a way to communicate with the Spirit of Mother Earth.  A form of prayer, if you will, and in the big picture, a demonstration of Love.

As you enjoy your Valentines Day and all of this February 2012, remember to send thoughts of Love to all who are near and dear to you, whether here in the physical, or on the Other side.  Feel free to include a message to Mother Earth and add an extra dash for those who could use just a smile, thought, or a phone call.  And meanwhile, remember, your DP’s can hear your prayers sent on their behalf, for energy is everywhere and everything!

Love of course encompasses many things; love or passion that drives one to create, protect what we love or care for. This of course is just a few ways, but not to drift away from the love I want to convey here is, the love that continues after physical death.  Or more the spirit/energy that continues after death.

The big question or fear or whatever else comes into question when we are faced personally by the loss of someone we love or our own mortality. That force that will effect everyone on earth, there is as they say “no escape”. The one thought that most do not want to think about until it hits them personally.

The truth of the matter is; we don’t die.  Yes, we shed our physical bodies, and yes, the thought of not being able to hug or talk in the way we once did with that person will be forever gone on this plane or dimension.  But, that does not mean contact, or connecting is done, just not the way we know it to be without our physical bodies.  And it is our job to understand that difference or the way that that communication can continue for us. Of course, this is assuming we care enough or have the faith to believe that door is possible. Love will  keep that door open to the many possibilities.  I speak about many of them in my books, but your way will be just that, your way.

I can tell you there are deaths one never gets over and children are one of them. I’ve dealt with so many mothers, fathers, grandparents that go through these losses, and I have to say I am always amazed how some, without question continue those connections even after years of their children’s passing.  Of course there are others whose grief can never let that door open, for them I always feel so sad for I know without question, that their children so much want them to know they are near.

I will tell you, there are no rules, or set ways that connection will happen, but I can tell you it will if you but listen. There will be unlimited possibilities. They will come to you in the ways that they know are the ways that you will know it’s them.  However, you are the only one that can take the big leap of faith.

You will find many books out there now where a parent will write about the loss of their child.  Some will be quite simply, how communication happens and how by listening it opens a whole new world.  People whom you think would never write such a book, writes one.

There is such one of these books that just came out recently, Kayak Morning: Reflections on Love, Grief, and Small Boats by Roger Rosenblatt.  It’s a beautiful and poignant story of the loss of his daughter and how his daughter returns to him on his kayak.  He listens in the way he knows best, it is in the quiet of his kayak that he continues to know the way for him.

And he quite literally listens, and knows she will always be with him.

In 2012, we are beginning a new 5-year cycle. 2012 is a universal “5 year” (2+0+1+2 = 5) – a year of energy, change, travel and passion. A year of connecting with people in a social way and igniting one’s dreams into action. Hurray!

Five has a vibrant and active influence and hopefully we will find our lives to be more fluid and fun! With 5 as an energy vibration, we will have an increased sense of lightness and enthusiasm for changing what no longer suits us. A key question for any 5 year is, “What is your passion and how can you achieve it?” Ask yourself, what steps can you take today to seek what you love and what is important to you? Yes, 2012 should be a time to really making something happen. So…how will you do it? The lesson for many will be discipline…with so much to do, how will you commit to that one thing that can really make a difference?

This, of course, is just my 5 year two-cents in general. For how 2012 will impact you personally, consider checking with the numerologist or astrologer of your choice. Of course, I often have numerologists and astrologers do guest spots on my radio show. This month, for example, I’m having the astrologer Bill Attribe on January 9. Check him out here http://astrologerbillattride.typepad.com/astrologer-bill-attride/ ! Bill is a very well known astrologer who has been doing this work for over 30 years. Tune in and enjoy!

Along with continuing my radio show, this year I also will be traveling internationally and speaking at some wonderful conferences, including: “The Afterlife Conference” in March and the “Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Conference” in November, both of which are in Virginia Beach. As always, visit my website — http://www.suzanenorthrop.com — to see if I’ll be coming to your neck of the woods. Other areas I plan to visit include: Mexico, Florida, California, Chez Republic, Canada, Tucson, Portland, Seattle and, as always, many parts of New England.

Of course, I am well aware that for many of us, January can be a very difficult month, as we crash from the holidays with raised expectations and have to face the pressures of our New Year’s resolutions. I know this experience can be even more intense if this is your first full year following the loss of a loved one. Especially if you are in that situation, rather than putting undo pressure on yourself, why not give yourself an after-year gift of doing something you’ve wanted to do that is fun? Take a water painting class, for example. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, learn how to snow board. Or . . . go sledding or tobogganing. Whatever! Even if it’s your 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th or 90th etc. year on the planet, you might just surprise yourself by seeing how much fun a new adventure can be. I’ve recently read that surfing for the 50′s folks is on the rise. That should appeal to those of you in warmer climates, or to those who can get away to the warmer areas! In any case, whatever you decide, make it simple. Often, less is more. To avoid frustration, set goals that are truly reachable, and then go for it!

I think we can all agree that one good thing about the end of the holiday season is the end (for now) of all the TV advertisements for gifts that most of us don’t need or have the money for. If you received money as a holiday gift this year, consider doing something personal, like getting a massage or a pedicure, or visit your favorite medium and touch base!

Given all the talk about the end of the Mayan Calendar, we will all be interested in seeing how things actually play out in 2012. Meanwhile, let’s not worry about it but instead focus on living life to the fullest, and remembering to play a little, or even a lot! We are meant to experience joy!

Here’s to another year of connecting, sharing, and meeting many of you for the first (or thirty-first!) time. Sending my best wishes of love and peace to all of you!

Like being with family and friends. This is especially important with children nowadays since they are so distracted by video, audio, and electronic gadgetry, to the point where nothing seems to hold their interest outside of their high-tech toys. I just recently read an article in one of those Nature magazines that focus on endangered species. It was written by a photographer who travels all over to the greatest natural parks and wildlife preserves. He shared in the article that while flying on a plane recently, he sat next to a young obese boy who was about ten years old. On the plane, the boy immediately took to playing with his electronic toy. What struck the photographer was that even while they were flying over the Grand Canyon — one of the most spectacular sights in the world — not once did the boy want to lift his head from his game to look out the window to see this awe-inspiring natural site. The photographer went on to share that for him, the greatest memories were those when he was with his father camping, fishing, and taking walks up the mountainside — enjoying Nature to its fullest. These memories more than anything else remained the strongest in his mind. Unfortunately, boys like that are now themselves an endangered species.

Remember the scenes of our families gathering during the holidays? I bet most of us can remember those connections even more than the presents we received. For matters of the heart are always with us. They truly never leave. Those special moments of connection stay with us we pass through life, forever sealed in our memories.

An elderly woman working in Utah told a story of when she was a child during the Great Depression. She said it was one of the most fun times of her life! Friends gathered to play games constantly. They shared meals, laughed, took walks on the beach (she was from California), had sunset parties, and generally cherished every moment. That’s how these folks survived the Depression. To be sure, they took to heart that message from FDR: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” And they could always remember how special those times of sharing were while they chose to have fun despite their situational environment.

With all this as backdrop, there are some simple but meaningful things I’d like you to consider assigning yourself to do during the holidays — to give back and say thanks:

1. Hug those you love and those who need love. Thank them for being in your life.
2. Stop DOING and just BE at least once every day. Create and then touch the magic.
3. Purchase candles to burn throughout the month to celebrate your loved ones in spirit.
4. Plan and carry out random act of kindness, perhaps one that was dear to a loved one in spirit.
5. Visit friends. Invite those who could use a meal over for dinner. Connect with as many as possible!
6. Decorate your house in a way that reflects your beliefs. Remember, angels don’t have to just go on the top of the tree — they can go on a mantle or table with flowers or photos.

Take a moment . . . cherish it . . . respect it . . . and keep it close to your heart. The special moments will remain in your heart, and in the hearts of those you love, forever.

Speaking of children, I was reminded that on Sunday, December 11th at 7 PM during each time zone around the globe, the Compassionate Friends has its “Worldwide Candle Lighting”. The Lighting unites families and friends as they light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who passed over at any age, from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 PM local time, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor children, creating light around the world for 24 hours. For more information, visit their website: www.compassionatefriends.org.

I continue to be honored and thankful as we all should for all those who give those extra being there moments, the welcome hugs and a good ear to listen when we need it most. It is most honestly what truly gives each of our lives what is deeply meaningful. In all honesty, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Respect and caring for those who need the extra moment to know someone is there, even in a hurry . . . just an ear to listen so we can share all our feelings around deep losses. That, my friends, is truly what this season is about, and is the reason why I felt the importance of just being there – because knowing that you are not alone is truly a Godsend.

So if you are like me and feel so very blessed in your life, make that extra effort to call a friend over the holidays, or even invite them for tea or cocoa.  If someone has lost someone this year, it will mean even more so,  As we know this time of year brings all those losses to the foreground.  And don’t forget those that have loss their 4 legged companions as well. For many this is their family, and don’t ever think those losses are not equally devastating because they are.

It is always the little things in life that are the most precious, and you have no idea what a smile can do or helping someone across the street.  It maybe the most loving act they have receive that day.  Some where I read: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.

Enjoy, take in those moments for it tis the season to be jolly and thankful.

It was equally special to meet so many of you at my Cromwell Ct. event as well. It’s been a wonderful fall, getting to meet many of you for first time and reconnect with those I haven’t seen in years. I want to thank Danny and Zack from K92 bringing me back to Roanoke for another Hope for the Holidays. It was always my honor to bring laughter, hope and love to those who attended.  EVeryone went out of their way to give me that southern hospitality.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I – like many of you, I’m sure – can’t believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Here is another chance to give to those that simply need a place to feel loved, and to feed the soul as well as the body. After all, that really is what “thanks-giving” is: reaching out for those that want to share and spend time with loved ones, or those that don’t have loved ones or even a place to go. I remember years ago on Thanksgiving, a friend of mine put together as many meals as her car would hold, and went to all the places in the city where people were homeless, to give them one unbelievable meal.

I couldn’t help feeling the sense of family while I was in Southern California. Firstly, it is November – not only the time of the Thanksgiving holiday, but also the month that both of my uncles passed over, as well as my beloved grandmother. For my mother, this is always a difficult month. The other reason why this sense was so strong for me is that my grandmother lived in San Diego, a city that continues to have a strong place in my heart, even after many years.

The first time I went to San Diego was when I was five years old. My grandmother had four children (which was very common in that generation) and raised them on the farm, and her wish was to have one in the hospital! To say she was/is strong would be quite an understatement. After leaving my grandfather – also quite difficult in those days – she saw an ad in the local newspaper from a woman who was looking for a companion to go across the country with her to California. My grandmother read the ad, and as they say, the rest is history! She lived the rest of her life in San Diego, a place she absolutely loved. Not long after, my uncles followed, leaving only my mother back east, essentially in the same small town she was raised in.

Spending two weeks in Southern California and feeling my grandmother’s presence, with wonderful memories, was very heartwarming to me. She not only was someone I truly admired, but in some ways, I hope that some of her qualities – being a strong, independent, good woman – were passed down to me.

Now, I know that holidays can bring up wonderful thoughts, and some not so wonderful ones . . . however, it is a great time to make connections with those here and on the Other Side. So, enjoy the people with whom you want to share this special time, and be thankful for the many blessings we all have. It’s not so out of our realm to set a place at the table for your DP’s – they don’t take up much room and, well, with them there’s lots of leftovers! For me, and for most of us, I would say without question when you use some family recipes or dishes that are meaningful to your DPs, or just include your them in your thoughts during this thankful holiday, they will be there in spirit with you. All this just adds to the time spent together with family and friends. Again, it really is a time to give thanks for all your blessings, and send out prayers for those who could use a loving touch.

Warmly,

Suzane

There were several years after speaking at NYU that I hadn’t lectured at any science or psychology venues. When I was asked to be part of the HBO documentary “Life after Life” with Linda Ellerby productions company Lucky Duck. A note, later on it was discovered she was doing this documentary to expose mediums as frauds. So doing this documentary was huge, since it was working with the pioneering studies of Dr. Gary Schwartz. After the documentary the studies were published, “The Afterlife Experiments” which inspired his work to take on a whole new meaning, which of course, came with much controversy and criticism. To his credit, a scientist with much integrity kept the studies going for he knew the importance of his work. I can personally attest to it since wherever I travel people still, from all over the country, come up to me and say how they loved the documentary and the book that followed, “The Afterlife Experiments”. A great read for all you who may be on the fence about “Life after Death” or survival of our consciousness.

So here I am at the conference, the most way out speaker since Dr. Schwartz, and he’s a scientist, talking about what I do best, dead people, or rather we don’t die. Here I am probably the only speaker, and on top of it, the keynote speaker, that doesn’t have a Phd. Md. or MSW next to my credentials.

After I tell them to leave their left brains at the door, what I know to be the most important truth on earth, regardless of all their credentials, is everyone in that room had in one way or another been touched by the death of a loved one. And everyone would equally experience their own death, and as a psychologist it’s not a far stretch that some issues of death have crept into their own work.

Don’t get me wrong, it helped that I have lots of doctors and science folks who endorse my work and many people knew of me because of Dr. Gary Schwartz but it was that personal powerful touch of passing on the messages of love from their loved ones that ultimately touches the heart. The entire conference was a buzz for the rest of the weekend which often happens when the dead people show up and shake up a room!, To say I was well received just doesn’t even come close to how many lives were touched. Once again love, the most powerful significant force in the world wins out. And the other best part is we are in a wonderful period where so many talented, and brilliant scientists are doing what they do best, discover and share, just like Einstein and Edison, to change the world for the positive. Edisons’ quote was “it’s not wrong, we just haven’t got it right yet”. So we welcome these new pioneers of science, to do what they do best from the Gregg Bradens’ to the Gary Schwartzs’ that bridge the importance of spirituality and science.