Did Grandma come to Dina's wedding?
By Martha Jette, Author & Editor
When Dina Hendzel's beloved Grandma Jean passed away, she was devastated. In just months, she was supposed to walk down the isle to say, "I do," to the man of her dreams. Planning what should have been the happiest day in her life became a period full of grief and regret.
"Before she died, my grandmother was so happy that I was engaged and I really wanted her to be at the wedding," said Dina.
Just weeks before, the 28-year-old and her grandma had been enjoying every possible moment together in Fort McMurray in northern Alberta. Grandma was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. The first was 20 years earlier, when Dina was just 8 years old. However, following a mastectomy and 18 months of chemotherapy, she was well on her way to recovery.
But this time, the diagnosis of melanoma of the liver left everyone wondering just how long grandma would continue to be with them.
"I was concerned, but held fast to the belief that she would again overcome this."
To alleviate her distress, Dina sought solace from her future husband, who is a scientist. But searching diligently through volumes of medical research brought no relief from her gravest fears. In fact, they worsened significantly when she learned that only about three per cent of patients with such an illness actually survive. Meanwhile, her 70-year-old grandma continued to make colorful bears for family members, friends and charity. Dina, on the other hand, managed to keep up with her university studies, visiting Grandma Jean often and choking back tears each time she saw her.
"Stupidly, I remained optimistic. My grandmother was seeking alternative therapies anyway.and I believed in miracles."
For the next five months, grandmother and granddaughter met regularly, but did not talk much about the future. Instead, they discussed the philosophies of spirit and religion, since they shared an avid interest in this area. It was something that the two of them would openly talk about when no one else was around. Grandma Jean also instilled in Dina such wonderful traits as tolerance, acceptance, fairness and unconditional love.
Fond Memories
"She grounded me, while constantly encouraging my growth."
The silver-haired former school librarian was a strikingly modern woman for her age. She dressed in style, wore the loveliest perfume and kept up with the latest trends. However, she also held many old secrets, some of which she divulged to Dina. It seems that Grandma Jean and Dina's great Aunt Maggie were both spiritually minded women, who were not afraid to talk about paranormal phenomenon. But grandma quickly lost her battle with cancer and her time to leave this world arrived on a steamy August day in 2002.
"I was in denial the whole time up until the day of her death. I was devastated. I was destroyed. And I ceased to believe in miracles."
Grandma Jean's funeral drew 600 family members and friends. Dina, who was in tears, dazed and shocked by her loss, barely remembers shaking the hands of the countless people who attended to covey their condolences. For the next few months, she remained in a fog, barely able to get through each day, let alone attend to wedding plans. Every so often, she would catch a whiff of grandma's wonderful perfume and the tears would flow again.
"It was a bit bizarre at times and made my hair stand on end."
A library dedication and renaming ceremony held in honor of her grandmother four months later did not help. The memories swarmed in, leaving Dina in grief once again. For the next 8 months, she managed to get through each day by simply going through the motions. Dina found the frequent crying spells exhausting. However, she managed to keep busy as a grant writer for a charitable organization and planning her wedding.
Jean's Bears
She also made it a ritual to set aside time for relaxation. Grandma Jean had not finished some of her teddy bears, so Dina decided to take on the job. With a 40-year-old pattern to guide her, she managed to finish them. Realizing that she enjoyed making the cuddly stuffed animals, she made new ones as well and named them "Jean's Bears" in grandma's honor.
Dina also made it a habit to watch James van Praagh's show entitled "Beyond." James is a world-renown mental medium, who helps people connect with family, friends and loved ones who have crossed over.
"Watching his show became one of my rituals. I would set the timer on my TV to tape the show in the afternoon, so I could watch it when I came home from work at night."
Dina wished that she could find a psychic as talented as James, so she could contact Grandma Jean. Though they shared an unspoken love, she longed to tell her grandma that she loved her. But Dina knew that true psychics were few and far between. Then she heard that James would be holding a workshop in Vancouver, British Columbia. She just had to go. Along with her fiancé, Michael, she walked into a banquet room filled with some 1,400 people. Dina clutched a crystal cross from Ireland that she had given to her grandmother years ago.
James began his reading, giving and sharing information with members of the audience. One such reading made Dina perk up and listen more attentively. James was telling a woman that a female relative was there, talking about a cross. While the woman was baffled, Dina was so stunned that she could hardly move or catch a breath. Unable to respond, her once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with grandma's spirit slipped away.
"I missed my opportunity and now I will always wonder."
Just days before her wedding, Diana's father gave her a silver locket. He knew she was still mourning grandma's passing and thought Dina could place a picture of her in it to wear on her wedding day. She was so thrilled by the idea that she decided to give lockets to all of her bridesmaids.
"Grandma would be at my wedding one way or another!"
More than 130 guests attended her wedding to Michael. And it did not end without a tribute in remembrance of Grandma Jean by one of Dina's uncles.
"I was happy, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of sadness that such an important person in my life could not share in and complete my joy."
After that wonderful day, Dina waited as duplicate pictures of her wedding began to flow in from her relatives. She enjoyed this immensely, but one picture caught her by surprise. It showed Dina and her new husband walking down the isle, for the first time as man and wife. It also showed a large orb-like object over her heart and right next to the locket with grandma's picture in it.
"I didn't see this orb in the other pictures from my relatives at the same time in the wedding ceremony."
After showing the picture to her mother and a few of her friends, Dina was directed to James' site at www.vanpraagh.com, where there are similar orb photographs.
"The orb in my picture looked very similar to the ones in the picture gallery."
Dina was overwhelmed with emotion. Had grandma made it to her wedding after all?
"I am not sure what to make of that photo. It sure leaves me with a lot of questions!"
It has been two years since her wedding, but Dina looks at the photograph and still wonders.
"Perhaps I am imagining things, because I want her to contact me. I cannot, however, refute the hard evidence that I have received. Maybe miracles do exist after all!"
Dina Hendzel now lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where she and Michael live a quiet, but happy life together. Dina still works for the non-profit organization and in her spare time continues to make Jean's Bears.
There is an obvious camera flash behind Dina Hendzel, as she walks down the isle after the ceremony. However, the orb over her heart and next to her silver locket leads Dina to believe that her beloved Grandma Jean was with her to share in her joy on her wedding day.
Interview with Martha Jette
Author of:
'Talking to my Angel'
'Glimpses' - True Stories of the Paranormal
&
'Glimpses 2' - It Could Happen to you! - Featuring More Than 90 Amazing, But True Paranormal Stories From Around The World.
Q. Full Name & age?
A. Martha C. Jette, age 56
Q. Where were you born - grew up?
A. I was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and grew up as an adopted child in Burlington, Ontario
Q. What are your likes - dislikes?
A. I like people who are open and honest with me. I love anything to do with reading, learning and writing about the paranormal. I dislike traditional religion, as I feel it is terribly misguided by the powers that be, due to self-interest and greed.
Q. Favorite Authors?
A. Favorite authors include James Redfield, James Von Prague, Sylvia Browne, Shirley Mc Laine, John Edwards. As you can see, they all share similar information. I am not so much into traditional writers, although I do enjoy Shakespeare very much. I also enjoy reading books by local authors and when I need a good laugh, I turn to Erma Bombeck.
Q. What made you decide to become a journalist?
A. I was a secretary in a variety of legal and other offices for quite a few years and was actually bored to tears. I felt journalism would open the door to a more diverse and interesting career.
Q. Which papers | magazines have you written for?
A. When I graduated from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, I was hired on by Creative Arts in Hamilton as editor of a local magazine called Arts & Entertainment Forum. From there, I moved directly to Brabant Newspapers, where I was entertainment editor for their five community papers. After that I was editor of The Flamborough News, followed by editor of the Hamilton Journal, senior reporter at the Dundas Star and finally, editor of the Dundas Review. Since then, I have written for a wide range of on-line publications and web sites.
Q. What did you write about & what did you enjoy writing about the
most?
A. Primarily, I write true stories of the paranormal. I am always amazed by the stories that come to me through friends and acquaintances both on and off the net.
Q. How did your interest in the Paranormal begin?
A. It seems like I have always been interested in this subject. I would say it began with a vision at 7 years of age, which left me with the "knowing" that there was more to this world than meets the eye.
Q. Have you ever experienced a Paranormal event? ( Ghost, Vision,
etc. )
A. As I noted, I had a vision as a child. I was an orphan at the time and had very little hope of ever being adopted. I awoke one night to the sound of beautiful singing and when I looked up in one corner of my room, there was what appeared to be a television set. A man was on it and was the one singing so sweetly. I rolled over several times, sat up, pinched myself, etc., but the vision did not go away. As I truly was enjoying it, I decided to just lie there and listen, and eventually, it just faded away. Two weeks later, I met my future parents, so I believe the vision was meant to give me hope for just a bit longer.
During my teen years, I read just about anything I could get my hands on to do with the paranormal. I really wasn't one for scary, made up movies or stories. I wanted the truth. Then, at 22, I was getting ready for bed one night when the strangest thing happened. I had just gotten into bed when a spirit form appeared in the doorway of my bedroom and walked right over to me. It stopped right at my bed and bent over to pick up the phone! Of course, it couldn't really do it and at that point, it disappeared. Rather than being shocked by this, I was amazed! In fact, I believe I know whom it was that visited that night.
Over the years, I have had numerous small things happen, such as knowing who's calling on the phone, having predictive dreams and so on. I am not psychic, but I would say that I am a sensitive, as I can determine a person's mood just by being in the same room with them. I also had a near death experience in 1998. Since that time, I have also heard the angels singing on two occasions, which is absolutely awesome and many events have occurred that have been well beyond coincidence.
Q. What are your thoughts on the Paranormal & related to it?
A. I have always sought out answers to the how, what, why, when and where of the paranormal and I believe I've finally found them. I was recently directed to http://www.ctpenergy.com and there I learned so much about how these things actually happen. I would encourage anyone else with an enquiring mind to take the time to visit this site.
Q. What compelled you to begin writing?
A. I used to write poetry as a young girl and used it as an outlet for the wide range of emotions I was experiencing. I found it very therapeutic at the time, as my adopted mom was very ill with cancer and my father was not home a great deal. As a teenager I kept a journal, however, my father insisted I take a secretarial course, rather than write for a living. It was not until I was 32 that I had the opportunity to go back to college to take journalism. Of course, I wrote literally hundreds of stories during my career, but not necessarily on what specifically interested me. After I retired, however, I found myself free to explore and write about the things that really drew my attention.
Q. How have you enjoyed writing so far?
A. I love writing and to be honest, I think it's in my blood! LOL It seems that as soon as one project is finished, another one follows up right away. I don't foresee stopping any time in the near future.
Q. Please tell us some about each book you have written.
A. "Glimpses" True Stories of the Paranormal was my first effort and it includes 14 local tales of the paranormal collected during my years as a journalist. "Glimpses 2" It Could Happen To You!" contains a whopping 90 amazing, but true stories covering everything from ghosts and hauntings, to angels, ESP, premonitions, past lives, soul mates, reincarnation, aliens and much more. I also wrote a children's book entitled "Talking To My Angel," which is for all little ones who have experienced angel visitations, paranormal events and/or invisible friends.
Q. How have your books been received?
A. My books have been very well received, as more and more people both open up to the idea of a paranormal world and/or have had experiences themselves.
Q. What was it like to experience talking to your Angel?
A. I believe you're referring to the conception of my children's book. What actually happened was that I was knee deep in writing Glimpses 2 at the time. I took a break and decided to meditate, which I often do to revive both body and spirit. During that meditation, the words for the book just flowed into my mind at an almost alarming rate. I had to keep getting up to write them down. I was even given the title for the book! This whole process took from 15-20 minutes. It is amazing, because with each set of lines, I could see in my mind exactly what pictures I should have to go with the writing as well. So as you can tell, it was not that I was sitting in my room chatting with an angel. It was more like I was being channeled the information.
Q. Why a book for children? What made you go that route?
A. As noted above, it just came to me out of the blue and I knew I had to write it. I felt it in my heart.
children?
A. I feel that children are much more open to spiritual things, because they have so recently crossed over from the spirit realm. That is why so many of them have angel visitors, spirit visitors and/or invisible friends. I hope that my book will help children realize that first of all, they are not strange and secondly, that they are not alone. It really is a shame when parents dismiss what their children say, because that causes a child to close themselves off and perhaps, never connect with the spirit world again during their physical lifetime.
Q. Do you worry parents may not approve of this book for their
children, or has it gotten good reviews by them?
A. No, I am not worried about it. In fact, I have net friends, who have children who have had such experiences and their little ones just love the book. It has also helped them to open up more about what has been happening. I hope parents will use the book as a vehicle to open discussions with their children about such things. Since they are so open, adults have plenty to learn from them.
Q. What would you advise other's who would like to speak with their
own Angels?
A. The most effective means of opening up to angels, spirit guides or any other spirit entities is through meditation. The more you train your mind to be still, the easier it will be for them to come through with messages for you. As far as actually seeing them though, I think that is more the choice of the entities themselves.
Q. You had a Near Death Experience, ( N.D.E. ) - would you please
explain how that was & if it changed you in any way?
A. I briefly mentioned this above and as I said, I was met when I attempted to cross over by Jesus. He was amazing and I was so happy to see Him. However, He told me it was not my time yet, as I had more to do first. But before I came back, He put me through a life review. It was as if I was watching a panoramic screen as each significant event in my life was replayed. It was painful in spots, but Jesus never said a word during this. He simply let me react to what I was seeing. When it was finished, Jesus told me that the most important lesson we can learn in this life is unconditional love.
Q. What would be your opinion to what may await us on the other side?
A. I have heard many differing accounts due to near death experiences, hence I think what you experience has a lot to do with your own belief system. For me, Jesus has always been a major source of hope and inspiration in my life, so He was there for me. However, depending upon your beliefs, you might be met by Buddha, some other religious figure or perhaps, simply family and friends. Whomever you meet, the important thing to know is that death is only death of the physical body. Your soul moves on to new and different experiences. It is all a cycle of learning for the spirit.
Q. Please tell us how you gathered information for your stories.
A. If it is possible, I prefer to meet people in person to get their stories. When I cannot, I will conduct a phone interview. At the very least, I gather information from people I have come to know and trust as genuine on the net.
Q. Do you have plans for any more books?
A. My latest book is called "Playing With The Devil" and it relates in novel form, the true story of 12 children in a home in Newfoundland, Canada during the '50s. These poor kids were subjected to mental, emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their own mother and her many paramours, some from as early as four years old. These children are now adults, all with various psychological problems, who have never seen justice for what happened to them.
Q. Have you experienced more or less of the Paranormal since you
began writing?
A. When I attempted to write my first "Glimpses" back in 1996, I had an incredible string of terrible luck. I became ill several times, my father passed over and so on, so I was forced to set it aside. Perhaps the timing just wasn't right, but I think it had more to do with the house I was living in at the time, which was haunted. I just was not clear, so to speak, to proceed. However, when I sat down to write it again in 2003, I had no problems at all and have had none since. The only paranormal events that have occurred involved the ones I mentioned with regard to my angels. In fact, it seems that they actually encouraged the endeavor. I had no money to get a book published, but my bank offered me a credit line out of the blue. This should not have happened, as I am on disability. I was also unexpectedly given a complete computer system. When I realized I needed a printer, I visited a second hand store and asked about one. The fellow behind the counter turned around and just handed me one, and said, "Take it." Someone had just brought it in and it worked just fine, yet I got it from this shop absolutely free! This type of thing happened frequently and still does to this day, thanks to my angels.
Q. Have you met any interesting people through your previous job |
writings?
A. I have met so many interesting people that I wouldn't know where to start. They include everyone from actors, to singers, to politicians, to the lady next door. It has been a wonderful experience.
Q. How has all this affected you, your family? ( positive | negative )
A. During my years as a journalist, I'm sure my daughters wished I were home more often, as the routine was just crazy. However, now that I am (supposedly LOL) retired, I can make time for them, as well as my two beautiful grandchildren.
Q. What do you believe in - Paranormally speaking?
A. I believe that we all choose what life experiences we want to have before we arrive in the physical realm. We all have a purpose to fulfill, whether that is as an author, scientist, doctor, mother, father, etc. When we have accomplished what we came here to do, we (our spirit) moves on. Since my near death experience, I am no longer afraid of death, as I know my true self will survive. As Jesus said, "A man can kill your body, but he cannot kill your soul."
Q. Your book 'Glimpses 2' - It Could Happen To You, explains the
dangers of Ouija boards, could you tell us some about your feelings
towards this?
A. Unfortunately, the souls who linger for any length of time in this plane of existence are generally the troubled ones. When you tinker with an Ouija board, these are the ones you are tapping into and that can mean big trouble for you. Once you draw them into your space, so to speak, you may have difficulty getting rid of them.
Q. What do you think of Ghost Hunters in general?
A. That is an interesting question. I recently went out in the field with our local ghost hunters to an old, haunted mill. Again, the types of spirits that hang around are not the ones you want to run into. It is certainly much different than having Uncle Fred visit you in your bedroom to say hello.
Q. Any advice for those whom may wish to become a Ghost Hunter or
Spirit Photographer?
A. Ghost hunters and spirit photographers have to be very careful that entities do not attach themselves to them while they're out in the haunted location. They can even follow people home and cause all kinds of disturbances. If you are involved in this sort of thing, it is most important to know how to do cleansings to clear away any negative energies and entities.
Q. Could you please let us know of the most interesting Haunted Sites
& Homes you have encountered?
A. The most interesting haunted site I learned about was from a woman living in Alabama. She encounters very unusual paranormal activity just about every day, while running her shop in one of the state parks. The land is a former Civil War battleground and the spirits that reside there are from that era. While in her shop, which was a small, private cabin, she has both seen and heard spirits. As well, items have levitated seemingly by themselves and a hot cooking pot disappeared right off the stove. That same pot produced music one day and music has also come out of the walls. As well, she has heard children laughing from what would have been the upstairs and is now fully open. Other paranormal events occurred as well and her story is in Glimpses 2.
Q. What are your opinions on such subjects as Dreams, Reincarnation,
Visions & Premonitions?
A. I believe dreams not only allow us an opportunity to sift through those matters that we deal with every day, but also offer a chance for our spirit selves to astral travel and learn both here and in the spirit realm. Dreams can provide important messages and/or predict events as well. Visions are very special, in that they always relay some kind of message to the receiver. These could be premonitions as well, so it kind of overlaps. Premonitions themselves can be anything from a strong gut feeling to a total physical collapse. Our spirit selves are much more aware than our actual brains, so it is vitally important to pay attention to any kind of urgings. For some reason, all of my life I have believed in reincarnation. However, from learning new theories, my views have changed but only slightly. While I still strongly believe that the soul survives physical death and moves on to new experiences, I have come to understand that the spirit self may not actually return to this particular dimension.
Q. Have you encountered much Paranormal activity in Ontario? If so,
what types?
A. There are literally countless haunted locations in Ontario and many are right here in Hamilton where I live. I know of two haunted hotels and several restaurants. Night guards at Dundurn Castle, which is an historic site, say it is haunted. As well, there are numerous locations, such as old mills and former military battle sites that have shown spirit activity and of course, there are many old homes that have residing spirits. If there are no obvious signs, the way you can know for sure is to take EMF readings and/or photos to catch spirit, plasma or orbs.
Q. Any Legends you may know of and can share with us of the area as
well?
A. There has been a long-time legend about the Dundas/Greensville area having a witch's coven. This legend was revived about 15 years back when someone painted a 666 on the highway leading into Dundas. Well, the truth is that there was and probably still is a coven in the area. When I was editor of the Flamborough News, which is very nearby, one of my reporters, an older woman confided that she was a member of the coven. She told me all about their beliefs and their rituals, but did not divulge any of this information until shortly before she planned to move out of the area. Her story is in my book.
Q. If you could have three wishes granted - what would they be?
A. The first wish would be that my granddaughter did not suffer from a mental delay. She was born with this condition. While she is a beautiful, blonde-haired doll of 10 years old, this condition causes her to behave like she is only 4 or 5. It breaks my heart that she cannot have a normal life like other girls her age. My second wish would be for my younger daughter to find her soul mate and be happy in life. My third wish is that my books would sell very well, so I could get off disability and perhaps, even travel a bit.
Q. Any advice or comments for our readers?
A. Life is a gift. Enjoy the present!
Thank you Martha Jette for both the story & interview!
