When my mother passed 5-14-2001, My sister and I had a special feeling about butterflies. She had experienced butterflies around her a times she was thinking of mom. I also had times I saw butterflies when  I was thinking of my mother too. When my sister passed I even had more. But this one time made me really KNOW she was with me. When Olivia and I (Olivia is my 4 year old daughter) went outside to bring in the cushions, A big black and blue butterfly was on a plant I had outside. As soon as we walked out, the butterfly flew all around both of us. I stretched out my arms and held one hand under the other with my palms facing up. The butterfly landed right in the middle of my hands facing me. I would say about5 or 6 seconds. I wanted so bad for a butterfly to do that. and it did. I felt like my sister was with me. I couldn't believe that a butterfly would do that, normally they would fly off. I was a little in shock. It was a wonderful experience!!

Was this experience difficult to express in words? 

Yes, The feeling I got during the experience.

Did you ONLY sense an awareness of presence of the deceased without actually seeing, hearing, feeling or smelling them?           

Yes

Did you hear the deceased or hear something associated with the deceased?         

No

Did you feel a touch or experience any physical contact from the deceased?           

No

Did you see the deceased?        

No

Did you smell a distinct smell, scent, fragrance or odor associated with the deceased?     

No

How long did the experience last?       

About 5 or 6 seconds, but I felt happy all day!

Was the beginning and end of the experience gradual or more sudden?        

gradual

Could you sense the emotions or mood of the deceased?          

Uncertain

How do you currently view the reality of your experience?          

Experience was definitely real

            Please explain why you view the reality of your experience as real or not real:         

I saw and felt the experience and my daughter saw it too. She is not grieving like me so she would not be expecting this.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?  

No

Describe in detail your feelings/emotions during the experience:          

Happy, satisfied, comforted, and a little strange almost in a little shock.

Was there any emotional healing in any way following the experience?          

Yes

I said "It's about time you showed me something Debbie!!!"

What was the best and worst part of your experience?     

The feeling I has was the best, I was sad when the butterfly flew away.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?        

Yes                 Describe:           

a little, I feel more safe knowing she is watching over me.

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   Yes     It gave me some hope.

Did the experience give you any spiritual understandings such as life, death, afterlife, God, etc.?           

Yes     My sister must be watching over me.

Death Compacts are when two or more living people promise among themselves that whoever dies first will try to contact the other(s).  Have you ever made such a compact?       

Yes

My sister told me she would try if she was allowed.

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?         

No

What emotions did you feel during the experience?           

Very happy, I couldn't stop thinking about it and I thanked my sister.

Was the experience witnessed or experienced by others?          

Yes, my 4 year old daughter was there.

Have you shared this experience with others?        

Yes     My husband thought it was great, The hospice worker I told said she was amazed and she was going to tell her patients.

Have you shared this experience formally or informally with any other researcher or web site?  

No

 Is there anything else you would like to add regarding your experience?      

I will never forget it, it was a precious moment in my life.

Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?              

Yes

Please offer any suggestions you may have to improve this questionnaire.   

Very good questionnaire.