So, I try to avoid posting personal stuff on here but I have to share this. My older brother died in a motorcycle accident and I’ve struggled with it really hard, as we were best friends. The night he died, all I could do was go outside because I felt like he was there. I was sitting outside our townhouse, sobbing in the middle of the night like I probably could have had a heart attack-and when I finally got a grip I opened my eyes to see a little grey cat sitting a few feet away looking at me earnestly. I was like... wtf! When did it creep up? I’d never seen it before. It was like.. “yo dude, I’m here. I’ll help.” I don’t even like cats.

Then, another night, maybe a year or so after he died I was having a particularly bad night dealing with his loss. We were staying at my grandma’s house and I went to bed and bawled and bawled, just beside myself upset because I missed him so much. And between the tears while laying in bed, something bright made me open my eyes and through the little slit in the curtains, the moon beams were shining in, right on my chest. It was so incredibly bright. They only stayed there for so long. It was a passing moment but it was incredible. I knew then it was a sign that I wasn’t alone in all this. That something or someone was going to be at my side through life no matter what...

...and HE brought me home to my parents after being in combat. Can you imagine parents after losing one kid-to have to worry about losing another? They worried and prayed so much but I think they had a guardian angel with them as well. My mom often talks about being visited by grey cats. Places they’ve lived. They’re dog people. They’ve moved a lot due to military and why is there a random grey cat everywhere? The last one who visited my mom had been scarred by probably being shot in the face with a BB or pellet gun. It showed up at the last place they lived and they never could catch it to take it to a shelter. But it was there while I was deployed.

Anyway, we can get through this. I know it’s hard for some to believe but this is what draws me to this site. Faith. Knowing we aren’t alone in our struggles. You have to trust that God had plans for you. You’re never alone. Pray, have faith, have humility, give yourself to others and you’ll have someone or something at your side.

To me, nature is just the bridge that divides us between our mundane lives and God. Look for signs in nature. Don’t despair, no matter what you’re going through. I believe you won’t walk alone, no matter what the situation is.