The Burden of Premonition
I have a rather unique and cruel gift for knowing when someone is about to die. I've had this gift most of my life, but the cruel part is that I rarely know who it will strike.
The following story began three weeks ago.
For two solid weeks I hadn't been sleeping well. At first, it started as restlessness. I'd wake from a sound sleep, upset, but unable to remember why.
Every night it got worse. By the second week I started remembering the nightmares. I will not share the details with you because they are too gruesome to repeat. Suffice it to say, Stephen King's idea of horror pales in comparison to what my subconscious can conjure. This is normal for my brain, trying to tell me something is terribly wrong.
By week two, I was frantic, trying to figure out who was going to die on me. My guess was Tank. He is frail and deteriorating steadily. I braced myself for the inevitable. But despite his weakened condition, he is a happy boy who still enjoyed his meals and walks. If the omens were true, he should've shown some sign of worsening.
Night after night this went on, each nightmare more disturbing than the last. Someone was going to die, but I didn't know who. I even phoned my elderly mother and asked if she wanted to come down and visit me--afraid it might be her. (She's with me now, spry as ever.)
Sunday morning at 3am, I woke up in a cold sweat. Another nightmare, worse than all the others. Unable to return to sleep I got up and answered email, waiting for daylight. As soon as it was light out, I went to the garden and started weeding.
At 9am, I got a call from my best friend. Her dog, Princess was showing signs of distress. From what she described, I speculated that the little dog's body was shutting down.
I puppy-sat Princess many times and she had become part of our family. Tank and Princess were like an old married couple. They enjoyed each other's company immensely and I'd often find them sleeping next to one another.
Within hours of getting the call, Princess died in the arms of the people she loved most. For that I'm grateful. There is no greater gift than being with those you love.
***
I didn't realize this until a few days ago, but I have not had another nightmare since Princess passed away. Apparently, the omens were for her.
Rest in Peace, dear little Princess. You had the best life and were surrounded by people who loved you with all their hearts.
***
Have you ever had a premonition? How did you handle it?
UPDATE: I'll be off the rest of the week. Talk to you Monday!
The following story began three weeks ago.
For two solid weeks I hadn't been sleeping well. At first, it started as restlessness. I'd wake from a sound sleep, upset, but unable to remember why.
Every night it got worse. By the second week I started remembering the nightmares. I will not share the details with you because they are too gruesome to repeat. Suffice it to say, Stephen King's idea of horror pales in comparison to what my subconscious can conjure. This is normal for my brain, trying to tell me something is terribly wrong.
By week two, I was frantic, trying to figure out who was going to die on me. My guess was Tank. He is frail and deteriorating steadily. I braced myself for the inevitable. But despite his weakened condition, he is a happy boy who still enjoyed his meals and walks. If the omens were true, he should've shown some sign of worsening.
Night after night this went on, each nightmare more disturbing than the last. Someone was going to die, but I didn't know who. I even phoned my elderly mother and asked if she wanted to come down and visit me--afraid it might be her. (She's with me now, spry as ever.)
Sunday morning at 3am, I woke up in a cold sweat. Another nightmare, worse than all the others. Unable to return to sleep I got up and answered email, waiting for daylight. As soon as it was light out, I went to the garden and started weeding.
At 9am, I got a call from my best friend. Her dog, Princess was showing signs of distress. From what she described, I speculated that the little dog's body was shutting down. I puppy-sat Princess many times and she had become part of our family. Tank and Princess were like an old married couple. They enjoyed each other's company immensely and I'd often find them sleeping next to one another.
Within hours of getting the call, Princess died in the arms of the people she loved most. For that I'm grateful. There is no greater gift than being with those you love.
***
I didn't realize this until a few days ago, but I have not had another nightmare since Princess passed away. Apparently, the omens were for her.
Rest in Peace, dear little Princess. You had the best life and were surrounded by people who loved you with all their hearts.
***
Have you ever had a premonition? How did you handle it?
UPDATE: I'll be off the rest of the week. Talk to you Monday!
Comments
I had a horrible feeling of dread for about a year before Hubby's grandmother died. It was so strong at times that I thought it would be Hubby! I even told my Mom about it. It eased up shortly after, but it's hard to shake that feeling once it's been with you. :(
I only had a premonition once--before my dad died.
Monday morning I woke up from a nightmare with actual tears in my eyes because I was crying in my dream. My dream was that my mom was going to die and I didn't know if I should tell her or not.
So that morning I kept asking my mom if she felt okay. And she would look at me weird.
Tuesday morning: same dream, same waking up with tears in my eyes. My mom seemed fine and I ignored the dream.
Wednesday I left my parents house ( I was visiting) then Saturday morning I got the call that my dad passed away in his sleep.
I kept thinking it was going to be my mom because of the dream and never thought it would be my dad. But because of those dreams, I had an overwhelming urge to make sure my parents knew I loved them before I left. So because of that, I really had a lot of peace with it.
Re: feeling of dread
There's something very raw and primal about dread. And you're right, once that feeling comes over you, you can't shake it.
I'm so glad you got to spend time with your parents before your dad passed away. That was the best gift you could've given him.
I can't say I've had a premonition. Though I have an aunt who has premonitions similar to yours, though not as strong.
When i was a pre teen i woke up one morning knowing that my grandma had died. When we got out of bed, our dad told us the sad news. I've never had anything like that happen to me before, or after.
Sorry for the loss of your extended family member. She looks like a sweety.
Melanie Macek
I don't have premonitions about people dying, but I do have them about other things.
When I was first pregnant with my daughter in 2004, I KNEW the Red Sox were going to win the pennant that season. No one would believe me.
I don't dream about stuff, but I get a feeling in my gut. I know enough now to listen to my gut.
I'm glad to hear that Tank is still doing okay. Give him a big hug and kiss from me.
I have horrible instincts and no ability to predict the next five minutes much less more into the future than that.
I'll be sure to give Tank an extra hug. :)
I've had premonitions too. They can be scary.
My dogs always want to visit my friend. :)
We're a family and we stay a family.
{hugs} to Princess' family.
I'm sorry to hear about Princess. She looked like a cutie.
I would hate to have a premonition like that. I can worry for England as it is without adding fuel to the worries.
Re: England
Same here.