Readers' Stories New Age Tiscali

My grandmother had been ill for quite a while and the cancer was slowly taking over. My family and I decided that it would be best if she came and lived with us so we could look after her properly. She needed our help, care and love to make her feel better each day.

As time went on however, she deteriorated rapidly and a few weeks ago she sadly died.

It was on the day she died that I had a strange experience. My family and I had been up all night and it was obviously a very emotional time when she passed away. That was at 4 o'clock in the morning. When light broke the day was sunny. By late morning, I had decided to go to our family cottage in the country with my dog for a walk, clear my head and get some fresh air.

It was a warm day even though there was a wind. With the blue skies above me I left the house and headed for the woods. As I crossed the field near our house with my dog, I was suddenly aware of a stong smell - it was my Grandma's hand cream she always used to use. I stopped in my tracks as did my dog who normally runs around manically when we go walking.

Even though there was a wind the smell was strong and it stayed right by me. Confused at what was happening, I took three steps back and smelt it again. Both my dog and I stayed quiet as I looked around the countryside. There was no-one else around.

The smell was comforting and after a while it disappeared. My dog and I made our way back to the house and I phoned my girlfriend to tell her what had happened.

I just knew that is was my Grandma who had come to say goodbye. We had always been very close and I really think she came to thank me for looking after her, to say goodbye and to let me know that she was ok now.