A sign...or just coincidence?

I belong to a couple different groups on Facebook for grieving parents, and one of the things others often write about is that they occasionally receive signs from their deceased children. I am not sure what I believe about this, but I would absolutely LOVE it if our loved ones could - and would - send us signs and messages.

 

Today it has been exactly one year since Joana was admitted to the hospital for the last time and tomorrow it will be one year since I found out that her cancer was terminal. In addition, next week will be her first birthday that she won't spend with us and nine days after that will be her first death anniversary. This is an extremely difficult time for me, and I feel myself growing anxious and very, very angry. Angry at myself, angry at the cancer, angry at others for a myriad of reasons.

 

Tonight I had to go to a store to buy a birthday present, and when I paid for my purchase, I saw an angel on the counter. All by itself, totally out of place, not where it should be on the shelf with all the other WillowTree figurines. And not just any old angel...an angel carrying an armful of yellow flowers! Was it a sign...or just coincidence? I would love to believe that Joana placed it there specifically for me, to send me some comfort and strength for this difficult month.