Signs From the Rainbow Bridge

It’s been a tough couple weeks here at MMI with pets passing. Liz Ramos, under the supervision of Nacho and Bluey the Cat’s spirit, discusses the Rainbow Bridge.

As I sit writing this on the eve of my dear Nacho’s passing from Gastrointestinal Lymphoma (my husband and I made him an appointment due to him suddenly rapidly declining, and upon finding his mass and knowing he was at end stages, we chose to let him go peacefully at the vet’s office), I can’t help but look back and think of all the signs that were there from my dearly departed Bluey that he was there to help guide Nacho to the Rainbow Bridge (our first FeLV+ cat and first pet we adopted together as a family). This is not like my usual articles, but one I needed to write for my own healing and sanity. May you find comfort in this as well.

First, I didn’t take into account that Nacho decided he wanted to stay in Bluey’s armchair – When Bluey first came home, he decided this light blue, floral straight back arm chair was HIS throne. After his passing, most kitties – even the ones who never knew of Bluey – don’t spend much time in his chair. We have even seen new arrivals sit and stare with their head cocked at the chair, as if they are meeting him and getting the lay of the land from him. Nacho, never usually staying in this chair, has spent the last few weeks in his chair, with this weekend the underside being his new hiding spot when he didn’t want to snuggle. Nacho was never a snuggler with me, and it took him months to even decide to sleep in bed with Matt. This weekend, it was a HUGE tell for me that something was seriously wrong.

Next, I had heard phantom playing in the dining and living room on the floor. This is a common occurrence in my house, and in the dark sometimes Bluey and others will show themselves as glimmering lights moving throughout the house. This is always an amazing sight and feeling. Bluey in particular will make his lights be known in his armchair. His chair is directly across from where I sleep, and this past week he was more and more present – as he usually is when a kitty is unwell and possibly passing. Twice, Nacho laid on top of the lights, as if to snuggle Bluey, and possibly Luciano, a kitty that passed in November and was Nacho’s best friend. Nacho definitely perked up when I mentioned Luciano today and said that Luci was waiting for him to play and cuddle on the Rainbow Bridge. I know he definitely missed him and to know they are together again also brings me comfort and peace.

Lastly, when I got home and laid down to attempt a nap before an overnight shift, I had a phantom kitty come and lay on my side after a good hour or so of restlessness. Bluey was not much of a snuggler either, and from the size, I truly believe Nacho came to see me one more time to let me know he made it across the Rainbow Bridge and was at peace. His message was received, and I was able to finally fall asleep with a less heavy heart and get some deep rest. I can say that I am still heartbroken and exhausted, but I feel loved all the same and amazed that he would come let me know he was alright.

Being a Felvie adopter can be so hard and heartbreaking when things like Lymphoma or other illnesses creep in and snatch them from you fairly quickly – but I cherish every moment I had with my Nacho. He was with us 14 months, and in that time went from being an absolutely terrified 1 year old who lived as a solitary animal to adapting to family life with multiple kitty friends and playmates and even loved to snuggle his male adopter. Knowing he had an amazing life with us is all I could have asked for, and I know that he knew he was so very loved and cherished. Until we meet again, I know he, Bluey, Luciano, and our 13 other Rainbow Bridge babies will be playing and having a great time with my grandmother, who came to me in a dream to let me know that she has taken over for me and spoils them rotten until Matt and I join them eventually.

As I sit here, I wonder what other signs await me as the time passes. I have gotten messages in dreams, reiki visions, the lights, phantom snuggles, tarot art that has looked like me and a kitty I was speaking about… I am open to the Universe and the ways she speaks to me on their behalf.

Elizabeth Ramos is a magic practitioner who specializes in nature focused, healing, protective, and ancestral magics. She is a Reiki Master-Teacher and lives with her husband and their several Feline Leukemia Positive kitties in Upstate New York.