Ever have one of those days? One of those weeks? One of those years?! There are times in our lives where we feel overwhelmed, helpless, frustrated, alone. Circumstances arise which serve to test our core beliefs and cause us to question the universe. We sometimes wonder how on earth we’ll get through stressful, difficult or painful situations. Such experiences may rattle even the most stalwart and self-assured among us. Answers to our earthly problems often come to us from the heavenly realm. We have only to recognize the connection and be receptive to divine assistance.

A few years ago, I was frustrated with my efforts to release a love relationship. The romantic part of our relationship had ended, but I maintained a friendship with my former boyfriend and we socialized regularly.

One weekend we made plans to visit during a festival where my former boyfriend worked. Being unaware that he had met someone new, I was taken off guard to find him with her at the event. Believing myself to be “over” the relationship, I was stunned by the strong feelings which were evoked by the surprise of seeing this man who was so dear to me with another woman.

Clearly, I still had core issues to work through and a good deal of letting go to accomplish. It was a strange and sad night for me, as I struggled to deal with intense emotions which had unexpectedly risen to the surface.

The next morning was Father’s Day, and as I ate breakfast with my children, we suddenly heard what sounded like scampering noises inside the kitchen ceiling just above our heads. Perplexed, we listened to the sounds which traveled back and forth inside the ceiling and walls between the kitchen and dining room.

My conclusion was that a mouse or another type of rodent had somehow (albeit inexplicably) found its way into the walls of our townhouse. Although no stray animal had ever gained access to the interior of our home before, this was the only logical explanation I could think of to account for the unsettling noises.

Later that morning, my children left to spend Father’s Day with their dad. Upon my return from church, there was an urgent message from my daughter warning me not to go into the upstairs linen closet, as the animal had now managed to get in there! My daughter was convinced that it was a rat, and absolutely terrified that it would escape from the closet and end up loose in the house to bite or harm us. Heading upstairs to investigate for myself, sure enough, I heard scratching and furtive movements emanating from behind the closet door.

I had already reluctantly decided that my dad was going to get his Father’s Day gift in a brown bag as I did not feel prepared to face whatever lurked behind the closet door in order to retrieve wrapping paper.

However, a stirring within caused me to turn back toward the closet one more time. Putting my ear to the door, nothing moved within the closet; it was completely silent. Slowly, and with a certain amount of trepidation, I cautiously opened the closet door. There, before my astonished eyes, was a small bird! The little creature seemed frightened, and did not budge. She was trapped between the door and a shelf packed full of boxes. I will never know how she got into our house, let alone into that confined space. She stared directly at me unflinchingly, and deep within my soul I sensed that this was no ordinary bird. Speaking to her softly, I was able to coax the bird out of the closet. She immediately hopped into the adjacent bathroom and flew onto the bathtub spigot. Not wanting my dog to harm our winged visitor, I gently guided the little bird into a shoe box. I felt that she trusted me and knew that I would not hurt her.

Carrying the bird downstairs and outside to the front porch, I opened the box and spoke to her again. I told her that it was safe to leave and fly away; she was free. The little bird looked at me as she lingered in the box for a few seconds, then she ventured out and flew straight up into the tree in front of my townhouse. Simultaneously, I was overcome with emotion, and the symbolism of this amazing incident struck me in that moment. I knew that this beautiful creature was actually an angel sent to teach me a magnificent lesson, and to help me free my heart from the bonds I had been struggling with.

My release came via this angelic messenger, disguised as a bird to my human eyes. Angels and spiritual helpers surround us each and every day, yet how often do we recognize them when they take on a physical form? In the simple act of letting that sweet bird go, I was able to release the ties to my heart which had been holding me back. Those subconscious strings kept me attached to a former love, and I had not known how to completely let go. In accepting that this angelic messenger was sent to show me how to free my heart, I was able to instantaneously release the pain, confusion and jealousy which had an unseen grip on my being. Just like the special angel bird, I was free.

When we are in need, divine guidance is often simply a heartbeat away. Assistance from the spiritual realm is present, whether we are aware of it or not. By keeping our hearts and minds open, we allow ourselves to freely receive mystical surprises designed to help us work through life’s roadblocks more smoothly and with greater ease.

DONNA D’AMORE uses clairvoyance and other psychic gifts to provide people with detailed dream interpretations. She sees clients for individual healing sessions, in addition to facilitating group dream/discernment gatherings. Author of Dreams - The Window into Your Soul, Angel Dream Productions, PO Box 822, Glendora, CA 91740. You may reach Donna at 626-480-4772, e-mail: Ohdonnad14@aol.com website: www.angeldreams.net.