return to list of articles by Donna Palmieri D’Amore   Destiny, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary: "1. Something to which a person or thing is destined: fortune. 2. A predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. Synonym, see fate." God, the giver of life, has a divine plan for each and every one of us. If you allow yourself to be open to the innumerable signs from the spiritual realm, you will experience destiny unfolding all around you. Following is the compelling story of how destiny intervened in the life of a sweet, devoted couple, and how it continues to hold these soul mates in love’s warm embrace. Jess and Carmen Alva were married for 48 years, and enjoyed a lovely life together, raising four outstanding sons. In May of 1999, Jess lost his beloved Carmen in a car accident. He was numb with grief, unsure of just how he was going to exist without his cherished wife alongside him. Carmen’s death came as a complete surprise to Jess, and would appear to have been totally unexpected. When Jess and I met some three years later, he was still heavily burdened with a deep sense of grief. Upon discussing several of the dreams Jess had experienced since his wife crossed over, some interesting things surfaced which served to clarify for Jess that despite physical death, life continues in a fascinating mystical way. After Carmen passed, Jess received so many dreams and visions of his dear wife that he began to keep notes of all her wondrous visits. One day, Jess actually saw Carmen’s spirit pass before him and glide into another room. On Carmen’s birthday, April 1, 2002, Jess and his daughter-in-law witnessed a white dove alight on a wire and sit observing them for several minutes. They both knew that it was Carmen coming to call. Carmen came to Jess on those occasions to help ease his grief; to let him know that she was still very much alive, albeit in another sort of existence. By far the most astonishing dream Jess experienced came about one month after Carmen’s passing. In this dream, Jess was situated in his family room, being comforted by a family friend who was visiting from Mexico City. She told Jess that he needed to release Carmen and let her go. The lady friend then went into the living room to pray, leaving Jess standing in the family room. After a few moments, Jess realized that he was no longer alone. Standing directly in front of him was the Lord. No words were spoken between them; just an intense gaze as he stared into the face of Jesus. As Jess stood still and watched, Jesus slowly moved his head and looked downward, toward an object off to the side. Jess turned to follow Jesus’ glance, and was stunned to see his wife Carmen lying in a casket. As Jess remained transfixed, Jesus continued to focus his eyes on Carmen and spoke directly to her: "Carmen, you want Jess to be with you, just as much as Jess himself wants to be with you. But this is not his time. Jess still has a lot to do on earth." With those words, the remarkable dream vision ended. This was more than just a dream which Jess experienced; it was an actual visitation from the being whom he acknowledged as his Lord. A priest who learned of this amazing phenomenon exclaimed that he had yet to receive such a visit, and indeed, dream encounters this celestial in nature are rare and miraculous occurrences. Jess was in such intense pain immediately following his wife’s passing, that he did not know what to do, and had experienced thoughts of wishing to join his wife on the other side. The bond between Jess and Carmen was so strong, that she in fact desired to have Jess join her as well. It took a visit from Jesus to explain to both of them that it was not quite time for Jess to make that part of his journey. Jess will indeed join his Carmen in the spiritual realm one day, on a date which has been predetermined. It is destiny. In the meantime, the love between this special couple lives on in a remarkable way. Carmen has shown her love by gracing Jess with many wonderful dream visits. These memorable visits enable the couple to remain connected as their spirits unite on a level which transcends all boundaries. In coming to understand the significance of these extraordinary visitations, Jess has been lightened tremendously, and is free to live in a state of serenity. He recognizes that it was destiny which brought he and his wife together, and destiny which will keep them united forever. Jess holds Carmen in his heart and knows that she will be there when it is his moment, yet she wants him to be happy during his remaining time on earth. Destiny is a concept which cannot be fully comprehended or appreciated during our existence on this physical plane. We can, however, deepen our awareness, thereby allowing life to flow more naturally and smoothly. By paying close attention to the signs which are given to us and following the lead of our guardians in the spiritual realm, we can actually alleviate much unnecessary stress and hardship. You will begin to let go of deep-seated hurts, and live with a lightness of being which you may not have previously enjoyed.  Dreams are wondrous gifts which provide us with insight into our destiny, indeed, into all things spiritual. Dreams are one of the most direct ways in which our angels and spirit guides choose to communicate with us. They do so because their love for us is truly unconditional and all-encompassing. The spirits of these blessed guardians are inexorably intertwined with ours for eternity. Accept these beautiful souls; allow them, via your dreams, to provide you with a key which may unlock some of the mystery surrounding your destiny and true purpose.