Keeping in Touch with the Other Side: True Inspirational Stories

By Pauline DiBenedetto

Pauline Di Benedetto, who was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and now resides in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, says she received her gift of writing at the age of fifteen. While she was saying her prayers, her words began to rhyme. That was when she knew that writing was her purpose in life. She has written several poems and songs in her life which she shared with her family and friends. Through her trials in life, Pauline felt the need to help others by inspiring them to have faith. She published her first book with us titled, Faith Through the Eyes of a Child which is available on Amazon and can be ordered in any brick-and-mortar stores. Pauline believes this book, Keeping in Touch with the Other Side, is "the one" that was truly "meant to be written." In this book, she has included Bible verses, along with a poem after each chapter, which give an inspirational message. Although she hesitated to write this book, she felt as though she was "pushed" into it when she fell and fractured her foot. That's when she finally "got the message." Although she would like to keep her private life "private," Pauline says that she must follow her "inner spirit." She also states that she didn't write these books alone. She believes "St. Therese" is her ghost writer and guardian angel who guides her through these books and through her life. Is she "right"? Who will be the "judge"?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098011154

Book preview

No Coincidence

(10/4/12)

In July of 2011, I made plans to visit my sister Alba in Pennsylvania. I was getting stomach pains. I thought I had a virus which would go away in a few days. I ignored it and packed my bags; however, the pain was getting worst. Since it was the weekend and there were no doctors available, my daughter Angela insisted on taking me to the hospital. They ran several tests and found that I had pancreatitis. They kept me in the hospital for four days. Needless to say, my trip was canceled. The following year, I wanted to make plans to visit Alba in August. I began to get the same symptoms as before; therefore, I canceled my plans and went to see my doctor. He had me go to the hospital for more tests. By then, my symptoms disappeared, and all my tests came out normal. Having a good bill of health, I planned the trip once again for September. I broke my foot, and for the third time, my trip was canceled which led me to think, What’s going on? Someone up there is trying to get my attention, which now leads me here to write.

On my last day of work, which was September 7, 2012, I left behind one of my poems to give to one of my customers who lost her son. She and her son Todd always came to my register at Stop&Shop. I wanted to console her through my writing. My instincts must have known I would not return to work for a while. I left it under my register with instructions to deliver it to her when she came into the store. On September 9, 2012, I tripped on the last step of my porch. I was wearing flip-flops which flipped and I flopped. It wasn’t very painful at the time, but when my foot began to swell, I realized that I must have broken my foot. Sure enough, it was a fracture, and I was to be out of work for at least six weeks. I believe there is a reason for everything and… I know that God truly guides my steps.

Each step leads me to where I need to be. I haven’t written for years, thinking I had nothing more to say, but I guess that’s not the case. Everything led me to begin writing once again.

While I was home, I was offered a free laptop. This was another step to getting this book started. Since my computer was downstairs, I was not inspired to write. When Sabrina gave me the laptop, I decided to buy a wireless printer and everything that goes with it. Since I didn’t need my old computer, monitor, printer, and scanner anymore, I decided to give it all away. Now, I was able to use my laptop in the comfort of my living room. I was still not planning to start writing again, but since I had a lot of time on my hands, I began to read some of my old notes and dreams that I jotted down in the past. I came across one school of thought, and my inspiration began. As I stated in my poem He Guides My Steps, I am now set up and inspired to write another book. I’m not sure how this will go, but my angels will guide me through it.

For He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

—Psalm 91:11

He Guides My Steps

I found a shell on the beach, that I could not ignore.

It was shaped like a foot, so I searched to find more.

I then found another, which was larger in size.

I then found my third. I was very surprised.

The third foot was larger, and now there were three.

It then made me wonder, Was this meant to be?

Our footsteps are guided by someone divine.

I knew that these shells…were some kind of sign.

The first foot is mine and then, there is yours,

But the largest foot belongs to the Lord.

I know God is with me; He guides day and night.

I’m sure He has led me, to the book I now write.

Whatever the reason, I feel very blessed.

I know God is with me, and He guides all my steps.

Communicating with My Angels

(Inspirational Notes from My Angel Within)

(3/13/96)

If you want to change the world, it takes one person at a time. All you can do is you. Shine your light so that others can see the way.

—A quote from the book Ask Your Angels

One school of thought has it that our angel is actually our higher self that became separated from us when we embodied as humans. From this standpoint, meeting your angel is reconnecting with another part of yourself. In any case, talking with your angel will provide you with a key to understanding yourself and others. It can also help you to clarify your purpose in life and open up to your unique gifts.

In the past, I have asked my angels questions, and when the answers came from within, I wrote them down.

April 16, 1996

Question: I want to fulfill my purpose. What do I need to know?

Answer: Relax and let go. Flying is freedom. It’s time to look at parts of your life that’s stuck. Things may turn upside down or disappear like keys, jobs, relationships. It’s meant to be. All reorganization moves forward. Feel safe in the midst of all changes. Give something away. It may be something that you have been holding on to that has negative associations for you. It may be valuable or of little worth. The act of giving it away will free up that part of your life and make room for something new. You create the opportunity for an angelic gift. Be open to receive it, and give thanks when it arrives.

My Angel

There’s an angel within me, who knows what I need.

I can have what I ask for, If I only believe.

My angel is with me, wherever I go.

If there’s danger ahead, my angel will know.

When I know in my heart, and can see with my mind,

I can have what I ask for. I am a child of divine.

If I want something special, I need only to think.

My angel within me, creates in a wink.

My angel and I are both intertwined.

Whenever I need one,

I can look…with my mind.

Where It All Started

Devote yourself to Prayer, being watchful and thankful.

—Colossians 4:2

My parents drew me close to the spirit world by their example. My mother was a very spiritual and faith-filled woman. She taught me to pray at a very young age. My father was also a spiritual man. Although my father passed away when I was six years old, I remember spending time with him when he was in his bedroom reading his Bible. Although I was a very quiet child, I felt very close to my father. I opened up to him, sharing my deepest thoughts. I asked many questions about God and was curious to learn as much as possible. I sensed his closeness to the other side and was drawn even closer, not knowing he had cancer and I was about to lose him. I asked my father questions that even he could not answer. By asking a lot of questions, my father told me that I taught him more than I could possibly know. (As we teach, we also learn.) My father quoted a passage in the Bible: Isaiah 11:6: And a little child shall lead them. I will never forget the message my father gave me when he told me that I was that little child. Although I was puzzled by his statement, I will never forget it.

On October 31, 1947, my father became very ill. I was six years old at the time, and although I loved to celebrate Halloween, I was too depressed, knowing that my father was sick and there was a chance of losing him. When I asked my father if he was going to die, he answered, No, my little Paulina. I will never die. I will never leave you. Even though you can’t ‘see’ me, I will always be with you, I promise. Although my father wanted me to go outside and play, I could not. Instead, I sat on the steps outside and cried. When the ambulance came later that day and took my father away, I began to scream, No, don’t take him away!

That was the last time I saw my father alive. On November 27, 1947, my father passed away. The morning my father passed, the doorbell rang at 3:00 a.m. My mother looked down the hallway, wondering who would be ringing the doorbell that early, but she didn’t see anyone. At the same time, my brothers looked out the window, trying to see if anyone was there, but they didn’t see anyone. We were all very confused until later that afternoon, when we received a telegram, stating that my father had passed away at 3:00 a.m. That was my first contact with the other side. That was the day, I knew without a doubt, that my father kept his promise to me. Although I could not see him, I knew that his spirit would always be with me.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

—Hebrews 11:1

My Father

My father was a great man. He was so big and strong, but if you saw my father, you’d say that I was wrong. He wasn’t really tall at all. He was only five-foot-seven, and I was only six years old when he died and went to heaven. I guess it’s true; he wasn’t tall, but it’s not of height that I’m speaking, for if you knew my father well, you’d know of his inner being. Papa raised us with a strong firm hand, yet his love was overflowing. He had the patience of a saint. He’s a man who was well worth knowing. I remember the times when I sat on his knees whenever I needed some hugging. He always had time for my family and me. He always gave plenty of loving. I remember the time when I stood on a stool while my sister and I played with his hair. When Papa went to sleep, we made a few braids; when he awoke, we all laughed while we stared. I remember the time when I sat on our fence. When I fell, my papa was scared. He came running to me and held me so tight, then he spanked me for sitting up there. I remember the time when my father was ill, and my mother began to cry. They didn’t know I could overhear when Mama said, You’re not going to die. I ran to his bedside, and I pleaded and cried, Papa, please don’t leave me! Please don’t die! He then tried to prepare me as he dried my tears and promised he’d always be there. Although I couldn’t see him, he went on to say he’ll always be with me, day after day. Yes, I remember my father very well although I was very young. At 3:00 a.m. when he passed away, I remember the doorbell rang. We all found out later on that day, he had passed away at three. I then knew he kept his promise. Papa rang that bell for "me."

My Prayer and Petition to God

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

—Philippians 4:6

After my father’s transition to the other side, I felt his presence with me. At his funeral, I remember trying to console my mother while she was crying. I told her that Papa was watching, and he didn’t want to see her cry. She asked me how I knew, and I simply replied, "I just know. Hearing the doorbell ring and feeling my father’s presence was very comforting to me, and I was very grateful, but I still felt lost without him. I missed having conversations with him. That night, when I was saying my prayers, I ask God to allow me to see" him. God granted me my request.

My father came to visit me in my dream. I was so happy to see him. I met with him on a cloud. He was not on earth nor was he in heaven. He was somewhere in between. There were other people living there as well. He took me to his room where he was living. My father explained that there was a higher place, but he wasn’t ready to go there yet. This wasn’t a "bad" place. He explained that he was very comfortable where he was. I believe he chose not to move too far away from me for he wanted to keep his promise. On his deathbed, he worried about leaving me. His last words, I was told was, I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to leave the baby. She is so young, and she depends on me. What’s to become of her? This was the first of many dreams I had of my father. He continued to visit me for many years. In fact, I remember his last visit very vividly.

It was in October 1969, just before my 28th birthday. My father came to me, all dressed up in a nice suit. He was very excited. He didn’t speak, but he showed me an 8x10 framed picture of himself with me standing by his side as a little girl, at the age I was when he passed away. I would have loved to have a copy of this picture, but it did not exist on this side. Without words, he let me know that he cherished this picture (as I would have, if I had it.) Our communication was through feelings. I felt his excitement as he was about to enter another door. My father "kept" his promise to me as he was about to move on. He had another job to do now, and although I was happy for him, I was sad at the same time because I knew he was saying, Goodbye for now. Until we meet again. I was very grateful to God for granting me twenty-two years of being able to communicate with my earthly father, and I did not forget to thank God for answering my prayer.

Behold; what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. (John 3:1)

Note

Although the picture that my father showed me in my dream, with me standing by his side, did not exist, I created one by adding a picture of myself as a little girl and placed it by his side. When I published my first book, Faith through the Eyes of a Child, I sent my publisher the original picture of my dad standing alone, but the publisher told me that she was having a problem with that picture. Sarena stated, although she knew the picture was there, it kept disappearing. She told me that it was very strange. When Sarena told me that, I realized that it was a sign from my father, letting me know that he wanted me to use the picture I created, with me standing by his side. My publisher used that picture I sent her, and she had no problem including it in my book. I will also include that picture in this book.

Beautiful Sky

I see a beautiful sky, so way up high. The clouds look soft, as they slowly roll by.

The colors are bright, mixed with red upon blue. It makes me wish

I could be up there too.

What a beautiful sky; so peaceful and calm. If I only had wings,

Instead of just arms.

I’d fly through the air, with the greatest of poise, and I won’t have to live…with the harsh city noise.

I see a beautiful sky, when the night shadow falls.

The stars twinkle brightly, through a dark background wall.

They’re filled with great wisdom. They are there as a guide.

They are filled with pure love, as they stand