I was born in Calhoun, Ga. The home of the true beginning of the trail of tears. Calhoun also was the home to many civil war battles.

That sets the stage for the home I grew up in. It was a civil war era home with more than its share of permanent residents. I came to accept them as just part of the family. I think that is what influenced my acceptance of the unknown, unexplainable, and illogical. I saw my housemates as a child, and as I got older I couldn't see them but could hear them. Then now I don't as much hear them as I feel them and feel their emotions. I was told once by a medium in New Orleans that I was an empath and that I should exercise my gift so as to not lose it. That is what I would love to accomplish here.

I have had many relatives tell me goodbye as they were passing, I have always had a closeness with the elderly, hence, they were close to me and always wanted to tell me bye. These episodes were usually predicated by a delicate scent.

I went to college in Denver, no major experiences to report there.

I moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1991. I have three boys and am married. I work with the elderly (no surprise). I am the administrator of an agency that does everything possible to avoid putting them in a nursing home. I hold a Master's degree in social work, and am a federally certified Senior advisor. I don't know if this helps my paranormal experience other than that, I understand their frame of mind as they pass. I have noticed I do have stronger connections with elderly spirits.

My personal paranormal experiences range from visions, sounds, smells, and definite visits. I was in my bed asleep when my dad passed away, but...he woke me up standing at the foot of my bed. He came to me drinking a regular coke (he was a diabetic so this was a particular joy for him) and told me that my husband was a good man and that I would be okay. I told my husband about my dream when we got up (that was 7am) at 7:45 am my Mom called me to tell me my dad had passed. My husband was a little freaked out for a few days. I have a spirit in my current home, Sara. My six year old son named her. He first commented on her at my work one day saying she was there, next thing I knew she was coming home with me in the evenings to play with Dawson. I asked him where she was and he pointed and said...right there swimming. He was pointing at the ceiling, I took a photo with a digital camera and in the picture is my son, honking his nose acting like he is swimming and the most beautiful pink orb right where he is pointing. She is very peaceful and I think looks out for Dawson. I have seen other things that I won't bother listing here but I am aware of the paranormal, I am very accepting of the paranormal, and hope to learn from the spirits here, and from all of you.