Ana Carter's Validation with her daughter, Iris, and her friend, Sunny, through Lorna Hines

Ana Carter's Validation with her daughter, Iris, and her friend, Sunny, through Lorna Hines

Iris / Sunny / Lorna Hines

Lighting Up My Grief: A Message for Iris and Sunny
September 26, 2025

Yesterday marked 8 months since my daughter Iris’s passing, her angelversary: September 25, 2025.

I've been working very intentionally on lighting up my grief. I know in my soul that Iris would not want me to lie in bed in sorrow, drowning in darkness. She was full of light and compassion, and I believe she would want me to keep living—fully, spiritually, and with love.

I’ve been meditating more, speaking to her out loud, and most recently, I built a water feature in her honor. It’s a sacred space for our family to sit by, reflect, and talk with her.

On September 23, just days before her 8-month angelversary, Iris came to me in a visitation dream—the first one since shortly after her transition. I believe the spiritual work I’ve been doing is opening pathways and strengthening the bond between us.

I've been attending many gallery readings, patiently hoping Iris would come through. Even when the messages are for other parents, it brings light into my days to hear the connections being made. These gatherings give me hope—and something to look forward to.

A Powerful Connection

Last night, September 25th, during a gallery session with Lorna Hines, she began communicating with a musician—a father, seen playing a violin. She described a stage, a theatre, and a man who was "not old, but not young," someone she called a “friend.”

It immediately caught my attention. Our very close family friend, Sunny, passed through the veil on Father’s Day, June 15/16, 2025. Just 14 days ago, on September 13, we celebrated his life in the most fitting way—surrounded by every kind of stringed instrument imaginable. Sunny was a master of music, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and, most importantly, a father.

The mention of the theatre could easily reference one of the many historic stages he played on here in Humboldt County, California. And stairs—which Lorna mentioned—hold so many potential meanings, both spiritual and literal. She also saw a harp, which could be a harmonica, a mouth harp, or maybe… Sunny’s exploring new stringed instruments on the other side.

Then came something even more incredible.

Lorna described a young female spirit entering—with a ponytail. My breath caught. Iris. Her hair was always something she fiercely protected—no one was allowed to touch it unless it was for a special occasion. But when she did let us put it up, it felt like such an act of trust and bonding.

She told Lorna, “I’m her baby.” And she is. She always will be. I told her every night before bed: You’ll always be my baby, my youngest child, no matter how old you are. She was my "I."

Symbols Only We’d Understand

There was more. Lorna mentioned birds and nests—an image that speaks straight to my heart. I collect bird and nest decorations, and my chosen nickname has long been “Birdy” (just check my Facebook). That symbol was a clear hello.

But perhaps the strongest connection of all was when Lorna described a “whirlwind” or “tornado” energy coming through. That was it. That was Iris.

My husband and I both work with local Native Indigenous Tribes. Our family is deeply connected to these communities, and both of our daughters have been honored with invitations to participate in ceremonial dances. For Iris, this became an integral part of her identity. She took it seriously—she had her own song, practiced daily with drumming and singing, and felt deeply connected to the sacred energy of these ceremonies.

If you’ve ever felt it, you know: the dances are whirlwind energy. Vortex. Tornado. They are powerful. Sacred. Transformative.

Iris’s Spirit Lives On

Iris was a deeply compassionate, advanced soul. She was a leader even in her young years, always checking in with others, making sure no one felt left out. Lorna said she’s “not a shrinking violet,” and that she could write a book on women’s independence. That’s Iris. She came here to make a mark—and I truly believe she will, even now.

Lorna also mentioned a highway, which may seem like a small detail—but to us, it’s not. We live right along the Pacific Coast Highway, in the heart of the Redwood Coast, nestled between Highway 101 and the Avenue of the Giants. It's a wild, spiritual, and magical place. It was home for Iris. It still is.

A Request Fulfilled

The moment I heard of Sunny’s passing, I spoke aloud to him: Please find Iris. Please take her under your wing. Be a father figure for her where you are, like you were for so many here.

He heard me. And last night, through Lorna, he showed us that he found her. They’re making music together. They’re together—beyond the veil.

This message, this connection, has brought me a peace I didn’t know was possible.

Thank you, Lorna. Thank you, Sunny.
And thank you, my sweet girl, Iris.
You are always my baby.
And I will always listen for your song.

~Ana Carter

Please watch the YouTube video by clicking here.  

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