Sharon Burns-Carter's Validation with her son Carter through Maureen Hancock

I can't begin to express how important Helping Parents Heal has been in the ongoing healing of my heart. I wanted to share the beautiful validations I received tonight during a Gallery Reading with Maureen Hancock, hosted by HPH.

Maureen first brought up my son Caleb's grandfather—my father—and said, "He never met him," which was true. Caleb was physically and constitutionally almost identical to my father. I have always felt that they shared a soul. They both experienced the same medical condition, which ultimately led to their transitions.

Maureen then told me that I needed to return to my art, something I had given up. This was absolutely true, and I often think about returning to it. Caleb always appreciated my creativity and loved some of the artwork I had created.

She also said that Caleb and I are "soulmates" and that "he breathes through me." Maureen mentioned that she had never said those words to anyone before.

This brought back an extraordinary memory. A couple of nights after Caleb transitioned, I found myself standing in my kitchen in the middle of the night, taking an incredibly deep breath. I knew, somehow, that breath was of or with Caleb. It was so profound that I have never forgotten it.

Maureen also spoke about the importance of music to Caleb. He was living in Nashville, pursuing his passion for music, when he transitioned. Music meant everything to him, even through his struggles.

On several occasions, when I've been overwhelmed by waves of sorrow, Caleb has comforted me through songs that suddenly play on the radio or appear randomly in my shuffled music library—sometimes songs I didn't even realize I had. Maureen specifically said that Caleb comes to me through music.

Another interesting connection came when Maureen mentioned that it was All Souls' Day and Día de los Muertos, when the veil between worlds is believed to be especially thin. Caleb was—and still is—a devoted Deadhead, a huge fan of the Grateful Dead and Phish. That connection made me smile.

The signs I receive from Caleb are often so perfectly timed, creative, and surprising. As Maureen described how he communicates with me, I had the wonderful feeling that she truly understood what I have been experiencing.

One of the most meaningful recent signs happened while I was sitting in my parked car, crying and looking through photos and videos of Caleb on my phone.

I noticed an album labeled "Hidden Photos." I had no idea what it contained, but it indicated that there was one hidden picture. When I opened it, I discovered a photograph of a beautifully decorated cookie with a flower, a bee, and the word "Mom."

I have no idea how it ended up there. The photo was dated May 11, 2025, which was Mother's Day. I must have saved it somehow, but it remained hidden until the very moment I needed it.

When Maureen described the creative ways Caleb lets me know he's near, I immediately thought of that cookie.

I don't often share these experiences with others, which is one of the many reasons Helping Parents Heal means so much to me. Hearing other parents speak openly about their signs and connections with their children is incredibly reassuring. It reminds me that I am not alone.

I also appreciate HPH's practice of requesting validation letters. Writing everything down gives us an opportunity to reflect, connect the dots, and recognize just how meaningful these readings can be.

Thank you again for all that you do and for creating such a loving, supportive community.

With gratitude and love,

Sharon Burns Carter 💙