Samuel talks about his father's death, saying he feels like he's never really died, that he's just absent. What are your views about loved ones who've passed away?

Samuel talks about his father's death, saying he feels like he's never really died, that he's just absent. What are your views about loved ones who've passed away? Do some still feel present? If so, why do you think some stay with us while others feel truly gone?

I agree with Samuel. Though loved ones who have passed are not physically with us, we still have them in lives. "I wonder what dad would have thought or done?". They are always with us in spirit and in our minds.

Death removes a person’s physical presence but our loved ones live on in our thoughts and hearts. An expression, a place or even an activity can bring a loved one back into our focus. Another way the dead remain with us is through descendants who share their characteristics and personalities.

I often see or hear something that reminds me of my parents. They always feel near because of all the memories. As I am getting older I am sometimes shocked to look in the mirror and see my mother. More and more I look like her and my boys say act like her.

Like Maggie, I'll hear or see something that reminds me of someone who has died. (One elderly friend in particular was an aficionado of antique cars. He'd always say, "Oh look at that sweet car over there!" He's been gone nearly a decade but I still smile and think of Bob every time I see a beautiful vintage car tool by.)

I know people who believe those who have passed away are near or watching over them, but I can't say I've had that experience.

There are things that we learn from those who we have lost, especially parents. Of course, our lives are influenced by parents as well as others that we have lost.

Indeed, I feel the presence of my loved ones because they remain in my thoughts and in my heart. I think about good times together and those thoughts keep my dear ones close.

I feel those that have passed are still with us and send us signs that they are still with us.

I think that our loved ones who pass on, still live in our hearts and minds. There isn't a day that passes, that I don't think about my mom and the every day things that we did that we take for granted at the time, but I would give a million bucks to have back again.

I often say: "I am my mother!" because my actions remind me of her, and I look in many ways a lot like her. She had a million little sayings that come to my mind all the time, and I use them and smile and think of her.

A recent death makes this question to raw to answer...sorry