Down the Rabbit Hole

Normal Phantoms

I have not seen the movie Paranormal Activity I or II, but I've watched the trailers with mild curiosity. If I believe that spirits walk among the living, then I must allow the possibility that some of those entities may have malicious intent but I believe those things to be anomalies. I believe for the most part that those souls still connected to this waking world, are universally well-intentioned, curious, temporary displaced or unwilling or unable to cross over. The belief that some bonds are forged so deeply that death's calling can not separate us from our loves ones permanently, brings me great comfort. It gives my grief and loss a place to seek refuge, a warm place in which I can feel connected to those that have passed. I have had few experiences, most in my own home, that have admittedly unnerved me but have also left me feeling grateful. I imagine it is a feeling akin to believing in something like Bigfoot or Loch Ness and finally one day catching an glimpse, undeniable proof that what you have believed in on principle, does in fact, exist. I should note here that I am not one of those that think a large, ape-like humanoid or prehistoric sea beast have gone undetected for years. I do not believe in Bigfoot or Nessy, or mermaids or wee little Fairy folk - thought the actual existence of such things would make life much more interesting. Spirits however are a trickier lot to disprove, especially given my personal experiences. Whether it is the sudden, unmistakable smell of my grandfather's pipe or the faint sounds of a child's music box emanating from the attic, my normal phantoms remain welcome visitors. Their overtures have never made me feel threatened or fearful. On more than one occasion I have had the unique impression that my daughter was distracted by an interested specter, encounters that had her smiling and pointing, obviously delighted and not at all disturbed. Peering back over my shoulder to find she had been playing peek-a-boo with a vacant space of wall did ignite a rash of goose flesh but there was nothing fearful in the exchange. I am content with my normal phantoms. Incidentally, my jury is still out on alien life as well..space is simply too vast to discount the possibility we are alone here. I am a student of science and as such, I have confidence that the truth about alien lifeforms will be revealed eventually (hopefully not in any number of recent scenarios presented by Hollywood). Until then, I am confident at least that my spectral visitors come in peace.