There's a map in the Squamish Adventure Centre that gives visitors from every corner of the globe the opportunity to push a thumbtack into their country of origin.
Unfortunately for Shana Lee Gibson and Theresa Leski, the map doesn't include the spirit world.
After reading an article about psychic medium Shana Lee Gibson in The Chief in March, Leski decided to check out Gibson's show at the Squamish Adventure Centre. The only problem was, she didn't have a ticket.
I saw the article and talked to a few friends about what the show was like, she said, noting that her son Dennis, a well-liked and long-time Squamish resident, had died in an avalanche while snowmobiling March 2012. My friends suggested I go and to get tickets but I thought, 'It's Squamish I won't need tickets.'
Leski underestimated the popularity of the show and arrived on the day of the event only to find out there were no tickets left. She decided to hang out at the front to see if free seats would open up.
I was thinking I'd rather just do a one-on-one with a psychic at some other time because it's more private, and there were no no-shows, she said. But just as we were about to leave, one of the volunteers was almost insisting me to sit down and one of them gave me their seat.
Gibson said she told her volunteers not to allow additional audience members in, but after Leski took her seat, a new spirit began to communicate with her.
I had a totally different spirit that I was going to start with, but the second I began to link with the other side, a man clear as day was just coming to me so strong and was reaching out to his mom on a mountain, she said. This woman at the back started bawling and right away I knew. He made sure they stuck around and got in and I noticed they were in seats that were supposed to be for my volunteers.
Leski said she was stunned at the information that Gibson knew about her son.
I sat and put my purse down and she said, 'There's a very persistent young man, very high energy, who is covered in snow,' she said. My heart dropped.
After Leski told Gibson it was likely her son, she began communicating with him, Leski said.
She said that he went really fast and that he told her that he made sure I made it to the show, Leski said. She said he was jumping up and down, waving his ballcap and flexing his muscles and my cousin said, 'That's him all right.'
Gibson went on to say that Dennis told her that he went fast and was gone in the blink of an eye. He told her that he has no regrets, is happy where he is and he's on a new adventure.
All the things she said that he told her made me feel like, 'How did she know all of this if he really wasn't coming through to her in some way?' Leski said.
Gibson said connections like this do happen frequently at her shows.
Her son arranged the whole thing, she said. It was quite magical. The information that came through was very clear and he made sure she refused to leave when she was stuck at the door. Her son used his power and energy to influence her and the second she was in the door, he got into my energy field as clear as day and wanted to talk to his mom.
Leski said the experience was memorable and helped bring a sense of closure to her son's death.
When I walked out of there, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, she said. I was calm and at peace. I almost had his energy, strength and determination. I knew it was him coming through and he was content where he was.
Gibson will make a return on Sunday (Sept. 29) at the Environmental Centre at the North Vancouver Outdoor School in the Paradise Valley. It's a special afternoon show from 3 to 5 p.m.
My intention is to bring through connections from the spirit world and it will begin with a healing meditation allowing people to become aware of their loved one and all around us, Gibson said. It really shouldn't be seen as this faraway place. It will be a lovely afternoon with spirits and those who need to come through will come through.
Leski plans to attend the show and recommends the experience to everyone.
I definitely would tell people to go but to go with an open mind, she said. You have to be receptive for the connection.
It's a heartwarming event, Gibson added. Normally death is so heartbreaking but this is an afternoon of healing.
Tickets are available at www.shanaleegibson.ca.
