My grandfather (my mom's father) had passed away in 2021. I used to call him Ajja, I was very close to him and now as I have grown up I realize how much of my interests and some of my personality traits I share with him. I had dreamt this in June - me, my parents, my mom's elder sister and her husband and son, and my mom's younger brother, all of us were at a building in the compound. I don't think my grandma was there. In he first half of the dream there was someone like an old person/being (?) present with us and we were somehow very normal about it. In the second half i was holding out a camera and clicking a family photo and then Ajja appeared and when I held the camera up at him I couldn't see him in the screen but he was there in person, wearing a light blue - the bluest blue shirt and dark brown or dark grey pants. Everyone was greeting him (not even everyone, most of them) and then leaving for some reason but then I think either my uncle (mom's younger brother) or my cousin (it was most probably my uncle) was on Ajja's left and my dad on his right and I went right into his arms and hugged him really tight. I can still feel that hug, it felt so comforting - the best hug ever. Then my dad was consoling me and telling me to let go.
Dreams involving deceased loved ones, especially those with whom you had a deep connection, can often represent unresolved feelings, memories, or even the impact they continue to have on your life. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of your dream and their potential meanings:
Presence of Family: The gathering of your family members suggests a sense of unity and connection. It reflects the importance of family ties, shared memories, and the support system you have, particularly in dealing with loss.
Old Person/Being: The presence of the old person or being could symbolize wisdom, guidance, or the lingering spirit of your grandfather. In dreams, such figures often represent comfort in times of uncertainty or change.
Photograph and Camera: Capturing a family photo is significant because it symbolizes the desire to preserve memories and moments with loved ones. Your attempt to take a picture of your grandfather but not seeing him in the camera may indicate how you feel he is still a part of you and your life, even if he is no longer physically present.
Appearance of Ajja: His clear presence in the dream symbolizes that he is still with you in spirit. The colors of his shirt may also carry meaning; blue often represents calmness, trust, and peace, while dark colors can signify depth or seriousness. His appearance could be your mind's way of emphasizing his ongoing influence in your life.
Hug: The hug you shared with him is a powerful symbol of comfort, love, and connection. It reflects your deep emotional bond and longing for that warm presence in your life. This part of the dream indicates that you may be processing your grief and the joy that comes from the love you shared. The fact that your dad was there to support you reinforces that familial connection and the idea that you are navigating this momentous experience together.
Letting Go: Your dad's encouragement to let go highlights the process of accepting loss. While you cherish the memories and love from your grandfather, it’s essential to continue moving forward in life while honoring his memory and legacy.
In summary, this dream seems to reflect your deep emotional connection with your grandfather and the memories that shape you. It’s a mix of love, grief, and a reassuring reminder that he continues to influence and inspire you even after his passing. Embracing these feelings can help you find peace and comfort in your journey of healing.