I believe that it's common to have visions like that. My grandpa talked to his dad, and it was definately a two way conversation.
There were a couple of other things that happened when my Dad died. The week I had on tour led up to me finding things out (much to long a story for now).
The Pastor woke up that morning and felt the need to "pray for Mr. Stormhands."
And my aunt (his oldest sister) heard what she described as "heavenly music."
It probably really messes with theology to believe all of that, but I do. And I know it gave the family a great deal of comfort.
My brother in law (Steve's brother) doesn't believe in an after-life...I was telling him about this kind of stuff and he was just amazed. Said "I wonder if there has been any kind of study of this kind of thing?" (Heh, he is a research doctor of psychology.) I told him I didn't know, but that you can talk to any nurse and she'll have stories to tell.
Holey moley... interesting topics y'all have had today.
I dunno how I'm gonna go, but I just pray that it leaves me with some shred of dignity. Please Lord, not while I'm on the toilet. Let me get my pants on first, then I'm all yours. :-)