Reading both your stories reminds me of mine - my beloved Grandmother (Busia) passed away on 12-17-05. I was extremely upset and stayed up a lot of the night crying, and at one point I prayed that the Lord would just give me a sign to know that she was with Him in heaven. The next day, on my way to a cousin's house, while I was driving through an industrial park, a roadrunner crossed the road. I knew it was my sign! My Busia was an avid birdwatcher and I have NEVER seen a roadrunner in that area before, and I feel that I never will again. I just said: "Thank you, God!" because he answered my prayer and I know she is with Him!
He is truly amazing!
"For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me."