Call me crazy if you want, but I believe in prophetic dreams. And I come from a long line of others that do, too.

I had my first premonitory dream when I was 9 years old. I’d recently moved to Wilmington and was separated from Mamaw and Papaw for the first time I could remember.

One spring morning, I woke up covered in sweat, heart pounding, and crying.

I dreamt I was standing on Wrightsville beach, and a great glass wall rose up out of the sand. Dutch Cove was on the other side of the barrier. I watched Papaw’s truck pull into the Morning Star Church parking lot. I tried to run to him. But I couldn’t get past the glass wall. I pounded and screamed. Then, there was a flash, and Papaw slumped over in his seat.

I was inconsolable. 

Was I right? No. But I was close.

Daddy called with bad news later that evening. Papaw’s brother, Uncle Reeves, had passed away in the Clark’s Chapel parking lot.

Am I claiming that I’m psychic? No. But that’s not the only time I’ve had a prophetic dream. 

I found out I was pregnant with Bug after dreaming my bedroom was covered in babies. Babies crawled on the floor, up the walls, and up on the ceiling. I got a pregnancy test that morning. I didn’t even need to see the results – I just knew.

Brandon has prophetic dreams, too. He dreamed of his Papa the night he passed away. In his dream, Papa came to tell him goodbye. Brandon knew Papa was gone before Mama Clark even told him.

My cousin, Nicki, dreamed of my daddy a few years ago. When we met for lunch at the Black Bear Cafe, she said: I hope this isn’t weird, but I think your daddy would want you to know that he is okay.

Nicki had a near-death experience. While she was in the hospital, she dreamt of Mamaw Dovie’s house. Nicki ran up the steps and met Mamaw Dovie at the door. She could smell food on the stove and hear voices laughing inside. Mamaw Dovie told Nicki it wasn’t time yet, and when she protested, my daddy walked out.

Nicki was shocked. Daddy laughed and told her to go home. He promised that he’d be waiting for her when it was time.

Ever since Nicki shared her dream with me, I’ve been at peace. You’ll never convince me that Daddy isn’t waiting for me at Mamaw Dovie’s house.

And just yesterday, I called Ebie for reassurance on all the things that are going on in my life. I’m being scouted by radio personalities, directors, and production companies. It’s thrilling – but my inner country girl is shy and nervous.

Ebie said he’d been worried about me. A few days before I called, he’d dreamt that smoke was rising over Fayetteville. After I told him what’s going on with me, he said he wasn’t worried anymore; his dream meant that I’m going to blow up.

And as silly as it may be, I’ve been calm ever since. It’s a sign. I’m on the brink of something big, something that could change everything. And while the spotlight might be intimidating, Ebie’s dream confirmed that I am ready.

Is that superstitious? Very well. I’m superstitious. But who isn’t below the Mason-Dixon?

How about y’all? Do you believe in prophetic dreams? Better yet, have you ever had one?