In an age where technology has ingrained itself into the fabric of daily life, mobile phones often serve as a digital memory box, holding texts and photos of loved ones.

Those messages can become a lifeline to the past for people who have lost someone dear.

This was the case for Kathy, a young woman who sent messages to her deceased father's phone number as a conduit for her grief.


However, never in her wildest dreams did she anticipate that her personal ritual would lead to an extraordinary and heartwarming exchange.

Kathy, who lost her father in 2020, had been sending messages to his old phone number for the past couple of years.

It was a way for her to feel connected to him, to share her thoughts and feelings, and to cope with her grief.

One day, after a particularly challenging time, she sent a simple text saying, 'I miss you everyday.'


She never expected a response.

But to her surprise, she received a reply in the form of two question marks one day.

The number, it turned out, had been reassigned to a stranger.

‘Whoa,' Kathy wrote back. 'This is my dad's old phone number, he passed away in 2020. I was not expecting a response.'

Kathy explained the situation to the stranger, who responded with empathy and kindness.

They offered to share a photo of their pet cat being silly, hoping to bring a smile to Kathy's face. It was also what would lead to yet another strange yet oddly heart-warming detail for her.

'Wanna see my kitten being silly?' the stranger asked.

The stranger's cat was named Lucky, a name that held a special significance for Kathy.

As a child, her father had brought home a puppy named Lucky. This unexpected connection felt like a comforting sign from her father.

'When I was a kid, my dad got us a puppy named Lucky,' she shared. 'This [interaction] feels like a hug from him.'


The story, shared on social media, touched the hearts of many.

Some saw it as a sign from Kathy's father, while others were moved by the stranger's simple act of kindness.

One user wrote: 'Signs are everywhere and you just received one from your father.'

Another commented: 'That's so base human. But wholesomely so. It reminds me of a kindergartener being overwhelmed with information and just responding with: “Wanna see my Pokemon cards?”'

'I'm a dad, and this brought a tear to my eye,' a man shared.

'This post is going to make me create an album of my cute cat pictures in case of wrong numbers or scam texts,' a woman said.

The story also prompted others to share their own experiences of loss and the unique ways they've found to keep their loved ones' memories alive.

One woman shared: 'We kept my dad's cell phone number active for a long time after he passed away in 2011 so I could hear his voice on his outgoing voicemail box.’

‘I also left messages to nowhere when I would feel really vulnerable and heartbroken in the years following his death. I empathise, and my thoughts are with you.'

Another user wrote: 'Lost my dad 13 years ago, and I have a tape recording of him reading me a book that I listen to every now and then when I'm missing him a little extra.’

‘It's the little things we cherished in the moment that we wish we could experience now.'


While nothing can replace the physical presence of a loved one, these digital connections can help us feel less alone in our grief.

They can provide a space to share our feelings, to remember our loved ones, and to find support and understanding.

As we navigate our own journeys of grief, let's remember the power of connection. Let's reach out to others, share our stories, and find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.


Have you experienced a surprising connection in your time of grief? Share your story in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you.

If you are in need of support for having tough times after a loss, you may try to check Grief Australia or Griefline for assistance.