For some context, my great-grandmother (Gram) was emotionally abusive to me from the ages of 8 to 16. During that time, I endured constant negativity—she would throw things, offer me her medications to overdose, and frequently send me away to live with other relatives, claiming I was unpleasant to be around. Despite my depression and repeated hospitalizations, she showed little support. At 16, I reported her to the authorities and entered foster care along with my younger brother.
Gram passed away in May 2024, but I chose not to attend her funeral. To me, the person she was in my life had already been gone for years, and attending didn’t feel right. My decision upset many family members, but I stood firm—it was about my relationship with her, not theirs.
Last night, I had an intense dream about her. I was back in the old condo we lived in together, a place she had owned since 2001, the year I was born. The condo was dark, with no electricity, and all the old furniture was still there. I sat on the wicker couch on the patio under the moonlight, which was shining brightly. Then she appeared, sitting in her wicker chair across from me.
Her form was transparent with a dark blue hue, and we began talking about our relationship. She apologized, saying she never intended for things to turn out the way they did. Both of us cried, and it felt incredibly real—I remember feeling the cold air on the patio and the tears on my face. After a while, she floated away, leaving me alone.
I went back inside, and the only light I could turn on was in the kitchen. Standing at the sink, I was overwhelmed with thoughts about what had just happened. The condo was silent, and I still felt the weight of our conversation. Then I woke up, feeling deeply sad and reflective.
Reconciliation and Closure:
This dream could symbolize an attempt by your subconscious to process unresolved feelings and pain from your relationship with your great-grandmother. Her apology in the dream might represent your inner desire for closure, even if it didn’t happen in real life.
The Condo and Familiar Setting:
Dreaming of the old condo ties the scenario to a space filled with memories, both good and bad. The absence of electricity and the quiet atmosphere may symbolize the emotional void or darkness you associate with that time in your life.
Her Appearance and Tone:
Her transparent, dark blue form suggests she exists only in memory now, yet the dream frames her as remorseful and emotional. This imagery might reflect your conflicting feelings about her—recognizing the harm she caused but also acknowledging a complex connection.
Your Emotions in the Dream:
Feeling the chill, the tears, and the sadness upon waking suggests that this dream wasn’t just a passing thought but a deep emotional processing. It could indicate lingering grief or a need to address unresolved feelings, whether through self-reflection, journaling, or even therapy.
The Kitchen Light:
The kitchen light, the only one that worked, might symbolize clarity or the start of understanding. Kitchens often represent nourishment and healing, so standing there thinking about the interaction could reflect a step toward emotional resolution.
