Grieving Woman Finds a Note in a Thrifted Purse That Feels Like a Message from the Grave

Heather Riggleman

A grieving woman finds a note in a thrifted purse that feels like a message from the grave. 

24-year-old Abrielle Clausing had been grieving the loss of her beloved Dad. After struggling with her loss, she called her sister and asked her to go thrifting–something their belated father loved to do. It was a precious family tradition.

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Her Father Had a Passion For Thrifting 

"I told her I wanted to find a vintage Fossil brand purse," Abrielle said. "My dad loved the thrift and finding a good deal.”

In the midst of mourning her father's death, Abrielle Clausing discovered an unexpected sign of hope, guided by what she believes was God's hand. This uplifting story that went viral on social reveals a powerful message of love and connection that transcends distance and time.

Her father, who passed away in January 2021 from COVID-19, had a passion for thrifting and uncovering treasures. Growing up in a very humble family, finding bargains brought him joy, and he shared that passion with his daughters. "My sister and I loved thrifting with him and always showed him our cool finds," Abrielle reminisced.

Abrielle Found What She Was Looking For, A Thrifted Purse 

That day, Abrielle found precisely what she was looking for: a thrifted Fossil purse. But what she found inside the bag was even more extraordinary. Unzipping the black leather pouch, she discovered a handwritten note that read, "When you read this you will be far from me in miles but not in my heart. I'm here. I love you." Right then, Abrielle knew God was with her, giving her comfort. And she knew it that moment, the message was a reminder of her beloved dad from beyond the grave.

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"I knew it was from him," she said. "I always check the inside of the bag before I buy it to make sure it’s in good condition. When I stuck my hand in it, I felt the piece of paper, and when I took it out and found the note, I read it out loud to my sister."

For Abrielle, the note felt like a divine message, confirming her father's presence in her life despite his physical absence. "When I saw the note, it just confirmed that he was with us," she said. "He’s always with us."

God Answered Their Call 

Abrielle and her sister have a cherished tradition when they go thrifting together: "We always are like, 'Hey Dad, give us a good deal today!' " This time, it felt like her father, guided by God's comforting hand, truly answered their call. The vintage Fossil purse and the note inside became a profound reminder of the bond they shared.

Today, Abrielle uses the purse for special occasions and framed this precious note to put on display in her home. It serves as a daily reminder of her father's enduring love and how God is with us when we grieve.

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Abrielle's story is a heartwarming testament to the belief that God leads us to moments of comfort and reassurance when we need them most. Through His guidance, Abrielle found not just a purse but a tangible reminder of her father's love. As she beautifully expressed, "He’s always with us," showing that God's presence and love manifest in the most unexpected and miraculous ways.

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/People Parents


Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.  

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