As I am a realist, and, a person who puts logical explanations above all else, I do not believe in the paranormal. Psychic phenomena, ouija boards and ghost-watching do not enter my world because I believe that there is an explanation for everything. I also think that the charlatans of the world have blown up the paranormal to the extent that it exists now. Members of spiritualist churches are chief amongst those who try to persuade us that Mom and Pop are a few steps away with messages of goodwill and love. Most of the spiritualists I have met have a quick tongue and a unique salesmanship akin to Daewoo salesmen. Furthermore, although some tremble and utter weird words whilst in trance (or something similar), it seems to me that they themselves are convinced they have a connection to the hereafter. I pity them but I am admiring of the comfort they bring to poor souls who need a little encouraging that Aunt Mabel is safe and well and still drinking gin and tonic.
I know. I jest. But not. Consider the following : An animal's body dies and rots and is rendered to dust. A human, who is an advanced animal, dies and has powers to communicate with earthly loved ones and even assures them that everything is okay and that they are watching out for you. Cue Mrs Mullins, an intermediary who assures you that Mom is fine and Dad has ample supplies of his Dutch pipe tobacco. It is not logical at all. And before you tell me about the soul and its powers to remain in limbo, or cross over, may I tell you that the soul lingers only because of its good deeds.
That sounds pretty heavy so I shall invite comment on my cynicism and say that the dead are truly blessed. My mother, who died at 84, remains in my mind every day. Hope she doesn't meet up with my father again but I fear he went the other way!