This is one of the first experiences that I had with the paranormal and of course, it's true. I was 13 years old and was very close to my Uncle Melvin. He went through some rough times in his life, been through a divorce and had alcohol problem. My mother was his sister and he stayed with us quite a bit.
One night I was sleeping I awoke to see my Uncle Mel standing by my closet door. I sat up in bed and tried to focus in the dark... Sure enough it was my Uncle and I said, "What are you doing?" He lifted up his arm and moved it slowly back and forth (Now I believe he was waving), and slowly he started to dissipate. I jumped out of bed and ran into the kitchen only to find my mother on the phone, crying. When she hung up the phone, before I could tell her my experience, she said to me, "its horrible news, Uncle Melvin is gone." It had been a sudden accident and I believe he came to me to bid me farewell.
I have had many other experiences since this one. Most of the "spirits" we see are not here to harm us. (Once again, I said most... Not all). I have had recurring visits from many spirits and as soon as I start to communicate with them, they never come back. I make this statement because as I have read over other stories, many people seem to be in fear.