My father died when I was ten years old. After when eight years passed I was sleeping and my father’s voice calling my name woke me up. When I woke up, I saw him sitting next to me. I couldn’t believe it, I tried to touch him, but then he was gone. It was exactly 12:01 AM at my 18th birthday. It has never happened to me before nor after, but my understanding was that he wanted me to know he is always there for me. And perhaps he wanted me to pray for him as well. Just like you mentioned, it’s up to each and one of them how they understand their dreams.