I've heard different time periods but I don't ascribe to any of them. My uncle came to me within an hour of his passing, and my grandma came to me at the moment of her passing. I believe it is a matter of just being aware/believing they are there with you. Be open to the idea. Be open to the idea that they may communicate in ways you may not completely understand, whether through animals, a simple thought in your heard. Sometimes it is subtle and other times it is as clear as anything can be. Trust what you feel most of all.

Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part

no it was not. spirit talk stated that it was an arbitrary figure, and it is. many see and communicate very quickly, some don't.

sometimes it is harder to see a loved one because we try too hard. relax and allow any sense of your loved one to come through. remember you are receiving not emitting. to start you could affirm you would like a dream communication. feeling is fine to start so maybe try taking baby steps and don't put pressure on yourself
xx

Really? I swear my nana came to visit me with in a few days of her death.  She was in a drug induced coma the last 4 days of her life would that make a difference? I am almost sure it was her, it looked like her, talked like her, and she told me not to worry that she wasnt dead! I had her come to me several time in dreams after that but havent heard from "her" in a while (this did happen this last december).

Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part.  Cancer

I really feel she was confused.  The drug induced state in the end of her life left a bit of mental confusion.  When she has rested, she will settle where her spirituality has fitted her to occupy.  We all draw to where we are intended to be.  

There are places in spirit similar to hospitals where the new arrival that is confused goes to regain their composure and spirit.  When ready to look at their new life and environment, they will be led to those that are there to meet them and take them to their new life.

Sometimes spirit communicates immediately upon going into the light.  When they have settled in, they come again and tell about their experiences.  She will know more when she comes to you.

IN HINDU SYSTEM they tell the spirit will be roaming around its surroundings till the ceremony of putting food for 9 or 11 days.then only it will depart.but i do not know exactly how long it will take time for re-birth.every year it is better to do ceremony for them.some people does monthly too !

Timing is everything.  And time is just on earth - there is no time in spirit.  

When a soul first leaves the body, they tend to hang around family til after the funeral.  During the funeral many are seen to go into the light - they are realizing they have died.  When they do not come to this realization is when they become 'stuck' spirit.  

After going into the light is when the timing is given.  Some say it can be up to 3 months to get acclimatized to spirit realms before the newly departed are fit to communicate.  As there is no time in spirit realms, this is an arbitrary time frame developed by earth based groups or people.