Hi Magpie, I am so sorry for your loss.
Have you been to a doctor to get the tingling checked? I would first rule out anything medical before assuming that this is anything paranormal, especially as you have been through such a period of stress, maybe it is a simple rsi. Once it's been checked out then it is far easier to find the true linking source or cause. But I would have thought that the church would have already suggested this though so perhaps you have already been
From my experiences loved ones may use a connection so that we know it is them but it will be something that we are already familiar with, a perfume, a sound a smell, a tap or like you said the pressure of a hug. Like Spiritalk said meditation can really help improve the connection and it doesn't have to be a long period, short 5 minute sessions work really well too and improve the vibration of our energy very quickly
