Relative Dreams

Does it mean anything when you have dreams about dead relatives? Could it be argued that they are trying to reach us from beyond? Are they trying to comfort you, make promises of the afterlife, or just wishing to say "Hey, how are you?" I dreamt of a deceased uncle last night, and it was joke that my aunt was playing on me. They walked into a pool area, and I saw them from a distance. There he was, as he always had been. I don't believe I was ever terribly close w/ him, but he was always a stand-up guy. Good heart, fun sense of humor. As they approached, I was overwhelmed w/ happiness. I gave him a big hug, and was so shocked, asking over and over, "How is this happening?" Then it was revealed to be a joke, and everyone laughed. If I recall, he was then gone. It was all part of a larger story to the dream, but this is the section that stuck w/ me when I woke up this morning. A big "hey there and hello" to long gone uncle...