Cardinals As A Sign of Loved Ones

Artwork by my niece given to her grandmother. See more works at ks_montgomeryartist on Instagram.

This seems to be the chosen season for many, not all, but many of those who have departed to be either having a birthday or death date. When I come upon certain dates, I look for signs that they may be saying “hello.”

One of the signs often seen are cardinals. Ironically, both of my nephews who passed away were big St. Louis Cardinals baseball fans. Keith, whose birthday is February 28, loved the Cardinals so much that his family wore Albert Pujols shirts for the funeral.

My other nephew has a birthday coming up in March. Michael was fortunate to get to have his picture taken at the Cardinals site in St. Louis. Every year, his mother would make the trek across Iowa to put a flag on his grave. If she could not make it for weather’s sake, there have always been close friends to help her decorate the grave. She is now resting with Michael. When going to the gravesite, it has not been unusual to see a cardinal paying a visit.

When I have gone for walks, I have seen cardinals and always say “hello.” You never know if it might be a sign from someone who has passed on.
I was reading up on this and found out that many times spirits come to visit in winged form. Remember the feather in Forrest Gump? You just never know, do you?

As I was searching online for significant information I came across this POST by Craig McManus I think he has valid points here.

Here are some facts about the cardinal bird. In looking at these, I can see how they would relate to those I have lost. How about you?

Cardinals mate for all their lives.

Cardinals do not migrate, which is why I saw the female hanging out at the pool in winter.

Both the male and female of the couple look out for the well-being of their young.

I wrote two poems about my nephews who both left too soon. They are in my book Heart Sounds, but I will share them here.

Keith

Little baby

Came so early

Such a tiny bit

Then he grew and grew and grew

Such a treasure

Such a joy

Such a talent

Such a boy

Trying and learning

Practicing and succeeding

Putting forth and taking hold

Like a man

Too short

Too, too short

To leave and not be known

Will not be the truth

Always, always alive

To those who love you

…

Michael

A little toy car in his pocket

A rock, a stick, and always dirt

A smile to blast rockets

A tree not unclimbed

A green apple chewed up and spat

A frog, a fish, a cricket knew their boy

Sleepovers many a weekend

Staying up late with music videos

Sharing pickle juice with your sister

Studying to know your knots

Sharing laughter about life itself

Sticking close to your sister

Turn around

Take a bow

Take a test

Take a vow

Try and try

To be the best that you can be

Then…

Then…

Then…

That’s the way the world spins

That’s the way the world ends

Turn around

Take a bow

Take a vow

Try and try

To be the best that you can be

My dearly departed sister, Michael’s mother, holding the cardinal painting received from my niece: