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:
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