Cardinals

Have you heard the folklore surrounding a visiting cardinal? There is a tale that the spirits of our dearly departed visit us in the living world as the beautiful Cardinal. I have always paused in those moments when spotting a Cardinal to say aloud “Hello Cutters” or “Hello Granddaddy” depending on their feathers.

Just now, as I enjoyed a bright breakthrough in organization and expression of this genealogy project over the past two days, I am feeling an energy vibration of satisfaction. Of renewed vigor and inspiration.

With that, as I opened the door for Raj to go out, there alighted together a male and a female Cardinal. He, with his brightly colored presence, landed first and seemed reserved. She, on the other hand, in all her monochrome earthy brown feathered amazingness, was singing with intensity and purpose. She had much to express.

I paused in the stillness that takes over when you dare not cause any disturbance, full of wishing they would remain. Sure enough, they bounced into various spots without leaving the porch.

I asked them “So, am I doing right by you? Am I on the correct path?”

The shared moment was all the affirmation I needed. Believe whatever you will, I believe in signs. In God winks. I believe my visitors came by today to offer encouragement.

They flew away before I could get a picture. It lives in my mind’s eye.