I gave my late Mom a birdfeeder back in the early 1980s and we placed it in the window of her favorite chair. It was a perfect place because the greenery grew up and out at the window and she could watch the Cardinals daily as they felt very safe I guess with their surroundings. OK fast forward to 1988. I had my first child, Briana, in 1987 and she was my Moms 1st female grandchild (and she just adored her)! In May of 1988, I was 8 months pregnant with my 2nd child. A sonogram told me that it was also a girl. My Mom was sooooo happy that it was going to be a girl. On May 22nd, I was driving my Mom to the airport to meet up with my youngest sister and her then husband to go to Florida -- where she had never visited before. My Mom on the car ride, said to me, I dont think I am coming back; I think I am going to die there! I said, Mom dont be foolish; I took you to your cardiologist and he said you were fine! My Mom replied, well I was going to write a letter to your Father but I didnt want to jinx myself! They had been separated many years but neither remarried and I know how very much she loved him. Suddenly I thought to myself oh my gosh ... just a quick rush of could that happen; could she know she was going to pass away in Florida? I quickly dismissed that thought and reassured her she would be fine! However, just to make sure she said, promise me you wont have Brianas 1st birthday party without me. Briana Janes birthday was on the 27th of May and I said, I promise; have a wonderful time!!! I took Bree up to watch the plane and I watched it until it disappeared in the clouds and suddenly I felt a pang of, what if today is the last time I saw my Mom? Because the thought of that was unbearable, I quickly took a deep breath, left the airport and continued on with my day. I was 8, almost 9 months pregnant and experienced daily pain (I was subsequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia.) Somehow life continued going by day by day! My door bell rang on May 25th and as soon as I saw my sisters face, I dropped to the stairs and knew what she was going to say. My Mom had a massive heart attack and had passed away. My sister, very concerned that I was pregnant, said, I need you to be strong for the baby! Of course she didnt realize what I was really experiencing inside and today was not the day to tell my story of Moms drive to the airport and her prophetic words! The morning of May 27th, I awoke early and went out onto the 2nd floor porch. Today should have been such a happy day; my oldest was turning 1 y.o; however, today was the day my Moms body was being flown back to Rhode Island! I heard the cars up on the main road and thought to myself, why is everyone going on with their lives? Dont they know what has happened? I then started talking to my Mom saying, Oh Mom how am I going to go on without you? I am pregnant and you were so happy I was having another girl! And today is Brianas birthday and you had me promise not to have her 1st birthday without you and now you are gone! Suddenly, the red male Cardinal came down on the porch right in front of me! My heart lept with joy; I felt my Mom was still with me and always would be. Of course, I still got a cupcake and 1 candle and celebrated Brees first year with her Daddy. It was bittersweet but only my faith in God moved me forward and gave me the strength to deliver my youngest, my baby, Victoria Rachel in July. It was my 2nd C-section in 13 months, but I felt my Mom was with me while I laid on the delivery table. I wasnt afraid; and every time I see a red Cardinal, I smile knowing she is letting me know that she is fine and is in Heaven waiting for all of us some day! Now 27 years later, I see this post (below) on Facebook and I smile because I believe it to be true! Thank you God for giving me my two girls! I know they make my Mom proud!!! Sadly they have grown up with no grandparents but I talk about her often and have received many gifts with Cardinals on them; you cant get better than that!!! My Mom was only 56 when she passed and I am the oldest of her 7 children! But I have so many memories sitting with her on the couch and watching the bird feeder. Although, there have been many changes since then; the bird feeder and hedges are gone. However, no one can take away my memories ... MOM, I miss you so!!! Below is the post; the pics of the Cardinals didnt paste; however, the words are a welcoming reminder of my Mom. (I will find a substitute tho) Quote A cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you. Look for them, theyll appear. Please share it if you like the thought. The Recycled Catholic A cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you. Look for them, theyll appear
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:04:37 +0000