Cardinals

male (red) and female (grey) cardinals

Some days, I can look out of our window and see three or four Cardinal birds: grey – females and red- males.

In Ohio, red cardinal sightings weren’t often for me. When I did see one, I would say, “ooo…look at that Cardinal,” in a voice full of wonder. The most beautiful thing to see is a cardinal in the winter perched on the limb of a snow-filled tree.

Like some people, I believe a Cardinal sighting is a visit from a deceased loved one, a way they let us know that they are okay and still with us. Native Americans believe a cardinal sighting is a sign of luck, hope, and love. I can get behind that, too.

One day while sitting on our porch I saw two cardinal couples, one perched on a bush, and the other in a tree across the front yard. I didn’t see them all at once. The longer I looked, the more they came into focus.

When I witnessed this sighting, I was surprised. It was during a moment of questioning life's realities and challenges, wishing I had answers for things want answers to. When they were alive, a simple chat with my mom or mother-in-law about nothing related to my concern would ease my mind. I was yearning for that feeling, but they weren’t here.

Seeing the birds, I researched the species on Google and found some interesting facts. The most interesting fact was that Cardinals are monogamous by nature. They mate for life. Another interesting fact was that Cardinals do not migrate. They live in one place.

Reading this information reinforced my belief; true or not. The Johnson and Graham patriarchs and matriarchs came to visit to bring assurance to our home, to me particularly.

Now when I see Cardinals alone, as couples, or in groups, I take a deep breath and enjoy the sighting until they fly away. I then exhale, and say, “all will be well.”