Most of my life I’ve heard stories about people seeing birds outside their window at a certain time like when someone recently died or on the anniversary of a loved one passing, etc. People have described it as “ a sign” .  I always thought of it as interesting but maybe it was a coincidence or wishful thinking but whatever it was , I thought it was nice if it brought peace to that person who actually saw the bird.  It really didn’t mean anything to me though.  

Well, today as I was sitting quietly having my morning coffee , I was thinking very hard mainly about very big decisions about what to do with personal life situations that I was left to deal with after my late husband passed away a year and a half ago.  I never knew that there were so many decisions to make after someone becomes a widow or widower.  These decisions are very big and some are not so big but they are all important and require a lot of energy and effort due to the sadness aspect of grieving the loss of someone.   I have found that no matter how big or small , they are usually difficult to make.  As I sat there drinking my coffee, I was thinking about one of those life decisions.  I said out loud “ I wish I could get some kind of sign that I’m making the right decision” . I had found a way to get to the beach this morning and I was just sitting quietly on my beach towel looking out at the ocean.  Right at that moment a beautiful little bird flew right up to me and landed on my coffee cup.  He sat very still and looked right at me for what seemed like a very very long time.  I’m sure it was less than a minute or so but….. As I looked into his eyes , I found that it took my breath away.  I know it must sound a little crazy, but as this little bird and I looked at each other , it truly felt as if he was looking straight into my soul.  And then I felt such a peace deep inside and then I just “ knew” at that very moment that I had gotten the answer that I was so desperately seeking.  The confirmation that I’m making the right decisions and then I felt deep in my heart that everything is “ OK” and that it will continue to be “ OK” .  Then this little bird chirped a few times and then flew from my coffee cup and landed on my beach towel right next to my feet.  Then he just flew away. 

I could have so easily missed this moment especially if I had been distracted by my own thoughts or worries.  I knew with every part of my being that this visit from this little bird was meant for me and it was real and not a coincidence. The peace I had from this was all I needed to know….. That it was a special gift …. Just for me through this difficult chapter of my life.  I wondered how many of these little “ gift” moments I had missed because of life ‘s distractions ? I hope I can learn to “ see” them more clearly.  I know they are “ little bread crumbs” to help me navigate through this thing called life.