A LITTLE RED BIRD

Have you ever heard the saying that every time you see a red bird, its a visitor from heaven?  I’ve heard that my entire life but never really paid attention to its meaning until my father passed away 40 years ago.

Now that my Mom is quickly approaching 91, and I am well aware her days are numbered, I am more inclined to seek out and appreciate red birds.

Last Christmas I was wasting time, meandering through the aisles at my favorite store, Hobby Lobby, and I came upon these oven mitts.  To me it instantly made me think of my parents.  The red bird for my Dad and the oven mitt for the awesome goodness that came from my Mom’s kitchen and skilled hands.  I picked up four of them for my sisters and myself.  I had recently purchased the ever-so-popular Silhouette machine, so I knew I would put each of our names on the mitt and make it extra special.  You know its a great gift when no explanation is required.

©JourneyswithElle2018

There was another paramount reason “Red Bird” struck a chord with me.  Years ago, Mom had made herself a duster (robe) of light-weight material, that was red with little white flowers.  My parents always referred to one another as “Honey,” but she also earned the nickname, “Red Bird” when she started wearing this duster.  It wasn’t until my senior year, the year my Father passed away,  and we discovered a love letter he penned to Mama, that the endearing term “Red Bird” became so precious to me.  I decoupaged the letter that year and gave it to my Mother.  It still hangs in her assisted-living apartment after all these years.  It may be difficult to read because of the years, not because of my Father’s handwriting.  He had beautiful handwriting, and I always admired it.  Get your kleenex!

10:30 AM

Hello “Red Bird,”

How are you doing this A.M?  Honey, I was getting our income tax papers ready to mail, and I heard a song on the radio that pretty well says what my feelings are about just be(ing)  married to you.  The title of the song is “Easy Lovin” by Freddy Hart.  I’ve heard it many times but I never really thought about the words until now.  Honey, I’m very proud, happy, thankful and also lucky to be your husband.  You could have picked from a wide choice, but you decided on me.  I hope that in the future I can make you even happier that you made that choice.  

Love you,

Bill

©JourneyswithElle2018

I regret the year was not in the letter.  He went into a coma in March, so this could have been written that year, just a few short months, days, or hours before his final heart attack.  We will never know.  This declaration of his love has been a treasure to me and always will be.  It was mutual, of that I am certain.

With a smile and a happy heart,