The Cardinal

“God I’m tired,” I thought as I stumbled into my kitchen and reached for the coffee pot. There is a euphoria that comes with exhaustion as the brain grows to tired to argue with demons or consult with ghosts. It is a moment, a split second, where the chattering crowds that inhabit the walls in your mind are finally muted and you hear nothing but the sound of yourself breathing.

I knew this moment was fleeting so I stared out the window and slowly stirred the hot cup of coffee in my hand. The colors of morning were slowly filling the sky and the old tree in my yard cast shadows that reminded me of scarecrows. The aging limbs remained mostly vacant but the signs of renewal were slowly filling the relic with bright green buds of hope.

Standing there alone I imagined a time where worries were small and I was young. I thought of my grandfather and how the stories he would tell were like boarding a time machine. He would cook me the most amazing breakfasts and we would laugh over coffee. I pondered why the most significant moments in life only feel significant once they are over and considered how the passing of a decade has not changed how much I miss him each and every single day.

The wind began to waltz with the branches and birds began to dance on the stage. It was then that I remembered how much my grandfather loved to watch the birds and how we would sit outside and rock for hours enjoying the show nature put on for him.

I closed my eyes and made a single wish and that’s when he appeared. A scarlet bird with soft eyes stared back at me and I immediately felt a sense of peace. I had asked for a cardinal and somehow my grandfather delivered. Immediately I knew he was there to join me for coffee.

Some would call it coincidence and others would call it impossible. Most skeptics would call it crazy.

I call it a blessing.

The cardinals have appeared outside my window many times since that morning. I believe they show up in times of turmoil and on the days I feel all faith is lost.

Some would call it coincidence and others would call it impossible. Most skeptics would call it crazy.

I call it another chance to have coffee with my grandpa.