Some days it just hits you. Some days it’s a picture that pops up in your memories. Some days it’s a funny story you want to share. Some days it’s a cardinal that sits outside your window. Some days it’s a vivid dream. When you are open to it, there are signs from Heaven everywhere.
My grandparents always told me that when a cardinal was around it was a sign from Heaven. After some research on Ecosia, I found an article that stated “many people believe when a cardinal lands in your yard, an angel is near. Cardinals can remind you of a departed loved one and are known as the most notable spiritual messenger”. At our home in Pennsylvania, we have a bird feeder outside of our kitchen window. Every few weeks, we have cardinals that stop by for a bite to eat. Gram and I truly believe our lost loved ones are nearby, and Gram gets so happy when she sees them. These signs from Heaven seem to appear especially when we are feeling down, and they make us feel better.
I was working on the blog this summer and was getting more and more nervous as the launch date was approaching. For some reason, I started going through my old emails. I was trying to clear away some digital clutter and another sign from Heaven appeared. I had stumbled upon some old emails from my sister. At that moment, I was kind of shocked and in disbelief to see her name as the sender. I was also very relieved I hadn’t deleted them!
The few I read brought tears to my eyes. I miss her so much. I would write to her when I was feeling down, when I needed advice, and when I had good news to share. She would do the same. As you read in “Why I Launched on August 8”, I lost my sister, my best friend, a little over two years ago, and there will always be a hole in my heart where she belongs.
When I decided to quit my job and move to Thailand, she was my biggest supporter. She wrote in an email, “I am very supportive of you leaving and pursuing your dream. You have to do what is right for you.” It reminded me that I do have to follow my heart and my dreams. Another one stated, “Confidence, confidence, confidence! You just have to believe! Just remember that you are an amazing woman!” Those words were exactly what I needed. I believe it was her way of sending me encouragement from Heaven. I realize I have lots of love and support from my AMAZING husband, friends, and family, but having my sister’s support was number one, and it hurts my heart that she isn’t here to give me her words of advice.
When you lose loved ones you can give up. You can cry every day. You can blame God. You can blame others. I can’t tell you why these terrible things happen to very wonderful people. All I can tell you is that they are still with you and watching over you, so look for those signs from Heaven. Which ones have you seen?
I believe I will see my family again someday and that gives me hope. I also realize I can’t go on not living because I have lost. All I can do is realize life is very, very short and it can be gone in a blink of an eye. So be happy. Take steps to make changes if you are not. Enjoy life. Smile a lot. Take time for the little things. Don’t wait until tomorrow. And don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.