Every morning when I’m out running Lilly, I pray. I say thanks, I ask for help, I try to use the time to reflect on what has happened and what I need to go forward. I ask to say positive, especially with the chaos that seems to constantly surround us these days.
I also use that time to say hi to everyone in my life who has died– my parents, my sister, and all the dogs I’ve had. While I know they are around me, that they are all at peace, sometimes I’ll pray, “I hope you’re all well,” Then I realize how silly that is because, of course, they’re all well, they are filled with peace and love now.
And then throughout my days, I find the signs of them are around me. I’m not sure I’m aware of all of them, usually they seem to nearly smack me in the head. Lately, Mom has come to me several times via the song “Every Rose has its Thorn” by Poison. She loved that song so much that she had the 45 (for those of you who remember what a 45 is…).
I had a meeting a church recently and the office door is near the prayer garden where I purchased a brick for Mom so I always stop and say hi to her when I’m there. This time, however, there was a feather right near her name.
Native Americans have all sorts of beliefs surrounding feathers and the one I was introduced to early was that when you find a feather, it means you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing; you’re on the right track for your life. I always take this to mean confirmation that I’m supposed to keep moving forward, that all is well, to hold steady and keep forging ahead.
On this day there was Mom (Marianne Linn) and there was a feather. While she can’t call me up and tell me to stay the course, that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, the feather landing right there when I was stopping by her brick was enough for me.
Just a small reminder that she’s cheering me on as I try to keep moving forward each day, to keep doing the things I believe I’m supposed to do. Even when the path isn’t so clear or obvious.