Friday, June 18, 2010

His presence...


I couldn't figure it out.  What is that, sticking up, from the gutter?  A stick?  A feather?  Another shoe?  Yeah, there's been a  shoe on the roof before... don't ask.




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Could this little guy be it?  Where'd the pointy thing go?

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I watched...

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observed...
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leapt for joy when Rick gave me HIS camera with the telephoto lens to use...
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Except then this happened...
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But later he flew back...
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With treasures in his beak...
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Comin' in...
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for a landing...
 
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And then he left again...
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came back...
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left again
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Hi Colton... (sorry this has nothing to do with anything, he's just cute.)
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Another "present"
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And then... suddenly, mystery solved.  Two birds, building... a nest.
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But not just any birds.  Mourning doves.



Through a veil of tears I uncovered the symbolism of the appearance of mourning doves...

Mourning doves

The dove is a member of the pigeon family and both hold the qualities of home, security and maternal instincts.

The dove's song is its most distinctive feature. It can be heard throughout the day.

When "Dove" makes an appearance to you it could mean:

Unexpected and unseen support and assistance will come when you need it most.

Travel is often indicated when Dove appears prominantly, and this may include relocation to a new home.

A death, either physical (of someone one knows or is close to) or symbolic (within the individual) may occur and while it may bring grief, there is also quite often a sense of relief and gratitude that suffering has finally ended and peace will soon be at hand.

Even in the Bible, the Holy Spirit is depicted as a dove in the baptism of Jesus.  According to the Bible, when Jesus emerged from the water, a dove from heaven descended upon him.

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If you asked me where God is, in these moments when a life's journey is coming to an end, this is what I have discovered so far...  the signs of his presence, are everywhere. 

It's in the young buck I saw leaping through the grasses down by the river, who stopped, turned his head and looked at me... unmistakable right at me... then bounded off.  

It's in the fury and power of the weather, the umpteen tornadoes that swirled with force and power all around our community yesterday, destroying some, while leaving others unscathed.  It's a stormy day that will remain in the memories of many forever, as well as in the weather history books.   

It's in his eyes, my father's, as he searches my face.  On good days, he is all there, and we talk about every day things like always.  On not so good days, he searches my face for recognition, as if to ask, "Am I still here?" 

It's in the syringes, all lined up in a cup, next to his chair, filled with morphine.  We use them now, to help with his labored breathing at times.  

It's in the cards, letters, facebook messages, food, phonecalls... every. single. prayer.  said in his name, our name.  Especially there, I feel HIS presence. 

It's in these doves who have shown up, cooing their mournful calls, beckoning to places beyond...  while reaffirming the circle of life with each twig they add to their nest, preparing for the arrival of the new life.





20 comments:

  1. Vicky what a beautiful story...yet so sad. There is nothing like the call of a mourning dove. And Honestly I think I always thought they were morning doves, until now.
    We all get so busy, move from one child activity to the next, but know that I am thinking of you.

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  2. Lovely story, Vicky. Someone I know had a dove appear to them in different places throughout town after her mother passed away. She received much comfort from that dove and knew that her mother was happy and well again in heaven.

    I was thinking of you yesterday and said some prayers when I heard of the tornadoes in Minnesota. So glad that you are okay!!!

    ~Eileen

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  3. Beautiful Vicki. Encouraging words I needed to read today. My dad is ready to cross into eternal life. I am so thankful for HIS presence knowing that Dad is not alone and neither am I.

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  4. So heartfelt, beautifully expressed and the documentation of the dove's nest-building activities worthy of National Geographic.

    How nice that your environment provides you with signs and symbols that comfort you.

    Take care dear Vicky.

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  5. Lovely post Vicky.

    Doves make me feel...all's right with my world. I love seeing them glide in individually, then 'hear them' pick up and fly away as a group and seeing them sit shoulder to shoulder on a branch, cooing.

    Colton is cute!
    ...Wanda

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  6. My heart holds you and your family, Vicky ... God is so faithful in His presence and comfort ...

    A couple of tornadoes touched down to the west of here and to the south last night but we just had high winds and much rain. I thought of you.

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  7. I love the pic of Colton in the middle is show you can still smile in this hard time you are going though.

    God has a special way of letting us know that everything will be ok and show up when we most need him.

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  8. Vicky...I have read almost everything you post...and this one brought me to my knees...in tears...tears of the upcoming farewell to your Dad...and I love him...you know that I do. Tears of joy as I see how well-grounded you are in our Lord. And I smiled, too, Vicky. I love the Colton photo interjected....so, you. So very you.
    Your photos are great...and I'm glad that you used the telephoto and solved the 'what's this' mystery...How wonderful that they are building and nesting...and that you captured it.
    I wish I lived closer, Vicky. Please, know that your Dad is always in my thoughts...as are you, my friend.
    With love,
    Jackie

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  9. When my father was dying, I remember talking to my mom on the phone as the smallest bird started tapping at the window right by me. At other times, I also saw birds become "more familiar" than usual when I would be sitting at my kitchen window. I'm thinking of you and your Dad, my dear friend. My God bless you all.

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  10. This is such a beautiful post. The pictures. The grace of your words.

    I'm hoping it doesn't rain and wash the nest from the rain gutter. Can't help but worry. I'm trying to think of ways you could protect it.

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  11. Hi Vicky

    I loved the activities of the mourning doves. I came to know them here in Kauai...we nicknamed them the coo-ee bird for their gentle cooing that they do. And then I realised that we had them at home in Noosa too sounding much the same.
    They are such sweet and gentle birds.


    Your sensitively written story touched me and made me want to offer you sympathy...but while words can be helpful and supportive this is something that only you can walk through and to find comfort in nature and symbols is just wonderful...remember my rainbow and brahminy kite story.

    Perhaps we are more attuned to nature's gifts when we are more attuned to the seasons of life...more fully engrossed in life...

    I am thinking of you and the path that leads from where you stand...and want you to know that I have you in my mind and heart.

    Happy days

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  12. Oh, Vicky...I'm weeping with you...my eyes sting...I'm so very, very sorry...I know this journey...It is so hard...and the ache in your chest is unbelievably painful...and you hunger to make the most of each and every moment...and yet, you are tired, and human...and can't stay at complete attention and readiness every moment, every second or even every hour of the day...I'm praying for you, your mom, your dad and your entire family daily!!! I love you so very much!!! Janine XOXO

    PS Your writing is magnificent! Pure poetry...lyrical...Love, J.

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  13. Hugging you. Loving you. Saying prayers for you. Wishing I could be sitting on the couch next to you, talking or being quiet, making sue pre you know you're never, even for a moment, alone. Love you, friend.

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  14. Vicky, I finally have made the time to catch up on your blogging. You are so wonderful at it that I always want to make sure I have the time to give it the attention it deserves. Have you ever thought of publishing some of your "words" as I think you called them at one point. So inspiring, relaxing, real and comforting, you have a gift. Unfortunately many of your "words" come from heartache and different life experiences that are not always so happy. Hang in there, we think of you often.

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  15. Your post is very touching and beautiful. God bless your dad.

    Nice set of mourning dove photos...throwing in a "Colton" pic was cute!!!!!

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  16. Dearest Vicky...just want you to know that you, your mom and dad have been especially in my prayers...and my son and I prayed for you all especially last night!! Love you so much! Janine XO

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  17. This is such an awesome post! I love the story!

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  18. Wow! All I can say is I'm speechless!

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  19. i love mourning doves so so much....

    right now i'm waiting for a baby robin to leave its nest above my front door....he's been perched there all day long....scared and unsure of himself....oh i hope he makes it !

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