Sign On...Sign Off

He died a year and a half ago. Since then, my world has taken new meaning with new perspectives on the things that happen around me. When my grandfather took his last breath on that dreadful day in July 2003, I was certain I would never be the same person again. As I held onto his hand, I witnessed his soul be taken away into an unknown realm. Was it real? Was it surreal? I still don’t quite know how to describe the feelings I felt at that very moment. A part of me sensed a sigh of relief as I knew his pain had ended, while at the same time I was overwhelmed with extreme grief and sorrow. It’s so difficult to see someone you love so much die right before your eyes, holding your hand while at the same time letting it go. That was the very chapter that brought me forward to a new beginning of my very own personal being.

I have always been sceptical at the notion of life after death and find it hard to believe souls are with us daily and spirits are amongst us sending signs of different sorts. The thought is actually kind of eerie, isn’t it? How many times has something strange happened to you that has made you wonder why? For instance, ever since my grandfather passed away, I constantly stumble upon the numbers 1111, whether it’s looking at the clock at that very moment, receiving emails at that time, my bills at the grocery store, etc…. Very strange, isn’t it? What could it mean? I have absolutely no idea; I am yet to figure that one out!

What stands out most is a particular incident that took place not too long ago. Let’s see if I can make you a believer. Four days before my birthday last month, I was sitting at home using the computer. The weather was nice and sunny, as usual, and V was at work when I suddenly heard a rustling noise just outside the back sliding door. I looked over and saw a beautiful blue bird sitting on a potted plant. I quickly made my way near it, and much to my surprise, it didn’t move from its place. That’s when I realized it was definitely not a wild bird. I quickly came up with my plan of action. What do I do? I can’t touch this bird? What if it bites me?
Oh, but owning a 100 lb. Rottweiler is much safer? I took a deep breath and gathered my composure. I wasn’t going to let this bird go. I grabbed our dog cage and was able to make the bird get inside. I quickly shut the door and placed my prized possession nicely on the patio table.

As I waited for V to come home and see the new addition to our family, I was thinking of what to name our new found friend. Just at that moment, my mom called to say hi. As I told her the story, she suddenly burst into tears. Here's why...that morning, my grandmother called my mom in a cheerful mood to explain the dream she had had the night before. She said her and my grandfather were in the car, driving to the border and my grandfather was joking that he may have forgotten his passport. All in all, she said she woke up laughing at the hilarity of her dream, it made her happy. My mother then continued to tell me when my grandfather was younger, his friends used to call him ‘blue bird’. It was a representation of his stunning blue eyes and his most favourite and famous blue suit. All in all, the entire incident was quite overwhelming.

Could this bird have been a sign from my grandfather? My grandma dreamt them passing the ‘border’ going on a road trip. Maybe he was telling her he was on his way to Mexico? And later that day he finally showed up? All quite strange don’t you think?

The next day, V and I went to the pet store, and sure enough discovered our new pet is called a ‘Perequeeto del Amor’, also known as a Budgie. We were strongly advised to hang on to the bird as it is known in Mexico to bring ‘buena suerte’ (good-luck)! That being said, we bought our new lucky charm a great little cage with tons of toys and the finest of bird seeds. Every morning I wake up and look at Loco (the bird’s name) and wonder what the meaning is behind his arrival.

What’s the moral of my story?
It’s important to be aware and conscious of everything that happens around us. We don’t want to miss an important detail, or lose a piece of an important puzzle we will need to put together later. Perhaps the sign will eventually help point to a significant direction?
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see...