Show me a sign; wind beneath the wings
It was your home, too. Your work here was done, but your legacy will stay forever. You
never got to marry, or have children of your own. Your mom cherishes your photos, and the
memories engraved in her heart that replay in her mind like an old movie reel. You never
got to leave (emigrate), like your family did. To find a new life and a new inspiration for
another day. You never got to meet me, nor your nieces, but I can’t help but know you are
with us. THIS is where you are.

I asked you, If you are here with us, give me a sign. I told him, I’m scared, so do it in good time. I believe in the Holy Spirit, in miracles and special moments in time, that make you question it all and understand all at the same time. Not long after, as I looked out your sala window, a small bird came to my visit and was the only thing in my sight. Sitting on an electric wire, eyes to eyes meeting and staring. Both beings are still & studying each other, only the open window (without screen), separating them. The little bird was there for what seemed like eternity.

They never got to see your face get older with wrinkles, or your blonde hair sparkle with grays. As the bird stays, I ponder, is it you? Is THIS the sign I asked for? As I fill my certainty with doubt, the bird takes flight and off it goes taking my certainty & doubts with it. Maybe I’m crazy for asking, or maybe I’m crazy for believing. Never got to give you a hug, never got to share a beer or a smoke. I know how much you loved them (your family) dearly and how you held on to life with such hope.

God had other plans for you; I like to think of you as a beautiful, strong warrior in the skies, protecting everyone. Our guardian angel. As I wondered about you, now in your room, with your portraits still dressing the walls, I looked out your bedroom window, and could imagine it all. Your smile, as I looked over at the vast ocean like a big blue blanket hugging the earth, and your beautiful blue eyes, as I looked over at the two big rocks protruding from the ocean to a distance; Porto Judeu, where you liked to go.

Deep in my thoughts of what your world might have been, I had a feeling that you were there (with me), accompanying my thoughts. As if it was divine timing, a special unforgettable moment in time. The sign. I got the honor and the pleasure of seeing a bird take flight and hear the loud & clear sound of the wind beneath the wings mid-flight. The perfect velocity of speed, wind and space, all wrapped-up like a gift for my soul to unwrap and treasure for eternity. It was a sound unlike any other I’ve ever heard; so vivid, so unique; all of its own. The wind beneath the wings of such a small creature, MONUMENTAL and bold!

It stopped me right in my tracks. Quieted my mind and rapid thoughts. Stillness and peace overtook me. Just in case there were any doubts for me, being your sign, I not only heard it once but twice (as confirmation and validation). THANK YOU, for hearing me. What a blessed moment, of an enchanted universe, always giving and ALL so connected. To the trees, the birds and the sea, from the living and beyond other realms, we are all deeply connected and intertwined here (on this earth).

We never got to enjoy music together, of which you so loved. The sound you brought to me, of the wind beneath a small bird’s wings, will now be my favorite tune. My favorite fado, of you. Perplexed, I stayed, deep in my analysis, for that moment touched my soul and penetrated deep into the cracks that had lacked my faith, helping fill the space that had blackened over time. That moment gave me new hope, new inspiration and with that, renewing my faith & making it stronger than before.

You see, it’s hard for me to admit it or acknowledge, but undoubtedly my faith had experienced a period of cracks and turmoil, deteriorating it slightly. I have been too ashamed and embarrassed of my own depressing truth. Hiding behind it and not wanting to address it. I felt in that moment, you knew exactly what I was missing and what my soul needed to BELIEVE again. I’m sad I never knew you here, but am I wrong to think that I know you in a different way? That you hear me and we communicate in a different way?

Am I crazy for asking or am I crazy for believing? You seem to listen every time. You have helped us all, in many ways. It is in YOU that we find our esperança for another day over time. In the most desperate of times, we call out your name, and as a warrior of God, of the heavens, you never lose your way! Thank you for signs that bring peace, love and joy for another day. You are the inspiration that renewed my faith in a way that my soul was longing for; forever grateful. Thank you for your sign and thank you always for guiding & protecting! – MSR  7/13/24

My short story was Inspired by the new book I got at Lar Doce Livro in Angra Terceira Acores ; “Into the Azorean Sea”