I wanted to write about snow days, a funeral, and food during the actual snowfall, but my internet went down. So, I’m writing today.
First, things first. My mother died on January 27, 2022, due to complications from Covid-19. We planned her funeral for last Thursday, but then the snow started to fall, and it fell for two days straight. In our neck of the woods, we received about five inches. I just couldn’t see trying to have a funeral with so much snow and ice on the ground. Frankly, I was afraid someone would get hurt. In fact, on Saturday, I fell in a parking lot on some black ice. I didn’t break anything, but I’m bruised.
We rescheduled the funeral for tomorrow, February 8, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Since Mom was cremated, there’s no hurry, but I didn’t want to have the funeral and then inter her ashes later. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s condolences. Thank you. Please know she was in terrible pain and very, very sick for a long time. It’s said so often that it feels like a cliche, but I believe she’s in a better place and is reunited with my sister. The hardest part about all of this is I’m the last one in my family, and it’s a strange unsettling feeling.
I have a quick story. I am very fond of birds. I always have been. I love bluebirds best of all. Each year, we have several Bluebird pairs who nest in our garden along with lots of other backyard favorites like Cardinals, Dark-eyed Juncos, Robins, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, etc.
Male bluebird scouts start looking for nesting places in February, and I often see them as I walk my property.
When I was moving my mother’s things out of her assisted living facility, I was feeling quite sad. I had a trash bag to throw into the dumpster. Suddenly, I heard a male bluebird singing his heart out. I looked for him in the trees. He was right above me, and he kept pace with me all the way to the dumpster. As I looked up, he sang and sang. I thanked him for his song, and then he flew away leaving my soul a little lighter. I think my mother or sister sent that bluebird to me.
When we had to move the funeral, I began cooking because I craved comfort food, and I find cooking soothing. On snowy days, for me, comfort food means soups and stews. I made slow cooker beef and bean chili, green chile stew, except I made my own green chile sauce with fresh tomatillos. I finally made a French farmers’ soup from Fine Cooking which incorporated both beans and a lot of root vegetables. I shared some of this on my Instagram, and now I’m sharing the recipe links.
After the storm, the weather cleared, and we had the bluest skies I’ve ever seen. I’m sharing those here.
Blue skies, soup, and bluebirds. Let’s take each day and enjoy it as much as possible even when it’s difficult. Better times are ahead, the snow has melted, and it’s only 41 days until spring.
I’ve been out of town and just now read your post. I am so sorry about the death of your mother. Sending sincere wishes to you for peace and solace. St. Francis was my family’s church all through my childhood. I’ll keep your mom and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
Maribeth
I am sorry for your loss, even though she is no longer in pain it’s still hard. So thankful God sent a Bluebird to sin for you. Bluebirds hold a special place in our hearts too, and we we see them we consider it a sign that God is in contro.
Dee… I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have loss both my parents in the last 10years and we now live in their house. My parents loved cardinals and I now feed them and see them everywhere. The cardinals bring me comfort, my mom and dad are here with me and in a better place. Thank you for sharing …. I hope you will find peace …hug that grand baby and look for bluebirds.
Sincerest condolences to you, Dee. When I was (much!) younger, I was very close to my grandmother, who had a great affinity for monarch butterflies. On the morning after she died, I walked out of my parents’ house and was almost attacked by a swarm of monarchs. I realize now they were warming themselves on the porch, but I know who sent them. I’m glad you had a bluebird to sing to you during that hard day.
They will continue to influence your life. Memories are our greatest treasure!
Oh Dee, I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing the story about the bird.
So sorry for the loss of your mom. Nothing prepares you for the feeling of being the only one left. I’ve been there too. Also a loss during winter is hard. But there are signs that I felt were messages from those I loved also -such as birds on a cold winter day making beautiful noises. You really are not alone-your family is always watching over you.
It is an unsettling feeling to be the last in your family but we can find family in many places though they might not be the same. Thank you for writing. I always enjoy reading about your gardens and nature.
May God continue to comfort you in the passing of your mother. My mother loved cardinals and I cannot see one without thinking of her. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and your soups. ??
May God continue to comfort you in the passing of your mother. My mother loved cardinals and I cannot see one without thinking of her. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures and your soups. ??
Dee, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope every time you see a bluebird it brings you happy thoughts of your mom and sister. June
What humanity in your story. Thank you for sharing and condolences. I have another friend who was visited by a bird upon the death of her father. To think with your gifts you can make a garden to entice more visits from beyond. Warmly, Sarah
Bluebirds have always been special to me too. I planted several bluebird houses at Mitch and Hafer Parks with my campfire troop many years ago (25! Yikes). Any time I see one, I feel it’s my dad sending me a hello:). Such a gift.
Beautiful post, Dee. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart breaks for you in this season of loss. I’m sending prayers for comfort knowing your mother is healed and celebrating with loved ones. Blessings to you.
Dee, may God continue to comfort you in the loss of your mother. Cardinals were my mother’s favorite and make me smile every time! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and soups. ??
Condolences for the loss of your mother and sister. I worked with Nita and on the last day before I retired in December 2017, she gave me a hug and wished me well. She was really proud of you and told me about your website and book, The 20-30 Something Garden Guide, which we carry at the library where I work now, Pioneer Library System. I enjoy reading your monthly internet information.
May God bless and keep you as he directs true peace to your family.
Hugs dear Dee,
I am so sorry about your Mom..
This song comes to mind. Mr Bluebird on my shoulder. Zippeedeedoodah
Hope you are doing ok.
Love,
Mona
Hugs to you and your family Dee. Glad Mr. Bluebird brought a bit of joy to your heart as you carried out your sad tasks. Your comfort foods look good.
So glad that Mr. Bluebird sang to you. I’m always amazed how God sents us sweet gifts to lift our sadness. Yes the sky has been so blue and the snow so bright! It’s been beautiful watching the snow melt as we so needed the moisture. I can hardly wait until Spring but this is the time of year I am “forced” to work inside so I’m being productive. Sounds like you have been too with all your cooking. Once again my condolences to you and your family…I’ll be praying for you especially tomorrow. ,
Sonia, I’m always amazed too. Whenever I think I cannot take anything else, He always sends me something. The bluebird was perfect, and I am so grateful. Thank you again, and I appreciate the prayers. ~~Dee
Bless your heart, I am so very sorry about the loss of your mom. Thank you for all the joy you bring me with yours and Carol’s podcast. May the Lord comfort you as you walk through your grief.
I also believe that blue bird was a messenger to lift your heart. I have seen comments from others who have had similar experiences. Please accept my condolences. Know that you are also bringing joy to others when you share your garden with us. Thank you.
Thank you Carol. That made my day. I’ll share more now that I will have more time. ~~Dee
Dee – My heart goes out to you – and glad that the bluebird sang to you. I also send prayers to you and all your family.
Thank you Pat. It’s been a long road. I appreciate your prayers. ~~Dee
Dee, I am so sorry to hear about your mom….prayers and hugs to you and your family
Thank you Terri. It’s been difficult. I appreciate you. ~~Dee
January seems to be the saddest month for so many as it’s undeniable that more deaths occur in this month than any other. I know this from my own experience, too. Lost several of my family in this month. I am thankful Mr Bluebird helped sing away some of your heartache and your garden plans will keep you busy so you can pay tribute to them in the way you know best.
Linda, I didn’t know that about the month of January, but it is very sad for me. I lost both my mom and sister in January. However, we soldier on. I am really looking forward to gardening again. ~~Dee