Signs

sign

  [sahyn]

noun

1.

a token; indication.

2.

any object, action, event, pattern, etc., that conveys a meaning.

3.

a conventional or arbitrary mark, figure, or symbol used asan abbreviation for the word or words it represents.

4.

a motion or gesture used to express or convey an idea,command, decision, etc.: Her nod was a sign that it was time toleave.

5.

a notice, bearing a name, direction, warning, oradvertisement, that is displayed or posted for public view: atraffic sign; a store sign.

I bolded the second meaning of "sign" or in some cases an "omen." The world "omen" to me is creepier than the word "sign" so I believe in signs (less creepy). To be honest, I have been meaning to write this post for awhile but I kept forgetting but a sign keeps popping up to remind me. 

A cardinal. Yep, a bird. For those of you who know mean (really know me) I am terrified of birds. It comes from multiple occassions of birds chasing me. And a few pooping incidents as well. Thank you pigeons in Milan, Italy for welcoming me to your country. 

Back to my point, about a week before Harper's surgery I was having serious doubt and anxiety that the surgery wasn't going to be as planned. I feared something bad was going to happen and I wouldn't see my daughter again. Then I saw a red cardinal outside my kitchen door. "Pretty," I thought and kept moving into the bedroom to get ready for the day. There it was again. Hmm, it's following me. Now this cardinal was easy to spot. A bright red bird against naked trees is sure to stand out. I then realized that this bird signified something and I, of course, went to Google. 

The symbolic meaning of cardinals deals with vibrancy and brilliance.

As we observe the cardinal – particularly against the backdrop of the stark winter months, we are reminded that even when things appear bleak or isolated, there is always the presence of beauty, hope, and love.

(taken from here)

I felt a sense of relief after reading that meaning. My mood shifted and I was, once again, focused on the positive. Then, the day before H's surgery, her and I had to go to the hospital for pre-op appointments. I was a mess. I cried the entire car ride to the hospital. Until I saw this...

I tried pointing at the license plate but my finger is way off. If you can't read it, it says: JC LVZ U.

Translation: Jesus Christ Loves You. 

JC and I haven't been the best of buds in a long time so this plate was a sign that I was taking myself, and Harper, in the right direction. 

Go ahead, call me crazy. I'm sure many of you don't believe in signs, omens, premonitions, or anything else in that nature. But I do and these signs, as silly as it sounds, helped me realize that Harper would have a successful surgery. Maybe I was grasping at anything that I could. I do know that Mr. Cardinal has made numerous appearances in my yard since we have been home from the hospital as if he is there to reassure me that he does know what he is talking about. 

I don't need a sign to tell me that my 5 month old (gasp...tomorrow) is growing up! I just have to look at her!!

It's Sunday night and Andy is cooking Brisket (yum-o) and Harper and I go back to school/work on Wednesday so I'm going to soak up every minute with my little H!