Bluebirds

The other morning, the fog was so thick that I could barely see.  As I rounded the corner, something caught my eye...a bluebird perched on a dried up milk weed plant.  It's soldier blue and orange colors stood out against a thick blanket of gray.  "Oh, I love bluebirds!, " I thought.

I remember being a little girl and going on a trip to visit distant cousins in upstate New York.  The family lived on a beautiful horse farm way out in the country.  As my siblings and I played outside on a sunny day, a bluebird landed on a fence post.  My mother, an avid bird watcher, started to squeal with delight and quickly pointed the bird out to us.  "These birds are almost extinct," she explained.  "There are almost none of them left in the United States.  It's so exciting that we get to see one today!"

I never forgot that childhood experience so you can image my joy when a couple of years ago a flock of bluebirds took up residence in our backyard.  Their colors thrill me every time I see them.  I think, "hooray...the bluebirds of happiness have come to my yard."

Here in Connecticut, people have worked hard to foster an environment for these nearly extinct birds to thrive.  Bird lovers, scouts and school children have installed bird houses that are especially suited for the bluebird.  People have put food in their feeders to attract the beautiful birds.  It has worked and the bluebirds have come!

Three and a half years ago, the life that I knew and loved came to a screeching halt.  My kidneys suddenly failed and I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer all in the same week.  Everything I had known in my life was turned up-side-down.  I did not recognized my own life.  Everything that was familiar and comfortable and safe was gone.

You're probably saying, "what does that have to do with bluebirds?"  Well  I feel like my old life is now extinct.   But there have been many many people who have created an environment for me to thrive.  Children have drawn me pictures and written me notes.  People have tirelessly prayed.  Others have made meals and cheered on every bit of good health news.  Friends have invited me out to breakfast and lunch. Still others have faithfully called and sent me cards, letters, and postcards. Healthcare providers have patiently helped me through the challenges.   And then there's my husband, Jim!  He has cooked, cleaned and helped me set up my daily dialysis.  He has taken every phone call I have made to him whether good or bad.  He has prayed day and sometimes in the middle of the night.  He has gone to all the doctor's appointments.  He has scouted out places he thought I could walk to on vacation.  I am coming back because of all these people who have invested so much on my behalf.  Thank you, thank you!