This article is one of the very finest pieces I’ve ever read. You write so thoughtfully and beautifully. It’s also meaningful to me as I survived my own bout with septic shock four years ago now. I died twice in the hospital, spent 3 weeks on a ventilator, and eventually had to learn how to walk again. Every day I live with PTSD. I wish more people knew what it is, what it can do and how to avoid it. By the grace of God I’m here for another day and was able to read and enjoy your inspirational journey with bluebirds and life.
Thank you for including this link in your most recent column. My wife and I read it for the first time yesterday appropriately on Easter Sunday. God signs
Wonderful story
We are Jacksonville folks and have experienced the same parking issues you described probably at the same Safeway. Keep up the great work with ST
You were mentioned in The Dispatch newsletter this morning, and someone in the comments section said this was his favorite of yours. It’s wonderful, and I’ve already shared it with several friends. You really touched my heart.
Today's The Spectator World newsletter had you under the "who you should be reading" section. My heart jumped, which is saying something as I'm usually pretty cold-hearted. I hit "subscribe" faster than and eBay auction, and read the posts...obviously finishing with this story. So, so damn good. Now I need to touch-up my mascara before my staff sees and ruins my rep. I'm so thankful you've found the right spot for you, and for us to be able to enjoy your gift.
When my father died, we were sitting shiva (Jews in mourning) when a bird flew into our house. I went to get a broom to chase it out or kill it and my mother said to leave it alone. She told me my father had told her that when he was a youngster and they were sitting shiva for his father, a bird also flew into his house and his mother told him to leave it be as it was a sign from his father.
Fast forward twenty or so years and I'm sitting shiva for my mother and, sure enough, a bird flies into my house. It lands on the kitchen counter. I walk over to it and reach out to it and it hops onto my finger. I pat its head and have a nice conversation with it, carry it to the door and it flies away.
Think whatever you will but in that moment all the pain of my mother's death melted away and I felt joy that my mom and dad were now once again reunited.
Hey Matt, my cuz! I read this 4 times. You are an amazing writer. I shared with my entire school. Since, I teach in the Bible Belt of Virginia, I knew they would be interested. Also, I’m sure Tamara and her kids will be added to all their prayer lists. After all , God hears the prayers of the righteous. And has not finished his plans for Tamara’s life. They all have my prayers and I can’t wait to see how God continues to work in all of our lives because we know he is good! Amen! Keli
What a beautiful piece. I read (and loved) every article Matt wrote in the Standard from Day 1 (although sometimes I read Ferguson first; he wrote shorter). So glad to be able to subscribe and get to read his stuff regularly again!
Nice writing, but I knew when you put that bluebird house on top of the fence the birds were doomed. You gotta pay attention, and even then…
Beware the undertoad!
“And for years Walt reached out for it. From the first, when he asked what it could do to you, he had only been told that it could pull you out to sea. It could suck you under and drown you and drag you away.”
What a great and moving piece. I shared it with friends and have read it three times. This not the first article of yours I have read, thanks to JVL and Jim Swift, and though I am a cheap, ah thrifty person, I elected the non free option of subscribing. Looking forward to your future articles.
I come back and read this one periodically - one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things I've ever read.
This article is one of the very finest pieces I’ve ever read. You write so thoughtfully and beautifully. It’s also meaningful to me as I survived my own bout with septic shock four years ago now. I died twice in the hospital, spent 3 weeks on a ventilator, and eventually had to learn how to walk again. Every day I live with PTSD. I wish more people knew what it is, what it can do and how to avoid it. By the grace of God I’m here for another day and was able to read and enjoy your inspirational journey with bluebirds and life.
Great piece. My eyes are still watery.
Thank you for including this link in your most recent column. My wife and I read it for the first time yesterday appropriately on Easter Sunday. God signs
Wonderful story
We are Jacksonville folks and have experienced the same parking issues you described probably at the same Safeway. Keep up the great work with ST
You were mentioned in The Dispatch newsletter this morning, and someone in the comments section said this was his favorite of yours. It’s wonderful, and I’ve already shared it with several friends. You really touched my heart.
Today's The Spectator World newsletter had you under the "who you should be reading" section. My heart jumped, which is saying something as I'm usually pretty cold-hearted. I hit "subscribe" faster than and eBay auction, and read the posts...obviously finishing with this story. So, so damn good. Now I need to touch-up my mascara before my staff sees and ruins my rep. I'm so thankful you've found the right spot for you, and for us to be able to enjoy your gift.
When my father died, we were sitting shiva (Jews in mourning) when a bird flew into our house. I went to get a broom to chase it out or kill it and my mother said to leave it alone. She told me my father had told her that when he was a youngster and they were sitting shiva for his father, a bird also flew into his house and his mother told him to leave it be as it was a sign from his father.
Fast forward twenty or so years and I'm sitting shiva for my mother and, sure enough, a bird flies into my house. It lands on the kitchen counter. I walk over to it and reach out to it and it hops onto my finger. I pat its head and have a nice conversation with it, carry it to the door and it flies away.
Think whatever you will but in that moment all the pain of my mother's death melted away and I felt joy that my mom and dad were now once again reunited.
Thank you for sharing your story Matt. JVL is always right, you are an amazing writer! I will keep Tamara in my prayers.
Our pastor encouraged us to have a God sign. Something that reminds to think about God. Birds are excellent God signs.
Hey Matt, my cuz! I read this 4 times. You are an amazing writer. I shared with my entire school. Since, I teach in the Bible Belt of Virginia, I knew they would be interested. Also, I’m sure Tamara and her kids will be added to all their prayer lists. After all , God hears the prayers of the righteous. And has not finished his plans for Tamara’s life. They all have my prayers and I can’t wait to see how God continues to work in all of our lives because we know he is good! Amen! Keli
My husband thought I’d received some tragic news when he spotted me reading this…nope, just a gut-wrenchingly moving essay, honey! 😭
What a beautiful piece. I read (and loved) every article Matt wrote in the Standard from Day 1 (although sometimes I read Ferguson first; he wrote shorter). So glad to be able to subscribe and get to read his stuff regularly again!
Sorry, I am late, since I am among the working again, I have a lot less free time than used to...lol
What a lovely story Matt, thanks...both sad and uplifting, and hopeful
Nice writing, but I knew when you put that bluebird house on top of the fence the birds were doomed. You gotta pay attention, and even then…
Beware the undertoad!
“And for years Walt reached out for it. From the first, when he asked what it could do to you, he had only been told that it could pull you out to sea. It could suck you under and drown you and drag you away.”
This made my day. Thank you!
What a great and moving piece. I shared it with friends and have read it three times. This not the first article of yours I have read, thanks to JVL and Jim Swift, and though I am a cheap, ah thrifty person, I elected the non free option of subscribing. Looking forward to your future articles.