Blue Heron brings a message

After memorializing the 40th day of Chip’s death throughout the weekend, with those near and far, I am more certain than ever that Chip found his way to Heaven this weekend. We shared stories via text or in person. We sang and listened to music. We hugged and cared about each other. We reached out to and helped each other. We prayed and texted Bible verses to each other. These are all things he would have done had he still been with us, and by doing them this weekend, along with returning him to the earth, we released him to God. He was only ever on loan to us anyway, and now he is fully back with his Heavenly Father. When Bob Byrne kindly pieces together the weekend into an amazing video for all of us to view, you will see that I released an acorn woodpecker feather along with Chip’s ashes at his parents’ home in Wilmington. My friend Stephanie sent the feather to me so that it could travel along with Chip’s spirit. She is blessed to live along the Pacific coast and finds and observes all sorts of wonderful things during her walks along the coast and elsewhere that resonate with her, and she passes the ones along that she knows will resonate with me.

Yesterday, she sent an email referencing a blue heron photo that she sent to me on June 3rd (It is the heron pictured in this blog post). I am sharing the email because it speaks volumes about her, about our 35-year friendship, about Chip, and about the value of paying attention, being mindful, looking for signs and seeing God and the Universe around us. Good morning Cindi,

Twice now a Great Blue Heron has been present at very symbolic times so I decided to look it up. The first time it happened was when your serenity bell was delivered. The impressive bird walked very intentionally right next to me and right by, as slow and steadfast as I could have ever imagined.  I sent you the photo I took-which at that point the Blue Heron was already farther away. I realized later how significant that encounter was. A message from Chip…the embodiment of Chip. Perhaps both of those things. Perhaps more. 

Yesterday, I was again out on the coast, in practically the same spot and a Great Blue Heron flew straight through, right in front of me. This time in pointed, graceful flight. Very intentional. I immediately recognized that this was, again, a sign from Chip…the embodiment of Chip..continuing his journey- yet still present. 

So I looked up the symbolism of Blue Heron and found the information below. As much as I believe that the Blue Heron symbolizes Chip’s presence, I also believe that this message is for you and perhaps even for me from him. And more than a song will remind me of his presence on this earth and his impact on your life, and the value of you in mine, when I see a Blue Heron I will think of Chip and his heart soaring. 

And I will be reminded to be strong through any adversity that I may face now or in the future. And I know that your experience with him and all that you shared, all the highs and the very lows, will give you the will and strength to move forward and that you, too, will soar with your heart. 

I love you!

Stephanie 

According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance. They represent an ability to progress and evolve. The long thin legs of the heron reflect that an individual doesn't need great massive pillars to remain stable, but must be able to stand on one's own.

Blue Herons have the innate wisdom of being able to manoeuvre through life and co-create their own circumstances. Blue Herons reflect a need for those with this totem to follow their on unique wisdom and path of self-determination. These individuals know what is best for themselves and need to follow their hearts rather than the promptings of others. Those with the Medicine of the Great Blue Heron may sit until the rest of us loose patience. And, when they follow the promptings of the heart, they are one of the most magnificent when they choose to soar.