The Cardinal in the Tree, Part 3

Returning to the story, we see Blanche back in her room, pondering the news from her last visit with sweet Kathy.

In the days that followed, Blanche began spending more time in her room alone. She even refused to go to the Day Room when the girls’ club came on Friday. She couldn’t bear to see the group without Kathy’s smiling face among them. She sat in her chair looking out at the Maple and at the cardinal pinned to her curtains. Even the activity of birds at the feeder didn’t amuse her.

“God,” she finally broke the silence. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve even wanted to talk to you. I’ve been angry with you I guess. I blamed you for taking me away from my cottage. I thought you had deserted me … until you sent Kathy. And now I feel ashamed, Lord. You had to send a little child to show me how small the trials in my life really are. She has cheered this old woman’s heart, not once complaining about her own problems. She believes in you, God. Don’t let her down. Give Kathy the chance for a healthy, happy life.”

Blanche removed her glasses and pulled the well-worn hanky from her sweater sleeve. She wiped her eyes and cheeks, then dried her lenses with circling motions. Cleaned, she slipped them back on, adjusting them behind her ears. With a sigh, Blanche looked up and out of the window again then gave a slight gasp.

“It can’t be!” Blanche leaned forward in her chair, blinking, then squinting her eyes. There on a branch in the top third of the tree perched a red cardinal. She looked for Kathy’s felt cardinal on the curtain sash, then up again to the bird in the Maple. It whistled twice, trilled, whistled twice, then trilled again, before taking flight across the window. Blanche fell back into her chair and laughed softly. “Well, I’ll be! It’s Kathy’s cardinal in the tree! Thank you, God!”

 A couple of weeks later the girls’ club returned, with Kathy’s unmistakable curly red hair among them. Kathy cast more glances than usual in Blanche’s direction during each song then hurried to greet her once the program was over.

“Guess what?” she bubbled. “The doctor says I don’t have to see him for a year! I’m in, in …”

In remission?” Blanche asked hopefully.

“Yes, that’s it! My mom took me for pizza and everything!”

Blanche leaned close to Kathy, “Want to know a secret?”

“Okay,” Kathy said, sitting down beside her.

“I already knew. The very day you went to the doctor’s, I knew you were well.”

“How’d you know that? Did my mom call you?”

“No, your mother never called me. I saw your cardinal.”

“You did?” Kathy’s eyes went wide in surprise.

“Yes, I saw it from the window in my room. It was in the Maple tree; it whistled and trilled, and then flew away. That’s the first cardinal I’ve seen in that tree since I moved here almost a year ago. I knew it had to be your cardinal, and that you had to be alright!”

Kathy smiled. “I just love cardinals. I’m so glad God decided to make a bird that’s all red.”

“Did I ever tell you about the Indigo Buntings that lived in the woods near my cottage?”

“The Indigo what-ings?” Kathy stumbled over the words.

“Indigo Buntings. They’re a small bird, deep blue in color, and like to hide in the shrubs. Did you remember to bring that bird book with you this time?”

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Kathy ran to her club leader and brought back a small book with birds on the cover. They huddled together over the book, pointing to ones they had seen before, and where. Della began to cough and Blanche asked her to join them while they looked at the book.

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Thank you for reading The Cardinal in the Tree. Its messages of hope and encouragement are meant to turn your eyes to the God who so unreservedly loves you. Perhaps you’ve experienced the loneliness and heartaches Blanche felt. Maybe you have a physical problem that steals your joy and continually demands your attention. Know this – God’s love is big enough to heal your deepest heartache. His arm is not too short to reach, nor His ear too dull to hear your cry in the midst of physical pain. More importantly, He wants you to know Him in a personal way, as your savior and best friend.

A Simple Prayer for Salvation

God, I’m amazed that you love me so much that you sent Jesus, your only Son, to die on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for all the wrong things I’ve ever done or am doing in my life. Thank you, Jesus, for willingly taking my place. I believe you died and rose again from the dead to give me eternal life and to open the door to a lifelong friendship with you. Come into my heart and help me to walk in a way that’s pleasing to you each day. I love you!

A Simple Prayer for Healing

Heavenly Father, I know that you not only have the power to heal me, but it is also your desire to heal me, not because I deserve it, but simply because you love me. Please send your Holy Spirit to bring every cell, organ, bone, and tissue in my body into proper alignment and optimum functioning. Go beyond my physical body and touch my mind and emotions, bringing peace and wholeness. Touch my spirit, by giving me a pure and ready heart to do your bidding. Thank you for your mercy.  Amen.