Cardinal Directions

Hey! So it's been a while, eh? I was noticing that my last entry was April 11 (Happy b-day dad and AMP) and much has happened since then (mostly in order): Finals, Mother's Day, CANADA! (bonjour a mes amis canadien), Father's Day, mah B-day, Independence Day, Dane's B-day and weddings, so many marriages (the magnificant matrimonial moments they are).

Hopefully i'll be able to recollect some more things from other moments, but here's a little story from our time away from each other:

Sometimes we ask for prayers to be answered. Other times we are the answer to someone's prayers. Sometimes, it's as easy as wearing a baseball cap...

This summer i had the wonderful opportunity to go to a french immersion program at Universite Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was awesome. I recommend it to any and all who want to learn and develop their french skills (and have fun doing it, too!). But this story isn't about la belle vie de Sainte-Anne. It's about the flight leading up to it....

I flew up to Canada on May 15. On the final connection flight, i was seated next to a younger-middle-aged woman (i'd say late 30's, early 40's). Prepared for cooler weather, i was dressed in pants, a hoodie and my St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap (it helps with the wind when you don't have much hair). Throughout the duration of the flight i noticed the lady near me sketching various things. At the time i wasn't feeling too conversational so i kept to myself, minding my business, listening to my iPod, occasionally secretly glancing at her sketches.

After a couple hours of my 'social hermit' session, the time came for the captain to ready his passengers for landing. Those who have flown are familiar with the routine: "Please fasten your seatbelts and return your trays to the upright position. Also, if you have not already done so, please turn off all electronic devices." Compliantly (as we remember that obedience is the quickest way to heaven), i followed orders.

Noting that we probably had about 20 minutes left on the plane, i thought this to be a good time to affirm the woman in her sketching abilities (figuring it'd give me just enough time to have a light conversation, say our goodbyes and not have to deal with any lame post-plane-conversation awkward/forced moments..."how about those peanuts, eh? talk about dry roasted."...none of that). So i did just that. I affirmed her and noted that my brother was an artist as well. So we spoke a bit of her career as an illustrator of childrens books, then inevidably wound up talking about the travel plans of each other. So she tells me that she's going to visit her parents and siblings that she hasn't seen in 15 years! My stupid mouth let out "Wow, it must be a special occasion!"

Well, it was special, but not the happy kind of special. Turns out her mom was diagnosed with cancer and was given only a few months to live. Then, understandably so, she became a bit emotional. We spoke a bit of her family and how it was comforting to have each other around to lean on in difficult times.

The plane landed and we exchanged pleasentries. I let her know i would offer prayers for her family and she thanked me. She apologized for her emotions and took her luggage to walk away. Before she turned away she said to me:

"You know, it gives me the chills to think about it, and it's the strangest thing...but ever since my mom's diagnosis...the family's symbol for strength and hope has been a cardinal. One way or another they seem to show up when we most need it...Thanks."

She then gave me a feeble smile and walked out of my life as quickly as she came in.

Now every time i put on my Cardinals hat i think of her family and the strength that is required in painful situations. It's funny how we're used sometimes.

Peace,
Daytona