Guiding Spirit
Scroll down to follow the evolution of Judy's cardinal. 

Here is my story........as told by cousin Judy                                                                                       

My cardinal started pecking at my front window the day I came home from nine days in the hospital recovering from surgery.  At first it was a nuisance as he started pecking in the early morning when I wanted to sleep.  But he continued to visit several times a day.   I started talking to him and returning his call. He would turn his head and listen then fly off.  His visits became more numerous and persistent.  I would get up in the mornings when he would awaken me and begin our conversations.  At first it was just a ritual and I would go to him to let him know I heard him. Then it became a strong interaction and dependency. This lasted daily from April through late December.        
I asked him to help me with the healing.

I took a painting class in December and chose to use my Cardinal as my subject, painting him in the snowy tree as I witnessed him.  Friends and relatives who had heard my story gave Christmas gifts that had Cardinals on them.

After my last visit with the physician in December I decided more chemo treatments were not what I wanted.  I had my last  treatment in July after a dissatrous reaction to it and took a break from it.  When in December the physician thought I should continue with a less aggressive treatment my mind had already decided to go another direction--to change my diet to Paleo and alkaline and to trust my faith in God for direction and healing.  I told my bird that I was stronger and thanked him for being there.  One day in early January I saw him on my back deck where he had never been before.  I told him he really didn't need to check on me every day, that I was well and thanked him. He flew off and never returned.  At first I felt a little lost without him and missed his visits but realized his job of caring for me was completed.

I truly believe God had sent him to me to guide, protect and strengthen me.  I was led to find healthier lifestyle choices...to trust God's direction in making those choices. The companionship and persistence of 'my bird' gave me strength and much joy!  Now I look at the beautiful carving you made and feel he's still with me. It means so much.

Kindred Spirit and cousin Judy

​Hearing Judy's inspirational story  launched the creation of Guiding Spirit.
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It all began with a block of wood called Tupelo...