A Father s Day Cardinal Encounter On Father s Day, June 21, 2009, the first one without Dad, I called Mother and told her that I was thinking of him.

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1 A Father s Day Cardinal Encounter On Father s Day, June 21, 2009, the first one without Dad, I called Mother and told her that I was thinking of him. We talked about the Overmyer family history book that will soon be released and about the upcoming reunion for Dad s mother s family. As Mother and I spoke, a bird began pecking very loudly on my office window. It was so intense, that I went to the window to check it out. The brightest, reddest cardinal I have ever seen was hovering at eye-level on the other side of the glass. Instantly I knew that Dad was making his presence known. I declared to Mother, It s a cardinal! It s Dad! The fact that he chose Father s Day to say Hi in this special way was no coincidence. He also could not have picked a more perfect object or way to remind me of his love and one of his most dynamic qualities perseverance. The following paragraph from Dad s Eulogy explains this cardinal s significance. One creature almost got the best of Paul a cardinal. You might have noticed the one resting at his feet in the casket. Paul and Patty had sun-blocking film on their front windows and when the birds saw their reflection, they assumed a rival had invaded their territory. They would fly threateningly at their image, over and over. Paul found the incessant beat of their beaks hitting the window to be very annoying. Nothing

2 seemed to deter them. But just when it seemed the cardinal would get the best of Paul, he came up with a plan; he strung fishing line back and forth across the deck and the birds could not reach the window. Once again, Paul s ingenuity overcame adversity. He taught by example that every flap of the wings is an opportunity to learn and grow. Other family members have also experienced Dad s presence. Kit was nearly late delivering a new dress that she made to Mother before church on Mother s Day. As she passed the cemetery where Dad is buried, she clearly heard him say, A little late, aren t you? Kit responded, No, right on time. Leah, the oldest grandchild, recently felt the chill of Bompa s hook down the back of her neck (one way he teased us) and was encouraged to take the next step on her spiritual journey. We are thankful for our time together and know he is always with us in spirit. More Cardinal Encounters A few months later I thought about Dad. It would be a year since he died and during my morning walk I sensed that he was farther away. I had also not seen any cardinals recently and I said a silent prayer for another encounter.

3 Later that day, my husband and I went to an art show. The universe immediately responded with not one, but three beautiful paintings of single brilliant cardinals on snowy tree branches. These images were uncommon for our tropical climate. On Thanksgiving Day my blood pressure started to go up. I knew it was elevated and had done everything possible to bring it down meditation, acupuncture, massage, exercise, deep breathing, better nutrition, less stress, etc. These approaches were not effective and the next morning I went to the ER when my blood pressure reached a critical state. Since Dad had uncontrolled hypertension had led to his strokes, I knew I was also at risk. When I was admitted to a cubical in the ER, overhead, painted on the ceiling tile above me, were two cardinals. Thanks to a creativity project many tiles have been painted by patients, family members, doctors and hospital staff. They are a wonderful reminder of the healing power of art and beauty. The fact that my space was graced with the powerful symbolism of cardinals was more than a coincidence. And it was exactly one year to the day when my father died. What a perfect reminder that he is part of the presence of God that is watching over me. My blood pressure is now within

4 normal limits and I feel great thanks to a little help from Dad and our favorite feathered friends. The Cardinal Connection Continues It has been ten years since my father crash landed at the Pearly Gates on Thanksgiving Day. And as always, our family gathered to enjoy an amazing meal and express our love and gratitude for the many blessings we receive. In honor of this special occasion, Mother embraced our desire to share a memento from her collection for the gals and a tool from Dad s collection for the guys. We selected very special items for the 30 who were present. The items became place settings with a festive ribbon and handwritten tag. We chose a cardinal to gift to Dad s sister. After my sister Kit talked about the special gifts each person received, I mentioned that Dad s sister received a cardinal and told a few stories about how Dad continued to appear to me as this sacred symbol. When I looked closely at my aunt, I realized she had worn a top with cardinals on it. Imagine our delight to experience firsthand that ten years after he died, my father continues to grace our lives with his presence. And isn t it interesting that our connection is something that flies Dad certainly loved airplanes! 2018 Dr. Pamela Gerali

5 Cardinal Spiritual Symbolism The cardinal is a power packed bird that transforms and awakens us. Its color and its voice are its two strongest characteristics. It is a member of the finch family and is often recognized by its brilliant red color. The eggs laid by the female hatch in about 12 days. This, along with the cardinal being a year round resident, reflects the rhythm of the number twelve. The number twelve often has important significance for those with this totem. It can indicate a turn of events or a life-changing situation. When the cardinal flies into your life expect a change to occur within 12 days, 12 weeks, 12 months or at the hour of 12. Because this bird is a year-round resident, its medicine is available at all times and should be used by those with this totem whenever a need arises. Cardinals have a loud whistle. Whistles penetrate the air with sharp distinct tones. They demand our attention urging us to hear what is carried through the air. Both male and female cardinals join in the whistling. This reflects the need to integrate our male and female characteristics into our day to day life. Feminine energy is linked to intuition. Male energy is linked to perseverance and strength. If both are operating within our life our intuitive knowledge has the perseverance and strength necessary to manifest our goals and dreams. Cardinals eat many decaying weeds and injurious insects. When a cardinal appears in your life it is telling you to pay attention to

6 your eating habits. Are you eating things that might be injurious to your health? Is your diet nutritionally balanced? Extra care should be given to the blood and circulatory system. Past life ties to overindulgence or the consumption of poisonous substances is often linked to cardinal medicine people. The bright red color of the cardinal is very symbolic. Red represents the blood or life force of the Mystic Christ. In yoga circles this vital force is known as kundalini. The kundalini lies dormant within us until activated by a disciplined spiritual practice. Once activated spiritual power can be attained. The cardinal offers safe passage into the world of personal power for those who ask for its help. When a person with cardinal medicine steps into a spiritual path there will be no turning back. Everything else in their life will seem insignificant. Extra care must be taken here to insure personal happiness, particularly in the area of one to one relationships. Balancing spiritual ideals and physical pleasure will need to be instated in one s life so harmony on all levels is known. Cardinals are named for the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church with their bright red robes. A great love or strong dislike for religion and churches is common amongst cardinal medicine people and can indicate a past life connection with one or both. The cardinal s voice is strong and clear and reflects an air of importance. This power packed bird can teach you how to express your truth, develop confidence and walk your talk. If you respect its teachings it will lead you home.