The Happy Cardinal
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 05:11PM I put off dealing with stonecutters. I just could not find what I wanted. I knew what I wanted: a
cardinal, some dogwood blossoms and a cross, but I could not find a pattern that included those and I liked.
Especially for the cardinal. All the cardinals any of the stonecutters had to offer were either grim or prim. Not Heidi type cardinals at all. Even in the worst of times, she was never grim. And the only time you would get prim from her is if you crossed her sense of morality in just the wrong way. Then she would drag her head up and away from you with a, “Hmmmff…” and sashay off.
And stiff. All those cardinals were so stiff. I wanted a happy cardinal. One filled with joy because he had finally landed home.
So, in fits and starts, I drew one.
If you look closely, you will see he is smiling.
The stonecutter was excited when I handed him my home-drawn bird. He loved its joy and the movement, and said, “I can tell you what. I will certainly be using this again!”
I felt a little disheartened as I had drawn it for Heidi and liked the idea it would be unique, but also took joy in knowing my attempt would bring comfort to other families.






Reader Comments (1)
This cardinal was just right for Heidi who delighted in the dance of life inherent in all God's creatures. How wonderful that it will used by others - another legacy of her blessed life.