My good friend, Jackie Fisher, died in October from cancer. Her illness was treatable for many years, until it spread, and she needed much stronger drugs to combat its final stage. By then, the side effects proved to be too much, so she decided to stop treatment. In late 2021, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, she became a guiding light through my diagnosis and treatment. I am very lucky; my prognosis is now excellent.
As friends, we shared both good times and bad. I wrote the poem below in remembrance of the long walks we enjoyed for many years. Therapy sessions are what we laughingly called them. Now, since my husband has retired, he’s been a good stand-in, but I can’t walk up and down our neighborhood lane without thinking of Jackie. I’m convinced she has somehow found a way to still look out for me. Recently, I read the poem at her celebration of life.
For Jackie and our Walks and Talks
When we first spotted the blue heron, we were walking up the lane
It was early, before 9 a.m., and cold
A misty, fall, Northern California day
Dave and I admired beams of sunlight
As it traveled down rows of grapevines
And shimmered on red and gold-singed leaves
I sensed a movement and turned my head
“Look it’s a blue heron,” I said excitedly
A chill raised the hair on my arms
We stopped for a moment
Then continued on with our stroll
Heading home we turned back down the lane
And our feathered friend was much bolder
Peering right at us from the middle of the road
It’s Jackie, I said, recognizing her
“Yes.” Dave said
Right then she spanned her majestic wings and flew of
Leaving us mystified
For comments: Have you ever had a similar experience?
Beautiful!
Wonderful imagery.
Her spirit is strong and free.
That was beautiful. What a sweet tribute.
Mmmm, such beauty. Thank you for sharing this.
This is a beautiful tribute for Jackie.
Woman’s World Magazine has a weekly column featuring experiences like yours. If you would like to submit it the address: Angels , Woman’s World 270 Sylvan Ave Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 or emailAngels@WomansWorldMag.com
Liz: Thanks for the comment and tip about Woman’s World. I sent them the article, so we’ll see.
Yes, Barbara the Lalas did believe that the spirit really never leaves us. On another, less serious note Dave’s Grandma Lala, like her mother, believed it as well. When Grandpa Lala died she heard a cricket, one of his favorites animals, and believed that his spirit was still in the house. Until Uncle Pat came to visit and heard the Grandpa Cricket, “Mom, your smoke alarm needs a new battery.” Happy Chanukah, love you and admire your courage so much.
Pat: Ha, ha, ha! This story is hilarious! Dave says he remembers hearing it too! Thanks for sharing it here. Happy Holidays!
That was beautiful ❤️ Ive had experiences with my father, then my foster mother, and many years later with Gordon where I felt their spiritual presence… with my father who died when I was 30 I smelled him and just knew he was there and spoke to him saying things I needed to. Years later my Foster Mother gave me a spiritual hug, I was immersed in her presence.. Nothing I saw, just felt. After Gordon passed, one night I was crying and said aloud I miss you too much to him and then felt him and his love just filled me. I know these three visited me in the spirit.
Thank you for sharing your spiritual experiences. They are so touching. I’m glad they helped you find some peace. I have also had an experience with smells. It’s my grandmother’s favorite soap detergent. My sister later told me she used Sweetheart soap for her laundry. They don’t sell it anymore, but I felt her near me when I smelled it.
Dear Barbara,
Jackie had a good friend in you. Your tribute was lovely and very touching. I think that sometimes the spirits of those we loved do return to look out for us, just as your blue heron did. Thank you for sharing.
I agree with Aunt Pat. We have always kept our spiritual connection, especially through the birds. When a bird flies into your house or has an intense response with us, like the heron, it feels very powerful and you will know just whose energy you are receiving. I love how you have expressed this experience.
Thanks for the comment, Vickie. Interesting about birds flying into the house. It was very powerful, and I did immediately recognize Jackie.