In the early morning, going for my usual walk after some spiritual reading, and conversing, reporting to my husband Dietrich on the one-way phone calls, if I am attentive there is always a greeting, a sign coming from a tree, or the radio, or a word in my heart mind.

Today, my eye caught sight of a beautiful red bird in a bush. A feeling of love and beauty swelled in my heart, a most special greeting, a lovely hello, a sight from beyond the veil.

I came back home and there was a magazine open at a picture of a bright red bird, a cardinal, with the words “Messenger from Heaven.”

The page also had the words, “A gentle reminder that we’re never far apart, my spirit will live on forever there within your heart.” And in my mind, I remembered the words of the song, “And when the time comes, I will be there to meet you and welcome you home.”

This reminded me of the time Dietrich found a penny on our morning walk. I told him to keep it; put it in full view on the small table. The penny reminds me of God and the emblem of America.

Some days the dark is stronger than the light. Still we keep going, keep moving. At that time after a tearful morning prayer, I went for a walk. Suddenly a white truck appeared. On it side was the name of the company, and underneath were the words, “In God We Trust.” Definitely God was talking to me: “Trust Me,” I will protect you.