“The Dove, on silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.” — James Montgomery
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In the aftermath of a loved one’s passing, it can be easy to feel lost and alone. But sometimes, in the most unexpected of ways, we are given a glimpse of hope and comfort.
Such was the case for my cousin, who had a memorable encounter with a mourning dove in the days following her mother’s death.
Through this seemingly ordinary moment, she could find a sense of connection and meaning that brought her comfort and joy.
Credit: B.R. Shenoy‘s cousin
Encounter with a Mourning Dove
A beautiful mourning dove appeared seemingly out of nowhere on a sunny afternoon in my cousin, ‘Renee’s’ backyard garden.
Renee noticed the dove perched on the fence surrounding her swimming pool. She was worried that the bird would be injured and fall into the pool or be attacked by her two Dachshunds. So she approached it with caution.
To her surprise, the dove did not fly away or panic. Instead, it allowed her to approach and even climbed into her open palm.
Renee had never picked up a bird before and was struck by the trust and vulnerability of the dove. Instead of lifting it up, she allowed the bird to climb into her hand. It responded by snuggling close and not wanting to leave.
After a period of time, the dove flew away.
This incident occurred a few days after Renee’s mother had passed away.
She didn’t realize the bird was a mourning dove until she shared the photos with her friends.
The experience of having a dove trust her enough to climb on her hand was an amazing feeling for my cousin. Renee still gets goosebumps thinking about it.
Her father, who witnessed the encounter, was also profoundly moved by the moment. He regretted not taking photographs of Renee walking around her backyard with the dove.
Credit: B.R. Shenoy‘s cousin
Symbolism
When Renee looked into the symbolism of the bird, she was moved by the idea that it could be a messenger of peace and love. She couldn’t help but feel that the dove’s appearance was a sign from her mother, reminding her that she was always with her, even in spirit.
The dove’s refusal to fly away and willingness to sit on Renee’s hand for an extended period could be interpreted as a sign of its desire to provide support and comfort.
The bird’s flight represented the spirit of the deceased, urging their loved ones to move on and let go of their grief.
Finally, the presence of the morning dove reminded her that the cycle of life continues, even in the face of loss. Its gentle presence gave her hope and peace, which helped her navigate the difficult days ahead.
The timing of the encounter, just a few days after the passing of her beloved mother, added an extra layer of meaning and brought Renee and her father comfort and joy during a difficult time. It is a memory that they will both cherish.
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Image by iStockPhoto.com
Closing Thoughts
The morning dove is a symbol of love and peace in many cultures. Its gentle nature and calming presence make it a welcome addition to any garden or home.
Whether passing through or staying for an extended period, the morning dove is a beautiful and peaceful reminder of the world’s love and hope.
In the end, my cousin’s encounter with the morning dove was a truly special and memorable moment that she and her father will always hold dear in their hearts.
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Have you ever had a bird visit your home? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Credit: YouTube
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit:B.R. Shenoy’ s cousin