“The keepsake I would like to share is bird feeders and the significance of the Cardinal to me.  My Dad loved to feed and watch the birds and squirrels. The bird feeder in the photo and many more feeders are now in my yard feeding the birds in his memory everyday just as he would have done.  However, as many may know, the cardinal is said to appear when angels (loved ones passed) are near.  So for me, every time I see a cardinal I actually say out loud, "Hi Dad", or "Hi Mr. Tim" or even "Hi Barb".  I drive for a living, so whether I am looking in my backyard or driving around Frederick County for work, I know these three individuals are near all the time by the presence of the Cardinal.” 

“This photo means a lot to me because my grandmother meant everything to me. She was not only my grandmother but she was like my mother. We were so close. I always had her as my go to. This is a photo while she was in the hospital and I was at her bedside. I stood by her until she couldn't fight her battle any longer. My grandmother will always remain in my heart.” 

 

“This small hand painted rock is my most precious memento, reminding me of my mother who I lost during the pandemic. My mother was an avid painter, not professional, but just for her own enjoyment. When we were children, she painted a mural on our large picture window to celebrate every holiday. She volunteered for every school event that required posters and decorations. In her mid-40’s, Mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. In her mid-50’s she became a resident with Way Station, no longer able to support herself and was also suffering from mental illness that she had been dealing with since her late 20’s. This rock was her gift to me one Christmas and represented her attempt to conquer her arthritis pain and to create something of value out of nothing. I have treasured it ever since.” 

 

If you would like to share your remembrance of someone you lost during the pandemic, please send it to ciggles@interfaithhousing.org and we will be happy to include it in our next newsletter.