Two years and a half after Cory passed away, I encountered three baby woodpeckers that had fallen from their hollow tree branch nest during a fierce storm.

Among them, two were still alive, while one lay lifeless on the ground.

This moment resonated deeply with me, occurring just six months after Cory had passed away.

The symbolism of three, with two living and one dead, struck a profound chord within my heart, since I myself have birthed three children.

I cared for the surviving babies over the next few days, doing everything I could to keep them alive.

However, despite my best efforts, something came in the night and took them away.

The following day, one of the parent woodpeckers returned, desperately searching for its babies.

In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of failure.

I silently asked the parent bird for forgiveness and shared in its deep sorrow.

Two years later, as I sat enjoying breakfast, a large woodpecker suddenly crashed into my window pane, bouncing off and momentarily dazed.

It then examined the nearby tree, where I had created a bat memorial that holds some of Cory's ashes.

After a brief pause, the woodpecker flew away.

A few moments later, I noticed another smaller bird frolicking among the branches.

To my delight, it perched next to the bat on the trunk, revealing itself as a young woodpecker.

I watched as it pecked at the tree, its tiny red head bobbing back and forth in a rhythm of playful curiosity before it took flight again.

In that moment, it struck me: the woodpecker had returned to start a new family, despite the tragedy of the past.

And I couldn’t help but feel that this young bird’s visit was a sign, a gentle reminder from Cory that all is well.

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If you are navigating your grief journey and feel prepared to begin connecting with your departed loved ones, click the link below for invaluable resources and support:

Healing Hearts Support for Bereaved Parents Linktree: https://linktr.ee/HealingHeartsSupport

You are warmly invited to join our support community, focusing on healing, wholeness, and connection.

Big love to you!