Why would I share two Carolina Chickadee photos for the Fourth? Because I can. Because my mom loved these little birds and it has been one year since her death.
Carolina Chickadee adult in afternoon light – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Mom died on the 4th of July. I did a Zoom video call with her the day before, but Mom wasn’t really there. I didn’t see the light of life in her beautiful blue eyes.
The hospice staff asked me to do the Zoom video call so I could tell her it was alright to let go. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life and, truthfully, I’ve had a lot of rough spots.
But I think the hospice nurse was right. Mom did need to hear from me one more time.
Last year, the 4th of July was painful for me, for my sons, and for the family and friends who loved my mother. We all knew her time on this planet was coming to an end. Knowing that, though, didn’t make it any easier when it finally came.
Staring adult Carolina Chickadee – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Mom loved nature, particularly birds. Hummingbirds, bluebirds, and cardinals may have been her favorites, but she loved them all. I enjoyed listening to her talk about “her” birds that she saw in her yard, and she loved hearing about the birds I was seeing.
This 4th? Having lost her is still painful. I’m guessing the 4th of July will always feel slightly sad to me because I will be forever reminded of losing her on Independence Day.
I hope that you all have a Happy Fourth of July. I’m going to spend my morning in nature. I’m right where I need to be.
Life is good even when it is hard.
Mia
Check here for my Carolina Chickadee photo gallery. I will be adding more when I can.
Your post touched me deeply Mia. My father absolutely loved birds, especially Chickadees, and also died in Hospice care. Just know you are not alone in your sorrow and being in nature is the best therapy for the profound sense of loss we feel. Just yesterday on my walk I watched two Chickadees popping in and out of a woodpecker hole in a post, not four feet high, feeding their young. It was a magical moment even though I can’t share it with him. You are right, life is good and yes, it is hard! Sending you a virtual hug and wishes for some happy nature moments on this 4th of July.
Hugs.
The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I love that you got your love of nature from her – and that you continue to celebrate it and her.