Phil and Rita

 Eight years ago in February my dad passed away. Because he was being buried at the National Cemetery we had to wait about a week before we could have his funeral. One day as I was returning my books to the library, I  noticed a dove sitting on the sidewalk right in front of me blocking my way. 

I paused for a moment, and thought about how some people believe that cardinals are representations of loved ones no longer with us. Obviously this wasn’t a cardinal, but could a dove represent the same thing?

What I did know was that my father loved the library. In fact I credit my love of books and the library to him. I even remember learning how to drive on our trek to the library each Saturday. Could it be that my dad was meeting me at our favorite place one more time? 

I loved the sentiment of it, but my rational mind blew it off as just a coincidence. Even though, I’d never seen a dove at the library before, and what were the chances that it would be sitting there blocking my path?

After that I’d keep my eye out for doves. A few years later at our home in Euless I noticed a reoccurring situation. Two doves would regularly come and sit on my fence looking into my kitchen window. Up until that point I hadn’t noticed any doves in the area. I began referring to them as Phil and Rita, my parents’ names, and looked forward to seeing them each time they came to visit. 

When we moved to our home in the country every now and then I’d see two doves on our county road as I approached our gate. However, what I did notice happening more often than not were two doves that hung around my daughter’s house. When I would be outside with my youngest grandson they always seemed to be perched on the electrical wire as if they were watching us. 

I pointed them out to my grandson, and called them by name. I noticed that when he saw them he’d say, “Mimi there’s Phil and Rita!” It always brought a smile to my face considering the possibility that my beloved parents might be checking in on their great grandson.

The other day when we stepped outside so he could ride his bike, I noticed Phil and Rita were perched on the gate over near the horse pen. I said, “ Look Levi, there’s Phil and Rita, my mom and dad!” 

Levi looked at me quite perplexed with his head cocked to one side, and remarked, “Mimi, you were a bird?” His confusion and sincerity was so genuine. 

I couldn’t help but laugh! How do you explain to a three year old the idea of two birds traveling down from heaven to check on you. No buddy I never was a bird, but maybe just a little bit crazy!

The joy this boy brings me, and the fact that Phil and Rita make regular appearances sure makes life sweet!