Several LHS students share similar experiences, feelings of hope in the midst of the darkness grief creates in the form of signs their loved ones have left them. (Artwork used with permission by Canva/doodlerco, graphhixmania, HEDZ IRYNA, ekaterina, pixabay & creatchees.std)

Everything serves as a reminder of those who have passed away from their loved ones. My life has been permanently altered since losing my grandma, who was ingrained into every aspect of my life. My attempts to rediscover a “new normal,” have proven futile time and time again, because life will never be “normal” without her. Instead, I aim to find a way to navigate grief by honoring my grandma’s legacy, and striving to mirror her generosity, kindness and unconditional love. Unfortunately, while loving her is a gift I am grateful for, it does not change the fact that she is gone.
Grief is a see-saw, a balancing act between the seemingly endless dark abyss of loss and the light from memories. Loss encompasses both aspects, and it is impossible to live with the memories without living with the pain of loss. Each memory is a reminder that I will never see, hear and hug her again, that her death is real and permanent. Yet, in spite of the darkness loss instigates, the memories I have with her, her everlasting legacy and new memories shared with me continue to guide me through the darkness. At times of doubt and struggle, I believe she leaves signs for me. Fortunately, this is not a unique experience for my family and me. Several LHS students share similar experiences, feelings of hope in the midst of the darkness grief creates in the form of signs their loved ones have left them.

Cardinals

A well-known experience after losing a loved one is called the “cardinal experience.” It occurs after the passing of a loved one, when one sees a red cardinal unexpectedly in either a time of struggle or a celebratory moment. One LHS student has experienced this, with the cardinal being from their departed uncle.
“I always see a cardinal on an important day of my life, and I have always seen that as my uncle visiting me. My grandma always said how cardinals were a sign of a loved one visiting and whenever we see one we immediately think of my uncle,” said an anonymous LHS student.
More importantly, the impact their uncle had on this LHS student makes the sight of a cardinal meaningful and a reminder of the love they shared for one another.
“I remember all the times he babysat me when I was young and all the self confidence boosts he gave me as I grew up. Without him I don’t know what kind of person I would be today,” said an anonymous LHS student.

Hawks

A hawk, with their sharp talons, strong teeth and decadent wing patterns, symbolizes strength and protection. Yet, for an LHS student, a hawk represents much more – their passed grandfather and what he valued in his life.
“Whenever I’m driving I see a Hawk, and he was the biggest Seahawks fan, and so I always say he’s protecting me while soaring,” said an anonymous LHS student.
Not only was their grandfather an avid football fan, but he also left an undeniable mark of never ending love on their family.
“They were an amazing father and grandfather,” said an anonymous LHS student.

Dragonflies

Often full of magnifying colors and rapid movement throughout the sky, dragonflies invoke a sense of bliss and magic. After losing their uncle to brain cancer in 2013, an LHS student finds dragonflies in their moments of need, allowing them to feel the light their uncle left on their life.
“During COVID, I was struggling with not being able to see anyone. One day I had sat outside to get some fresh air and a dragonfly had perched on my hand. At first I assumed that it might have hurt its wing, but upon further inspection it seemed it simply wanted to lay on my hand. The dragonfly and I had stayed like that for two hours simply sitting there together. It helped ease my loneliness and brought some joy to me. I believe my uncle simply wanted to be there with me and offer up his comfort,” said an anonymous LHS student.
Not only did their experience with a dragonfly symbolize their uncle’s impact on them, but the dragonfly’s parallelism with their uncle, in a vigor and understanding of life, further promoted that is how their uncle chose to continue visiting them.
“He always had a deeper understanding and love for life,” said an anonymous LHS student.

Butterflies

Transformation, detailed patterns, decadent colors. Each of these terms describe butterflies and loss. Both require a transformation, and an adjustment to a new life. Both lead to new patterns; such as, a new daily routine and a new perspective on life. Both lead to a continuation of life, in the formation of new colors, new discoveries and new journeys. For one LHS student, butterflies take on an incredibly important role, as they signify their passed aunt.
“She was my aunt but was more like a mom. My biological mom died when I was seven, and when my dad also passed away, she took my sister and I into her home with open arms. She had terrible health issues, but even with this obstacle, she treated us like her own. Up until her death, she always put us first, even when we watched her take her last breath in the ICU. I hadn’t, and still have yet to meet someone as giving and genuine as her,” said an anonymous LHS student.
Their aunt’s unconditional love and role as a parental figure made their loss incredibly painful, making her love of butterflies and the meaning they symbolize for this LHS student a light in the midst of the darkness.
“Her favorite animal was a butterfly. Now every year on her birthday we release butterflies. Also, I always happen to see butterflies, where they’re real or just a picture, on my hardest days,” said an anonymous LHS student.

Artwork used with permission by Canva/doodlerco, graphhixmania, HEDZ IRYNA, ekaterina, pixabay & creatchees.std