There Is No “Right Way” to Grieve. It's important to know that no two people experience grief the same way
Driftwood Bird - SPIRIT NEVER DIES - A Gift from Creator
Driftwood Spirit Bird
Yesterday, my husband David found this enchanting piece of driftwood on our walk along Jordan River, Vancouver Island, BC. He marvelled at the piece of driftwood and said excitedly, “Look Marghanita, It’s a bird” and then gifted it to me. A precious and sacred gift found by my beautiful husband which Mother Earth wished us to find. I have always loved driftwood; I love how each piece of wood has its own unique story waiting to be discovered. This little piece of driftwood whispered…. a song of “rebirth” to me.
My beautiful brother, Clifford passed away recently having battled a long, painful and torturous cancer caused by a brain tumour.
Holding the warm, weathered wood in my hands, was like holding Cliffords hand once more…the soft carved shape of the bird invites you to hold it as if you were holding someones hand. The driftwood bird emanates an incredible energy when you hold it in this way - a deep feeling of connection.
Cliffords body and mind had been ravished by the cancer but his spirit, the very essence of who he was; could never die. His last word he said to me, was connected, it was almost impossible for him to speak at all but he said it twice while holding my hand softly; yet firmly, “connected”. I knew he was talking about how inter-connected we are with all life here on earth and beyond.
All Things Are Connected
Clifford was a giver, he walked through life with a sense of humility, kindness and had a deep love and respect for all living things. We were both firm believers in that everything relies on everything else in order to manifest. He loved the great outdoors and birds were among his favourite to observe and listen to; influencing the beautiful songs and music he would write with his guitar.
Drifted Ashore
The mouth of the river where David found the driftwood bird is known as diitiida (Drifted Ashore) to the Pacheedaht First Nations. At this ancient site, the two groups lived together before the great flood. I love that this driftwood spirit bird was found on this sacred land known as Drifted Ashore by the indigenous peoples.
Looking more closely at the driftwood bird, I was amazed how the raw natural elements had sculpted a perfect beak and even an eye. I love how the bird is turning his head to look at you; with his wing tucked in and his longfeathered tail fanned out to perfection. Once a tree, now sculpted into a spirit bird by creator - what a precious and sacred gift to behold. Holding this little driftwood spirit bird has a healing energy and gifts great joy and deep peace; and I find comfort in knowing Clifford is free like the bird, free from suffering, he is peaceful and in everything and everywhere. He is Mother Earths song.
Grieving
When a loved one dies, you are changed forever; it’s like part of you dies with them, however, over time and finally accepting that I would never see my brother in flesh again, I shifted my grief into a celebration. I began to see his death not as a loss but as a great gift - a rebirth of spirit. His spirit became stronger and more powerful; and I could feel him, like God, everywhere and in everything. Clifford is the soaring eagle, the dancing cedar, the whispering wind, the sweet smell of the first spring blossoms of April. He is the early morning bird song that awakens me so sweetly, he is the warm glow of the sunrise and the illuminating moon lighting up the night sky before I go to sleep.
Free bird - driftwood bird hands opening to Gods Love - Watercolour and ink pen
Clifford is this beautiful driftwood bird I hold in my hand. Grateful for this sacred gift and for my brothers love and light and forever living spirit
We all cope with grief differently. I know some people prefer talking to others about their loss, while others benefit from writing their feelings down, it has certainly helped me to write this blog post. I am grateful I have had time in the wilds to process my feelings and find a creative way to express my own personal grieving. Physical activity can really help people feel better too, especially walks in the wilds, whereas for others, creative outlets are more helpful.
I personally have found nature to be my greatest healer through these very difficult and painful months and expressing my feelings through my art has been incredibly therapeutic.
Grieving a very difficult and personal journey to navigate. Sending my love and light and healing energy to all of you who are grieving the loss of a loved one; Know you are deeply loved and connected to all life. Wishing you a beautiful and joy-filled week….love and light Marghanita x
Spirit Never Dies