Bluebird

My Grandma Meme’s Crystal Bluebird is in the window above the kitchen sink.

Like most mornings, I woke just before my alarm went off today. I've been trying to do better. Trying to be more mindful, more thankful. I know that the more gratitude I have, the happier I am.

But this morning, my first thoughts were of how tired I still am. And a bit of dread creeps in.

The alarm trumpets my morning call to action. I cut it off quickly, trying not to disturb my sleeping wife. Leaning over to give her a good morning kiss, I answer the call.

I dredge my way to the kitchen, start a pot of coffee, then sit down to my journal.

However, as I sit down something new catches my eye. Well it's not new, but it’s in a new place.

My Grandma Meme’s Crystal Bluebird is in the window above the kitchen sink. It wasn’t there yesterday. At Least I don’t think it was… and as I reminisce, my mood begins to rise.

I think of my Meme. Of how loving she was. Of how, for me, she was the definition of happiness. And of how that same crystal Bluebird sat in her kitchen window for so many years.

I have a tattoo of the ‘Bluebird of Happiness’ on my right forearm. Its meaning carries such significance for me.

But it isn’t just mine. The Bluebird carries a message of positivity on its wings, spreading Hope and Joy to countless peoples throughout the world.

Native Americans believe it is a sign of prosperity. It’s meant glad tidings across Europe and Asia for centuries.

Its message is inspiring. The poet and playwright, Maurice Masterlinck, wrote a hit play in 1908 called ‘The Bluebird’, about a young girl and her brother seeking happiness. Which has since been the basis of several films and a TV series.

In 1934 Jan Peerce wrote a song titled ‘Bluebird of Happiness’, as did Edward Heyman and Sandor Harmati in 1934, that sold over a million copies.

But for me, I think Miranda Lambert says it best in her song titled ‘Bluebird’.

“And if the house just keeps on winning, I got a wild card up my sleeve. And if love keeps giving me lemons, I’ll just mix ’em in my drink. And if the whole wide world stops singing, and all the stars go dark, I’ll keep a light on in my soul, and a Bluebird in my heart.”

As I open my journal, I hear the chirp and whistle of birds singing outside. I look out and see the sun, peeking out over the horizon. It’s now becoming a beautiful day. A day full of hope. And I am thankful.