The Watch Crow

"I was bow hunting in my camos near home when I came across something I had never seen before.  A clump of thick bushes about eight feet in diameter was growing in the woods that were fairly open.  I noticed a tunnel through the center and in the middle of the clump, the ground was bare and smooth with a nice big deer print in it.  Aha! A buck bed! I crawled in to wait for the hapless deer.  In the meantime, up on the hill, a flock of crows were noisily ganging up on some predator as they like to do.  The noise came closer and then ceased.  I could see the crows flying by so I gave a suckling noise on my hand that sounds something like a rabbit being killed.  The crows were still high from their previous activity and immediately stopped to investigate.  One remained on the tree top as a lookout while the others flew lower, from branch to branch. They craned their necks back and forth just like humans, bobbing their heads trying to see what was killing the rabbit.  This was very humorous and I could barely keep from laughing out loud.  Just then, a wood hawk flew by and smacked the watch crow from his perch causing the crow to fall about three feet.  The crow finally recovered with a squawk, then he and his brothers silently flew away."
                                                                ...written by my Dad ~

I jogged today.  Today was good, the weather was warm, the sun was out.  I wanted to ride Blue but he was too wired so after a quick lunge, I turned the ponies out to roll in the mud and graze.  I jogged 2 miles, no stopping with another mile at just a walk.  No smooth treadmill either, I jogged down our lane.  It was difficult going up the last hill but there was no stopping.  It was tough but it felt good.  It had to feel good because three years ago today, February 13th of 2008 was the worse day of my life.  I had to make something good of this day.  For now on a good thing will happen on this day.  I spotted the usual 'watch crow' this morning in our backyard and just smiled to myself.  I think of him now when I see crows, especially a 'watch crow'.  I say a little prayer and tell him I love him...I know he is with me in spirit, the 'clues' are always there. 

Dad with me after my bath

Dad with Jeff my cousin in Vermont

Today I received one of those clues only I didn't know it at the time.  During my walk I saw a huge hawk silently fly away from the lane as I approached his feeding territory.  I knew Dad would have loved to see the mighty wing span from a worm's eye view and I was thrilled to have spotted him.  I don't often get to see that hawk unless I'm within the confines of our car.  I knew I wanted to share his crow story but wasn't sure I could find it and it just hit me about the hawk. (sorry, no pun intended) I hadn't read the story for a long time and just remembered something about a 'watch crow'.

Vermont Christmas and smoking....

So here's to you my dear sweet Father.  Your last child will always carry with her your deep love for the great outdoors, the animals, the trees, the wildflowers and the birds.  I walk my woods just as you walked your hunting grounds.  I am quick with the eye just as you taught me to be keen and observant. I can be very quiet and almost invisible just as you were with those crows.  If only you loved your strong capable body as I do mine.  Unlike you, I will never smoke.  I will exercise for the remainder of my years and preserve my heart to my best ability.  Damn those cigarettes Dad, you had the genes to live to a hundred.  I miss you tremendously.  No one else in our family loved my wildlife stories as you did.  No one else shared in the delight of finding a tiny hidden wildflower.  No one else understood the sheer joy of being surrounded by nature's beauty and the magical feeling from listening to stillness of the woods.   The wall divides us now.  The silent wall where we on earth cannot see, cannot hear, cannot use our senses to penetrate this unknown world.  Only faith can bring us together until it is my time.  So keep on giving me clues, keep on reminding me that you are with me in spirit.  And keep on sending me the 'watch crow' who loves to perch on top of the tallest tree in our backyard. 

Summer evening at the table with my kitty doll that great Grammy made.