Jennefer Reiki’s a Cardinal

A Personal Reflection

One August evening around dusk, something struck our bedroom window with tremendous force. When I looked outside onto the roof, I saw a female cardinal lying on her side.

We carefully removed the screen and opened the window. I reached out, gently lifting her into my hands and cradling her close. With curious cats and dogs milling about, I carried her downstairs and into the quiet of the backyard while my son followed behind, filming the moment as I held and reikied her.

For the first several minutes, she simply rested in my hands, breathing heavily, curled softly against my palms. Gradually, as her breathing slowed and her body relaxed, she began to stand. It took time for her balance to return, but little by little, her strength came back.

Eventually, she hopped from my hand onto my robe and leaned peacefully against me. She seemed in no hurry to leave, and I deeply cherished this moment of stillness and connection.

I have often been told that my mother visits through the birds, and experiences like this have made me more aware of those quiet, meaningful moments that arrive when we are willing to truly notice them.

When the cardinal was finally ready, I walked with her to the fence and held out my hand. Still she lingered for a moment longer before flying gently to the top rail. She called out to her mate, who immediately answered from nearby.

And somehow, in that simple exchange, it felt like everything was exactly as it should be.