Personal Stories

The Red-tailed Hawk (Kate, May 2005)

I want to tell you the story of singing as Laurel's family said goodby to their Grandmother Kay.

Kelsey, Khalila and I sang "We walk not into the night, we walk but toward the stars" as the simple coffin that the family had decorated was placed at the entrance to the crematorium. The family joined us right away, a great group of strong singers. They held each other and sang as the box went into the flames. Then, outside, we sang "If not love, what are we here for?" Then we sang "It hurts to know we're losing you, don't want to make you stay, so we will hold you while you fly away." Right above us a beautiful red-tailed hawk appeared, hovering, motionless except for the very tips of her wings which held her in place.

For about a minute, we sang as we watched her float above us, everyone calling out to the spirit of their mother/grandmother/friend. Then the bird tucked her wings and steeply dove out of sight. One of the little children called "Grandma, come back." She instantly reappeared and hovered again, this time for longer, maybe 4 minutes while everyone marvelled, clapped, and sang. I acknowledge this family for the clarity with which they released their Grandmother and know that everyone will be able to feel her presence and spirit in their hearts, especially when they see a red-tailed hawk riding on the wind.