Bird Watching

Polly loved watching birds. She had made a simple tray type bird feeder out of rough lumber and attached it outside the window over her kitchen sink. She could raise the window and add feed and water without ever going outside, especially nice during the cold winter months. But most importantly she could see their every move just inches away from where she stood washing dishes or preparing a simple meal.

She could tell you stories about the birds! She knew what they were saying and would repeat the sounds made by the bluejays screaming "Snake! Snake! Snake!" or the scream "Gotcha!" made by the hawk when he swooshed down to grab a field mouse.

"It's the father cardinal that feeds the babies so the mother can go build another nest for the next batch of little ones," she explained. "Most of the time males pick a lifetime partner. Even though they don't live for a long time."

She would laugh and add "Like men, there's a few of them that's unfaithful and has another partner on the side!  You can watch and see 'em trying to keep both nests of babies fed!"

I can still hear her insisting she knew how courtship worked! "But the females have a say in who they choose for a mate. You can watch them, it's like they are flirting. To prove he will be a good provider for the babies, the male cardinal will feed the female. The best feeder wins!"

I didn't truly believe her until I became a birdwatcher. "Oh my goodness, would you look at that!"

"Well, maybe, I'm not hungry but….I'll try just one seed…."

Mother's Day

The Cherokee Tribal Council gave Polly an Indian name in her later years. In all their interactions with her, she loved them unconditionally. She showed that love by giving - whether it was something she had cooked, sewed, written, recycled, re-gifted or shared - she gave without strings attached! They named her Holy Heart Woman.

Her children agreed that Holy Heart Woman was a fitting name for a mother that loved each of them totally and unconditionally! She never, ever put her needs (or wants) before theirs.

Testament to that love was the determination and strength she mustered to stay in this world until her children were able to come home for one last family reunion on Mother's Day, May 10, 2010.

After waving goodbye to each of them as they left to go home, she died peacefully the next day on May 11, 2010.

Always busy, Polly loved making collages. Below are some of those. If you look closely, you may find yourself or for sure someone you know in these collages!

This collage includes photos of Polly throughout her lifetime.

Polly left a legacy of love. That legacy is:
Mothers make the world a better place! If your mother is still alive, spend as much time as you can with her, showering her with love and affection. If you are a mother, love your children unconditionally, putting their wants and needs first.