A HUMMINGBIRD'S HELLO
My sister Wendy once nursed and released an injured hummingbird. It became a thing, her and hummingbirds. As teenagers, we promised each other that if one of us died, she'd let the other know that she was OK. Wendy was the first to go, at 48.
Sitting outside one morning, I felt something repeatedly swoop low over my head. I yelled, "Wendy, if that's you, stop messing around and show me!" And suddenly a hummingbird hovered in front of my face.
When I told my daughter the story later that morning, she interrupted, "Mom, there's a hummingbird flying right over your head!" It came so close it could've perched on my glasses.
I said, "Hi, Wendy." She tweeted back and sped off. I haven't seen her since, but if I never do, that's fine. I know she's OK.
-CATHY REDMOND Port Orange, Florida
BEDTIME STORIES
My kids were nine and eight years old when their grandpa passed. Our daughter often said how much she missed him. We wondered why our son wasn't as expressive. We worried his reaction was almost too cold-until he said he didn't miss Grandpa because he saw him every night, when Grandpa sat on his bed and talked to him until he fell asleep.
-KARIN IVERS Faribault, Minnesota
FROM GRAVEYARD TO FRONT YARD
We bought a small house on an acre of land that had been neglected after the owner died. Working alone in the yard one day, I felt three sound pats on my back. Later, I learned that the last owner had been fanatic about keeping her yard neat. I think she was thanking me for getting it back into shape.
-LEA MAY Statham, Georgia
GREETINGS FROM BEYOND
My mom died just before my birthday. We both loved greeting cards. We once had worked together at a stationery shop and sent each other plenty of cards over the years, even though we lived nearby and saw each other often.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Cookies for Forgiveness
My blowup was half-baked. The apology wasn't
Puff the Magic Pastry
It always rises to the occasion
New Year's Traditions Around the World
1 MOST OF US spend the final seconds of each calendar year watching a nearly 12,000-pound geodesic sphere descend over Times Square in New York City.
Mom's Wall-Sign Wisdom
She never met a plaque or bumper sticker she didn't quote
Protect Your 'Holiday Heart'
This joyful time of year can also be dangerously stressful
Heroes of the Holidays
It's not just Santa Claus bringing the holiday magic this season. As you'll see, he's got elves all over.
The Man Who Looks After His Wife's Ex
For him and his bride, \"in sickness and in health\" meant something really special
How Risky Are Those Holiday Cocktails, Really?
The latest recommendations about drinking and your health
HOW ONE KENTUCKY TOWN SAVED ITSELF
Downtown Hazard had lost its small-town mojo to drugs. Former addicts are helping to bring it back.
Dream It, Do It, Done!
Your bucket-list goals, accomplished