The Haunting

My brother and I had a standing conversation that always started out:

"How are you?"

"Still alive, dammit."

"Well that's a good thing since I'm talking to you."

"When I die I'm going to haunt you."

"You better not!"

And since he did die in May of this year I have given that much thought. Sometimes because I really miss him and almost wish he would haunt me. I mean how much scarier could he be dead, right?

Seriously though, his favorite animal was an American Bald Eagle, which he has driven all the way to Grafton to show me in February. I saw a golden eagle out on his farm once, but I've never seen an American one around Bloomington.

Until -- Last week when I saw one fly right over my car in downtown Bloomington! And today one flew over my car as I passed the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois where my brother used to camp. And then right outside of Jackson, Tennessee, another Bald eagle skimmed right over my car!

I know it could be pure coincidence, but three in such a short time? It does make me wonder. Especially because my brother has been showing up in my dreams the past five nights. He is much happier and healthier than he's been for years and also appears prosperous, so . . .

And just for the record I do notice birds. A lot. Usually I'm looking for Blue Herons, or woodpeckers, or even red tailed hawks. But right now I seem to be seeing American Bald Eagles.