Yesterday was Nowruz. The start of spring and the Iranian new year. For hundreds of millions of people around the world, it represented a joyous event, the celebration of spring and a new year filled with possibilities. Alas, for me, it was a sad reminder of Shahdi's absence. I was not in a good mood the entire day. There was no enthusiasm for any of the Nowruz rituals. Had it not been for Mehrdad, instead of eating the traditional Nowruz dinner, we would have had leftovers. My melancholy mood continued during my commute home. When I pulled into the garage and got out of my car, I was immediately drawn to this delightful chirping coming from the top of a tree by our driveway. I stepped out, looked up, and there it was, a little red cardinal with a golden voice! I was transfixed in place and mesmerized by its singing. I thought to myself maybe this little bird was a messenger from Shahdi, trying to cheer me up in this first hour of spring. What a nice thought! I wish thoughts alone could soothe a broken heart.
