Signs, Symbols, & Seagulls
My husband's grandfather passed away before my husband and I began dating. Before he passed away, he told his family that if they ever saw a lone seagull it was him checking in. Despite never knowing him, this sentiment has stuck with me and whenever I see a lone seagull I think of him. While I have never been one to necessarily believe in psychics and ghosts, there is something about having a symbol to remember a loss that has resonated with me.
Fast forward to the day Benjamin died and I saw a lone seagull in a place where I never before and have never since seen seagulls. At the time, I did not think anything of it. Following Benjamin's death as I played back the day in my mind, I recalled the seagull. In that moment, I had a brief moment of peace. It felt to me as if my husband's grandfather was trying to let me know that he was there and we would survive this. Later when my husband and I were speaking, he made a comment that he hoped Benjamin was in heaven, sitting with his grandfather's lap fishing. I told him about the seagull I had saw. In that moment, I realized that seagulls would be a symbol for Benjamin too.
Having a symbol or sign that reminds you of your loss can be a good and a bad thing. Initially, there were days where I would tear up at the sight of any seagull, whether alone or not. As the loss became less fresh, the seagull became my subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) way to integrate Benjamin in our day to day lives. Anyone who walks into my home or my office will see multiple seagulls, each of which serve as little reminders to me and those who know me of the love we have for Benjamin and the legacy we will create in his honor.
There is a vast amount of information on the internet regarding the symbolism of seagulls. A few different ideas have stuck with me and reinforced my love for seagulls. Seagulls are known to be very devoted parents and will do anything necessary to protect their babies. Because of this, some people feel seagulls represent family and parenting. Seagulls are also known to be extremely adaptable and find ways to survive and make the best of even the worst circumstances. This resilience resonated with me as I push through each day following Benjamin's death while trying to make the best of the crummy hand we were dealt.
My mother-in-law found these (usually with cardinals) and we were lucky enough to have some custom made with seagulls. A special thank you to Old Farm Charm Decor for making these for our family.
I encourage you to consider having a symbol or sign for your loss. I believe it can promote healing, help keep us connected, and provide comfort. It is the little reminder that your loved one mattered and is still with you each day. Once you pick your symbol, do a little research on it. Maybe its symbolism and meaning will resonate with you the ways seagulls have for me. If not, that is ok too. I had no idea the symbolism associated with seagulls until recently. Learning the symbolism behind seagulls has served as another stage of healing for me, providing some positive reinforcement to the challenges I face daily.
Sending love, strength, and support your way,
Ashley
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