Do you remember the last time you saw a cardinal?
Many people believe that these bright red birds carry messages from loved ones who have passed away, a gentle reminder that they are still near. That symbolism has become especially meaningful for six-year-old Ivy Kemppainen, whose father died in 2023 from liver disease.
Ivy was in pre-K when she learned the unimaginable: her dad’s body had stopped working. Even for adults, grief is heavy and confusing. For a young child like Ivy, it felt overwhelming. Talking about him made her sad, so she stopped. Her world had changed, but she didn’t yet have the words to explain how she felt.
In hopes of giving Ivy comfort, her grandmother, her dad’s mom, gifted her a small cardinal ornament and shared its special meaning: when you see a cardinal, it’s a sign that your loved one is still watching over you. That message lit a spark of hope in Ivy’s heart.
The following Christmas, Ivy’s mom, Kayla, bought 12 cardinal ornaments for Ivy to give to family and friends. The next year, they purchased 24. Now their own tree is filled with them. “She keeps his memory alive through the cardinals,” Kayla shared. “We have a cardinal feeder at home and read the book The Cardinal’s Gift. She even brings them to school. It’s a sense of security for her. During the holidays, when everyone is celebrating, there’s still the pain of missing him. The cardinals help her navigate all those big emotions.”
Sharing these ornaments has given Ivy a way to tell her dad’s story and talk about him with comfort instead of fear. Attending The WARM Place has strengthened that confidence even more. “Since Ivy started attending group, I can tell she is no longer suppressing her emotions,” Kayla said. “Having a place to talk openly about dad has helped both of us have more honest conversations. There is no shortage of Dad in our house – pictures of him and crafts from The WARM Place are everywhere.”
When Kayla brings Ivy to The WARM Place, she also participates in the adult session. “I may not always be the best at sharing my emotions,” she admitted, “but connecting with other parents who understand, it makes me feel less alone. Grief can be lonely, but having a dedicated space to focus on those feelings is so helpful. I’m super thankful for The WARM Place.”
For Ivy, a simple red bird has become a symbol of comfort, connection, and love. And with the support of her family and The WARM Place community, her father’s memory continues to shine brightly – especially during the holiday season, when we all need reminders that love lasts far beyond loss.
