The air felt especially chilly and unpleasant that morning as mourners gathered inside the church for the funeral of beautiful Emily, a six-year-old child who died too young.
Her sad parents stood by their daughter’s coffin, holding hands and wondering how they would live their lives without their little darling by their side.
Emily was beloved by everyone who ever met her. She was usually friendly and pleasant. Her death had a ripple effect throughout the community, not only on her family.
Those who came to the church to pay their respects sat silently as the priest started the service. His voice shook as he read the prayers.
And then something unusual occurred.
A large, dark crow flew into the chapel during the funeral service and landed on the girl’s coffin.
The bird, whose eyes were extraordinarily shiny, remained still as the mourners stared at it in surprise. “A crow is inside the church,” they mumbled.
Some muttered that the bird had arrived by accident, but everyone knew there was more to it.
At one point, the crow rested its head on the casket, as if in respect for the life lost.
Eventually, all of the voices subsided, and everyone watched the crow peacefully.
After a while, the crow lifted its head, spread its wings, and flew away without making a sound.
The older persons who observed the odd sight spoke of long-held beliefs that crows were related to the spirit world. They served as messengers for spirits who had passed away. At the time, it seemed like those stories and ideas were true.
Emily’s mother, unable to keep her tears from running down her cheeks, turned to her husband and stated, “This was her way of saying goodbye.”
The crow’s presence at their daughter’s funeral provided the bereaved parents with the necessary closure. It was an indication that their daughter was gazing over them from a peaceful place.
