A Hawk’s Visit: A Mother’s Journey Through Grief and Hope
In the summer of 2016, a sense of fear gripped the quiet suburbs north of Atlanta after 17-year-old Carter Davis and his friend Natalie Henderson were gunned down in a random attack. The tragedy occurred just a day before Carter was set to start his senior year at River Ridge High School. For Carter’s parents, Michele and Jeremy Davis, the loss was unbearable. During a vigil held outside Carter’s high school, a hawk appeared, perching on a tree as Jeremy spoke about his son. The hawk remained until Jeremy finished, then it soared over the crowd, a moment that Michele later described as a sign that Carter was still with them in spirit.
Searching for Signs that Carter is OK
Michele Davis, an English teacher at the Lovett School in Atlanta, has found solace in unexpected signs that her son is alright. One of the most recent and touching signs came through Slater Nalley, a former student of Michele’s who wrote a song about Carter titled “Traces of You.” The song, which includes lyrics about hawks bringing comfort, will be featured on the season premiere of “American Idol.” Michele has shared how these moments of connection have helped her heal and regain her joy. From hawks to butterflies, these symbols have become a source of strength for her.
A Tragic Loss and the Comfort of Nature’s Signs
Just three days after a family trip to South Dakota’s Black Hills, where Michele and Carter had noticed the iconic rock formation known as the Praying Hands, the unimaginable happened. Carter and Natalie were killed in a senseless act of violence. Jeffrey Hazelwood, the 20-year-old gunman, later pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the murders. Hazelwood, diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, hadstalked the teens and shot them in the parking lot of a Publix grocery store. The randomness of the attack left the community in shock.
In the days following the tragedy, Michele found comfort in the natural world. At a vigil for Carter, a hawk appeared again, this time staying long enough to be seen by everyone present. For Michele, this was a clear sign that Carter was watching over her. Later, during a lacrosse game organized in Carter’s memory, a yellow butterfly landed on Carter’s helmet worn by his best friend. These moments, though small, brought her peace and reassurance that her son was still with her in some form.
Finding Healing Through Music and Community
Music has been a powerful source of healing for Michele. Slater Nalley’s song, “Traces of You,” captures the essence of Carter’s spirit and the connection Michele feels to her son through the hawks and butterflies that appear in her life. Michele described the song as “the most magical thing” she had ever heard. The song’s lyrics, which include lines about feeling Carter’s presence in the air and in the flight of birds, resonate deeply with her. Slater’s performance of the song on “American Idol” will be a testament to the enduring legacy of Carter’s life and the impact he had on those who knew him.
Living in the ‘And’: Grief and Joy Together
Michele has also found strength in a group of women known as the Warrior Moms, all of whom have experienced tremendous loss. Through their shared experiences, they have learned to navigate the delicate balance between grief and joy, a concept Michele refers to as “living in the ‘and.’” This mindset allows her to acknowledge the pain of her loss while also embracing the moments of joy and connection that remind her of Carter. The Warrior Moms are currently working on a book titled “Grieve Like a Mother, Survive Like a Warrior,” which aims to help others find joy again in the midst of sorrow.
Looking Forward: Finding Hope in the Unexpected
For Michele, the journey through grief has been marked by moments of unexpected beauty and connection. From the hawk at the vigil to the butterfly on Carter’s helmet, these signs have reminded her that her son’s spirit lives on. As she continues to look for these moments of connection, Michele finds hope in the idea that Carter is still with her, watching over her and guiding her through the darkest days. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of love to transcend even death itself. Michele’s journey is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and her child, a bond that no tragedy can break.
