The Circle

Ramsey was playing outside.  Eric was packing for our yearly trip to the cabin.  The boys came in and brought this little guy into the house.  He was lifeless, but still so very beautiful.

Ramsey could tell by my demeanor that my heart was saddened for this creature.  Also, whenever I see a dragonfly, I remember our sweet Peggy - dragonflies were her favorite.   Bittersweet memories. 

A dragonfly is a symbol of change, transformation, and self-realization.  It represents the love of life.  It represents rejoicing and having faith even amidst the utmost difficulties in life.  Its associated meaning is powerful.

Ramsey is a wise little boy though.  Knowing I needed a bit of consoling, he gave me a pat on the back and said, "Mom, it's OK.  It's the circle of life."

Ya buddy, ya it is.  

As long I am being sentimental here (and also speaking of our fine flying insect friends), here's another little story about my gone-too-soon sister-in-law, Peggy.

Peggy had battled ovarian cancer for 13 years before her body could fight no more.  During some of our conversations, I always told her, "When you cross over, show me a sign when you're there so I know you're all right.  Show me a purple butterfly."   That was our thing.  Her death was inevitable and my need to know [about the afterlife and her spirit] was strong.

On the day of her funeral, we went to the church to celebrate her life.  As I walked in to see all of the beautiful flowers that were sent by her friends, my eye immediately went to a beautiful bouquet.  And, as part of that bouquet was this:

A decorative purple butterfly.

Coincidence?   Or a sign?  It's easy to rationalize either way.  I like to think it's the latter.

I've kept it all of these years (it's been nearly seven - November 2nd, All Soul's Day, 2014).  Its long bendable wire used to stick down into one of my plants in the east-facing window of our living room.  The wire has since eroded.  Even in its rather faded and rickety state, it adorns a shelf in the family room downstairs where it will remain as long as it is intact.