It started about a month after the accident, I was in Florida sitting alone on the patio near our leafless and seemingly dying Silk Floss tree he had planted from seeds (illegally pilfered from Disney World on a previous family trip!). As I was contemplating our "new normal" a dragonfly caught my attention as it landed on a branch of the tree which was occupied by at least thirty other dragonflies simply resting on its branches. I didn't think much of it beyond the intrigue of seeing so many on one place and on that sickly looking tree of all places. Alas, in the following months I began to see dragonflies everywhere I went. They would dart in front of me, fly into my car windows, rest on near-by chairs, and generally make their presence known. I would see pictures, art work, and trinkets emblazoned with images of dragonflies regularly. A couple weeks after the dragonfly-covered Silk Floss tree scene, my Mom called to tell me that our tree was budding leaves! I told her about the dragonflies and how I’d been seeing them literally everywhere since that day on the patio- dragonfly sightings had become so prevalent in my everyday life that I couldn’t deny the fact that they had to be there for a reason.
So one night I retreated to my office with a hot cup of coffee and after cuddling into a blanket, settled in for a little research. Before long I was sifting through stories and symbols, meanings and significances of this newly remarkable creature in my life. The most common theme arose quickly; dragonflies are symbolic of the souls of those no longer with us. Other significances include their aerodynamic (airplane-like) shape and penchant to graceful flight. “They are fantastic flyers, darting like light, twisting, turning, changing direction, even going backwards as the need arises”. My Dad had aviation in his blood (as did his Dad) and loved flying; his airplane wings were practically an extension of his own body. Countless stories of flight, beauty, life, and inspiration filled my computer screen. It was becoming quite clear that my heightened awareness to their presence was a frequent and gentle reminder to celebrate, like the dragonfly’s too short life, my Dad’s all to brief stay with us. I knew my search for their meaning was complete with the five final words, while reading a brief snippet describing their short life and innate aspiration, I could almost hear my Dads voice echoing his favorite motto “live life to the fullest.”
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 5 years since he’s been gone; and though I still recoil from the pain I find myself thankful for the time I did have, grateful for the memories, and privileged to be his daughter.
If you happen to look into the Anoka sky tonight and see 3 lanterns glowing as they gracefully skim the skyline, I hope you smile knowing they are in honor of an amazing Father-in-law, Dad, and Grandpa.
