The Red Dragonflies
Pepper Scott
Terry once said something to me on a day when I was feeling particularly alone. He looked at me and said, “You are never alone!”
I don't know whether he realized how deeply those words would stay with me, but it almost seemed as if he took them as a personal assignment. From that day on, he made it his mission to prove his point.
And apparently, it was a mission that came with no expiration date.
On several occasions since Terry passed, I have experienced little visits that I couldn't quite explain. Unexpected moments, unusual encounters, and little happenings that seemed to arrive just when I needed them. I never felt the need to find a scientific explanation. Some things are simply more enjoyable when you allow yourself to believe in a little magic.
My recent trip away from home brought another one of those moments.
For some perspective, I had hardly ever been away from Terry's side. Not even for more than two or three hours at a time. So, traveling to visit my Mom without him was quite an experience in itself. I was stepping into unfamiliar territory, although I was going somewhere very familiar.
As luck would have it, it poured rain for ten consecutive days. Ten! Apparently, the weather gods had decided that my visit needed a little extra drama. I was beginning to wonder whether I had accidentally booked a vacation in a rainforest.
Then, finally, we got a break.
I was delighted to see a little patch of blue sky and hurried outside to sit under the porch. I looked up at that small opening in the clouds, enjoying the fresh air and the simple pleasure of not having water falling on my head.
And then, out of nowhere, a beautiful red dragonfly appeared. It came right down in front of me, hovered for a moment, and flew away.
What a lovely little surprise!
The following day, we got another break in the weather, and naturally, I headed outside again. I had barely settled in when another red dragonfly appeared.
But this time, there was a little companion flying alongside it.
Two bright red dragonflies!
They twirled and danced around me, moving together as if they had choreographed their little performance especially for my benefit. I was absolutely delighted. And right there, watching those two tiny visitors, I had a thought.
Terry and Baby Jolie.
Of course!
I couldn't help smiling. There was no question in my mind who had come to visit. Now, I realize that some people might raise an eyebrow at this conclusion. That's perfectly fine. They are entitled to their interpretation, and I am entitled to mine. I may be crazy, but I had no doubt about that.
About a week later, my nephew took me for a ride around town. We were enjoying the scenery when, suddenly, there it was again. A red dragonfly, flying right alongside my window.
Well, hello there!
This time, I didn't need a moment to wonder. I knew Terry was keeping me company. Perhaps he was checking up on me, making sure I was doing all right, or simply reminding me that his earlier promise still stood.
You are never alone.
Three little encounters, each arriving unexpectedly, each bringing a smile, and each leaving me with that wonderful feeling that love has a way of finding us, even when the people we love are no longer physically beside us.
I am grateful for these little gifts. I don't know how they happen, and I don't need to. Life is already full of things we cannot explain. Why should we insist on explaining all the beautiful ones?
I hope Terry and Jolie are free, happy, and at peace wherever they are. And if they happen to have a little time on their hands, I wouldn't mind the occasional visit.
Although, next time, perhaps they could bring a little sunshine with them. Ten days of rain was quite enough, thank you!
Until then, I'll keep looking up whenever a red dragonfly comes my way.
Because some promises are too special to disappear.
And some people, it seems, know exactly how to remind us that we are never alone.
