“I really don’t care for the big things, the big moments,” my sister-in-law, Mary, told me. “I always tell everyone I don’t need to have big surprises. I just enjoy the kind things people do for me.”
I smiled at Mary’s words as she continued to talk about the things that were important to her in life. Her words made me smile. Life can be so simple if we recognize the things that truly make us happy and hold on to those things regardless of other people’s negative comments or actions.
I was more open to Mary’s thoughts at that moment because I was having a very good day. I woke up around 9 am and spent the morning sipping a diet coke and catching up on my reading and studying. I spent the majority of the time in quiet contemplation as I studied my inspirational books on angels and new age teachings.
When I was finally ready to exercise my body and not just my mind, I got dressed and drove to the gym. I parked in front of the building, but before I got out of my car, I looked out of the windshield and noticed a large, brown, beautiful dragonfly hovering right in front of me. I smiled when I saw it. Though I was already familiar with this theory, I had just been reading that morning that butterflies and dragonflies are always symbols of a loved one who has passed over. Whenever a dragonfly or a butterfly appears, someone on the other side is sending a message of love and support. I thought about my mother as I watched the dragonfly dance on the breeze for a moment. I had just been thinking about my mom that morning as I prayed and studied. Slowly, I got out of my car, but even my sudden movements and the slamming of the door did not chase the dragonfly away. It remained around my car, circling slowly from the front to the sides and back around again. I started walking across the parking lot to the building. Once I reached the front door, on a whim, I turned and looked back at my car. The dragonfly had not moved away. I could still see the creature, just a small floating dot now, still dancing around my car. I smiled again, feeling at peace and walked inside the building.
Over an hour later, I walked out of the gym, and to my surprise, the dragonfly was still there! It hadn’t flown away from my car. The insect continued to float lazily around the front of my vehicle. I climbed into my car and watched as the dragonfly now situated itself directly in front of me as I stared out through the windshield. I could clear see the creature’s four fragile, gossamer wings. Again, I thought of my mother’s delicate and sensitive nature and felt her presence beside me. I started the car and began to ease out of my space and drive across the parking lot. As I rolled up to the exit, I tapped on the brake at the stop sign…and suddenly, there it was again! The dragonfly was once more hovering in front of me! I felt so blessed and grateful. I was loved and at peace with my life. I knew that everything was going to happen for the highest good. I had Mom supporting me from the other side. I drove away then from the parking lot and headed for home.
That evening, Mary and I decided to visit my brother, Tony, at his job and take him out to dinner. It would be a surprise for him, just a way of letting him know he was loved and appreciated. As we waited for Tony to finish work, Mary and I decided to walk around the outdoor outlet mall for a while. It was humid and hot, so we soon decided to get something drink at the small pretzel shop. Mary was gracious enough to treat us both to a diet coke. We then stepped outside and sat on a silver iron bench in the shade as we sipped our cold drinks and talked. Our discussion was inspiring as Mary talked about the things she considered important in her life. I couldn’t help but grin as I listened to her. My smile must have grown very wide because Mary suddenly stopped talking and asked me, “What is it?”
I told her then about my incident with the dragonfly that morning. “And look at this,” I said as I quickly reached into the pocket of my jeans. I pulled out a shiny, sparkling penny and showed it to her. I’m a big believer in “pennies from heaven.” Every time, I find a coin on the ground, I know someone in heaven is thinking about me. “Look…while you were paying for our drinks at the pretzel shop, I had walked over to grab some straws and I had kicked something across the floor. When I looked down, it was this penny. So I had my dragonfly this morning and my coin this afternoon…I have been thinking about Mom all day. And I know now for sure that she has been thinking about me, too.”
Mary looked at me with her eyes grown wide with wonder. She didn’t think I was crazy! She believed me and agreed that my mother was around me that day. Mary and I then shared amazing stories about superstitions we acknowledge and moments were we had true clarity in our lives. Mary then stated her philosophy about the importance of basic kindness as opposed to big gestures.
After a few minutes, Mary and I returned to my brother’s workplace and we all went out together for a great meal and a relaxing, fun evening. I spent the rest of the night reflecting on what an amazing day I had just experienced. This had been one of the best days of my life. I was content. I was relaxed. I was loved on earth and in heaven. And I knew that I was so fortunate. I don’t need to be always traveling the world or getting praise for my work or being the center of attention. I just need dragonflies and coins, thoughtful conversation, and moments of kindness. I will always be willing to trade one great, busy, remarkable day for a hundred days of pleasant. It’s the little things that always make me happiest, too.
Author Jamie Zunick 