As per my Uncle Rick’s request, I would like to honor my Gramma Evelyn’s passing, with the story below.
The Waterbug Story
Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of waterbugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in a while one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about with its friends. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily, it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.
“Look!” said one of the waterbugs to another, one of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she’s going?” Up, up, up it slowly went. Even as they watched, the waterbug disappeared from sight. It’s friends waited and waited but it didn’t return. “That’s funny!” said one waterbug to another,”Wasn’t she happy here?” asked a second, “Where do you suppose she went?” wondered a third.
No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled. Finally one of the waterbugs gathered its friends together. “I have an idea. The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why.” “We promise,” they said solemnly.
One spring day not long after the very waterbug who had suggested the plan, found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broken through the surface of the water and had fallen into the broad and free lily pad above. When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn’t believe what he saw. A startling change had come over his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings. The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from his new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself above the water. He became a dragonfly.
Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere. By and by the new dragonfly landed happily on a lily pad to rest. That was when he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the waterbugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing sometime before.
Then the dragonfly remembered the promise. Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water…. “I can’t return” he said in dismay. “At least I tried. But I can’t keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I’ll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they’ll understand what has happened to me, and where I went.” And the dragonfly winged off happily into a wonderful new world of sun and air.
Evelyn became a dragonfly on February 15, 2011 at 5:36am and I’m so glad. Because now she can soar as high as she wants to, along with her husband Ernie and still watch us through the pond which separates us. I feel a great peace in knowing that one day we’ll be together on the same lily pad, soaking up the warm rays of the sun.
*Most of you have come to know, and love my Grandmother Evelyn, simply through this blog. You’ve seen her photos, you’ve laughed at her video’s, and you’ve read her stories. She was an extraordinary woman. I am blessed to have had her in my life. I will never forget the life lessons she taught me. And I will be quoting her for many years to come. I am going to miss her very much.
This is how I will always remember her….
Gramma Evelyn, you will live forever, in my heart. See you on the other side.
[RIP Evelyn Josephine Colonna: 1/15/1925 – 2/15/2011]
Thank you, Ziva. I’m trying to keep busy today, and reading blogs has been more than helpful. I’m just dreading going to the wake & funeral. That makes it so ‘final’.
Oh Lisa. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
To ALL of my darling friends,
I am deeply touched by the incredibly display of love and support from everyone. I am overwhelmed by your kindness, generosity, and comforting words. Your heartfelt comments and messages are truly helpful and very much appreciated. You guys have really helped kick off the healing process. Your uplifting vibes, prayers and loving thoughts, have helped raised my family up during this difficult time. Because of you, we can walk forward knowing that we were incredibly lucky to not only have the greatest mother/grandmother on the planet, but also lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives.
I am truly blessed.
Thank you.
Sorry to hear about you Gram, Meleah. It sounds like she lived life on her own terms, and that’s something.
my sympathies
I am so sorry to hear of the loss Gramma Evelyn. I have come to know your family so well through your blog and though I haven’t actually met them I feel the loss too. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was a wonderful lady.
My sincerest condolences Meleah. I’m really, really, really sorry to hear about this sad news 🙁
My deepest sympathies. This was a lovely tribute and she seemed like a wonderful person. I hope that soon you will find comfort in the memories and your heart won’t ache as much.
She sure did. Thank you, Mike.
Much appreciated.
Thanks Jennifer. I’m glad I was able to share her with you.
Thank, Nick.
Well, I certainly have a lot of good memories to dwell on. And that’s good.
Thank you, Lucy.
Oh my goodness I’m sitting here with tears going down my cheeks. I knew this was on your blog from facebook but have been holding back, knowing how sad it would be. But I got up my courage and here I am. You have put smiles in this beautiful post too… especially with the song. There are a few pictures of her that look just like YOU when she was young.. wow! She was beautiful… I LOVE the pictures. Especially that amazing dress she was wearing. God bless all of you. Now you have someone very special looking over you at all times. I have loved learning about her in your posts… I’m so sad for your loss Meleah!
Oh Katherine,
Thank you. Thank you for such kind and loving words.
Just tears of Joyful sorrow, Very sorry to hear of your loss. Very obviously a very special person to many. Thank you for sharing it helps us also. Appreciate your kindness Richard during our time of mourning. I wish you peace and rest knowing and believing in the dragonfly.
Sorry for your loss Meleah… Keep those memories x
Oh, I’m SO sorry you lost your Grandma Evelyn, Meleah! That’s sad for you. But what a wonderful story! It’s the best one yet that I’ve heard to describe the transition between this life and the next. Thank you for posting that!
take the gift she gave you and carry it with you where ever you go….
What a beautiful post and awesome video. I’m really sorry for your loss but glad you have so many wonderful memories of your grandma. You’ll be in my thoughts.
Thank you.
I’ve been going through old videos of her. That’s makes me feel close to her.
You’re welcome, Jay.
I definitely will, Robert. Thank you.
Thank you, Shelia.
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That’s such a lovely post Meleah. I have the same wishes & hopes. May we all become dragonflies someday.
Oh Meleah this was such a wonderful tribute. You’ve got me crying. I had a blast reading about her and seeing her videos. She was a one of a kind. Amazing.
Thanks Ricardo. She was the best.
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I know I’m getting to this one somewhat late… maybe distastefully so… but I still want to say that I’m very sorry for your loss. I was such a huge fan of your Grandma Ev. What an awesome woman. I’m glad you are able to remember her this way.
Thank you, Mike.
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