Transitions
There is a symbolism in the dragonfly in various cultures: to the Japanese, it symbolizes summer and autumn and is admired and respected all over, so much so that the Samurai use it as a symbol of power, agility and best of all, victory. In China, people associate the dragonfly with prosperity, harmony and as a good luck charm.
The dragonfly is sometimes seen as a symbol of transformation and starting over. They are always around. They may remind us how transient life can be, how quickly things can change with no warning, and how easy it is for us to take the status quo for granted.
I posted three photos of dragonflies, because the common green darner, the red calliope pennant, and the common blue dasher represent the three primary colors in photography that are the basis for all the other hues and color tones.
All the colors mean transformation and change, so much so that the seeming fragility of this beautiful insect hides a strength of purpose that carries it along from the nymph stage to its appearance as a mature dragonfly in the late Spring, to its disappearance in the Fall.
While you’re thinking about a recent and unexpected loss, remember that death is simply a transition and a resting place.
Love and caring never die. They just go on, to eternity.
Category: Blue Skies
Nice, Ex-PH2.
Hard to wrap my head around Jonn being gone, but he left a strong group in his wake and we will carry on.
Thanks, Bill.
We will slowly pull ourselves back together. It just takes time. We’re starting to get over the initial shock. The rest will follow over time.
Well done, Ex. A much needed interlude of something peaceful.
Thanks, OWB.
It’s a slow transition but we’ll get there. Mutual support is everywhere within this group of people.
Beautiful and very fitting, thank you Ex-PH2.
I am still stunned.
Thanks, OS2.
Give yourself time.
Eloquent and graceful.
Thanks, Ed. Time is on our side, now.
Thanks Ex
You’re very welcome, Fyrfighter.
Be kind to yourself.
Thank you Ex-PH2
Life is amazing from beginning to end
And then to the hereafter and beyond
You’re welcome, Skippy.
Take the time to adjust to the change.
Thanks Ex-PH2, you have a wonderful way of putting things into perspective.
Speaking for myself, the edge still cuts from the loss of Jonn.
I know with the passage of time & mourning, we all will continue on with our lives. But, Jonn will never be forgotten. He will always live on in our hearts & minds forever.
And you my-lady, are truly a jewel in your own right.
Thank you.
Rick
As a child I was afraid of Dragonflies. We called them “darning needles” and the myth was that they would sew your lips shut.
As I grew older I noticed that they would fly around my head not to sew my lips shut but to eat the other bugs that were pestering me.
Now I look forward to seeing them each year, especially when the Deer flies are peaking.
Little UH-1’s protecting the troops.
“to its disappearance in the Fall”
I hate to see them go. Like other scary things
about life, I have come to accept the cycle of death and renewal. Even the smallest of creatures have much to teach us.
Thank you so much for this Ex, I know I will never forget Jonn and his dedication to the mission. I just have this giant hole in my heart right now. Please keep up the good work!
Thanks to all.
Thank you Ex-PH2. Warm remembrances.
Jonn owned the blog but considered himself more the safe keeper of this great place than he did its operator. Now and then he acknowledged that w/o youse guys, the blog is nothing. He meant it. No unit folds b/c its commander is taken from it, although a unit’s character and personality can change when its leadership does. We do not know whether this entity, a piece of property in coldest terms, will continue. That is not up to us, but so long as it does exist let’s take the advice of those who have encouraged us to press on, for however long we are able.
Lovely thoughts, Ex. I’d never much paid attention to dragonflies. Now I won’t be able to look at them the same way.
Well said, and thank you.
“Love and caring never die. They just go on, to eternity.”
Thank you, so much, Ex-PH2, for these touching words.
Thank you all for dropping by here. Take the time to heal, and to look forward.
Thank you Dear Lady. We all needed that!
Thanks, EX, you really know how to hit the right notes. I, too, will look at dragonflies with a renewed view.
Nicely done, Ex.
Thank you, Green Thumb.
It’s a strange place we find ourselves in just now. On the one hand, there’s the Tribute post and its hundreds of comments and, on the other hand, the appearance of normality elsewhere at TAH. I can’t describe the two worlds. They’re not in tension. It’s just…like being in two worlds.
Part of that is because the suddenness of what happened – that it was unexpected and certainly not thought about – did not allow a warning of any kind to any of us. We still have a time of sadness to turn into acceptance, and it does take time.
The vacancy and sense of loss are real. At some point, those become less a harsh reality, and more a long memory that we can carry with us.
The hollow feeling will fade after a while. Just keep the good memories in the front.
A huge loss.
Sudden but not entirely unexpected with his challenges.
I cannot say I fully knew the man but.
Suspect he would not have done well, lingering.
It was SUDDEN, but that has many good points to it, number 1, Jonn did not suffer…thats BIG, number two, his family didn’t have to fret over the coming demise, that too is big tho it may not seem so, I have prayed for everyone in my family, when it is their time, to go instantly, no suffering…and so far they all have, prayers have been answered..I even prayed that for my little dog and she died quietly in my arms without any more suffering..”Cry when they are born, rejoice when the die”….!
Jonn told me directly, when I go just keep on keeping on. But, I know what you mean.
Thank you, ma’am. Fitting as a tribute and a reminder.
Jonn was special. This was a beautiful interlude. Thank you!