Hummingbirds

A flash of harmless lightning,
A mist of rainbow dyes,
The burnished sunbeams brightening
From flower to flower he flies.

- John Banister Tabb

Hummingbirds fluttered into my life without any coaxing from me. I remember sitting with my mom on the step of their summer home, only to have a hummingbird suddenly appear and hover right in front of her, for what seemed like minutes. It was the strangest sight - and one that stuck with me ... From that day forward, I felt a shared connection between hummingbirds
and my mom.
After my mom had her lung transplant and she cleared her 3 month post care, she left me a note on my pillow thanking me for my help. She said I wasn't unlike a hummingbird, flitting from flower to flower, spreading life and vitality. It was the greatest compliment I ever received.
Over the years people have given me beautiful hummingbird gifts - stationary, crystal birds, chimes, keepsake boxes, and most recently - a beloved west coast native print of a hummingbird (thanks west coast cuz).

I read somewhere that the hummingbird represents abundant life and joy. I also read that the hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards - a reminder that the past can't be changed but it can teach lessons. Supposedly the hummingbird comes when it seems that what needs to be done is impossible and teaches how to find joy in any circumstances.

If so - I am glad the elusive hummingbird showed up when it did. I can't think of a better symbol of how I want to live my life. Now I am going to flit off to bed!