I’ve promised quite a few people that I would keep this blog on Caring Bridge going. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve last posted but today was a very special day. Before Joe passed he made a promise to me. Joe promised that whenever he got to where he was going, he would send me a sign of some sort.
Before Joe’s illness, we used to go to the beach every chance we got. One day, while at Hollywood Beach, Joe and I were talking when he pointed to a pelican. He said “ Dana, when I come back, I want to come back as a pelican!”
Much to my surprise, I asked, “why a pelican?” Joe answered, “They are a strong independent bird. They are responsible for building a nest up in a tree nearest to the coast for their families.”
There were a few other reasons but what stuck out for me was how responsible and independent this magnificent bird was!
I’m in Costa Rica for business and fortunately found time today to go jet skiing. Needless to say I have not been on a jet ski in over ten years. I was quite nervous and found myself having a conversation with God. I asked God to please watch over me and make sure that I got back to shore safely.
As soon as I finished my little prayer, there sat a pelican in the water!
I began to cry because not only did I know I was going to be ok but it seemed as if Joe sent me the sign we had talked about! He was ok and I was going to be ok!
The pelican sat for about five minutes as did I. I watched as he “fished” for his food. Once he was done I then got to see the beauty of how this magnificent creature glides through the air as he took off into what seemed like Paradise.
I had not seen a pelican since coming to the island and I haven’t seen one since returning the jet ski.
Its amazing what a little prayer can do.
Today I will go out to see and spread some of Joe’s ashes. Maybe I will be gifted with sighting another Pelican and maybe not! What is most important to me is that both God and Joe showed up to let me know that everything is going to be all right....Just for today!!
