As Eric and I went on our weekend ride, Earth Wind & Fire cheered the air. A huge praying mantis appeared on the windshield. We both stared. I said, “Buddy, you have to leave.” I thought once we started down Marine Corps 1, it would fly into the sky.
Nope. It was smack in my vision, so I apologized as I turned on the windshield wipers. It skooched up and clung on. Only when we turned at Adelup did the wind force send it away. “Thanks, Mom,” Eric said. “Hmmm,” was my reply.
The next day after mass, a praying mantis greeted me in the garage. “Oh, my. Did you come back?” I avoided it until I told myself to stop being silly. It was not alive, so I swept it into the yard.
The next day at work, Eric, Lane Jo and I were in their work shack recounting their day. A bright praying mantis was to my right. I stared. Eric stood up and sent it off.
Not done yet.
As I was driving through Agat, I saw flowering mango trees. I wondered if our tree had flowers. My aging eyesight led me to the upstairs balcony for a closer look at the tall tree. As I moved to open the sliding door, there looking at me was a huge praying mantis.
“Okay, dude, I won’t disturb you,” I said. I canceled my mango flower hunt.
A couple days later, I cut plumeria to share with Cathy and the Ordot Dental team. Carrying the blossoms into the garage, I placed them in water bottles. Oh, my. Looking up at me with huge eyes was a praying mantis. “Wow. Alrighty. You must skedaddle, please.” I helped it move.
I am a great storyteller and admit that exaggeration is a tool used to amplify tales – particularly as a teacher – at all grade levels. But this story is not exaggerated – not at all.
When I shared my praying mantis tale with Ryan, he looked at me and said, “Mom, it’s good luck. One year ago, you were in the hospital. Not this year.” Yes, one year ago, I collapsed at Eric’s work site and ended up at GRMC. Blood pressure plummeted to 63/30, insides started shutting down, stomach was pumped for three days in the hope that blockage caused by adhesive placed during a 1972 emergency appendectomy would exit. It didn’t – so to the operating room I went to. All is fine a year later.
Praying mantis is a symbol of good luck. How about that?
Another shared that mom and dad are checking in. I smiled. Frankly, there are so many family members and friends above, I do not doubt their telling me to be still, to chill, to know there are guardian angels on watch.
Recently, we said good-bye to Anita Ada, Cil Orot and Maria Benito – all lovely ladies with whom we enjoyed high school. I can sense them right now watching and smiling. The love and friendship we shared is so very precious.
Most recently, Cousin Mike left unexpectedly. He owes me lunch, so I figure he’s chiming in with a smile. And, well, this past week, he popped up everywhere with memories. Then, there’s Mrs. Tuncap who was a mass buddy. Every time I look to the left, I see her in her lovely tan beret. Rossi Tolentino, with whom I wish I had spent more time talking was such a kind, gentle soul.
Then there’s James Martinez, who always welcomed chatting with me no matter how busy he was. I am so grateful for his leadership in building futures. Vice Speaker Nelson – whose son Glenn has graciously mentored and supported Ryan – is now resting above.
The praying mantis symbolizes guardians and angels, prayer and wisdom. How about that?
Do I believe? Yes, I do. I hope you do, too. Life is so fleeting, it helps to believe.
Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to aline4families@gmail.com.
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