Pre-natal dreams of a queen and a monk–many years later
Before my younger daughter Gabi’s birth, I dreamt she was a Tibetan monk reincarnating in my family. I worried about a group of crimson and saffron-clad Tibetans coming to my door to reclaim her. It didn’t happen. Today she turned 26. Happy birthday!
Yesterday, when I went for my afternoon walk, I remembered that at that very moment 26 years ago I was in early labor. As she emerged, I felt the presence of Avalokiteshvara, the Boddhisattva of compassion, lending me comfort and strength. Today, for the first time, I told her about those dreams way back then.
My older daughter showed up in my prenatal dreams as an approximately 4-inch tall baby wearing a sequined evening gown. Due to her tiny size, I kept misplacing her even though she sparkled so much.
The funny thing about these prenatal dreams is that they showed me something essential about both of my daughters. Rachel has many queenly qualities, and Gabi has many monk-y qualities. Not the same as monkey qualities–if that’s anyone, it’s probably me–queen of the monkey mind.
Gifts for my daughters
And yes, I sent Gabi’s present out on time. Much better than my holiday gift debacle–see I feel I’m living in my own time zone for my reflections on that. I have Rachel’s gift ready, too, but she may move sometime this month, so I haven’t mailed it yet. Her birthday’s at the other end of February. (By way of saying–not my fault if her gifts arrive late. Always good to have an excuse.)
2 monk limericks
A couple of days ago, I recorded this video for my YouTube channel. As Valentine’s day approaches, I started thinking about all the people we’ve lost since last Valentine’s day. And death can be very hard to deal with and discuss with little ones. So I decided to share some of my favorite picture books about death and loss. Books have brought me so much comfort.
After that, though, I felt like writing something silly–and not much is sillier than limericks. So here are a couple inspired by, but not about, my daughter
Once a woman gave birth to a monk Who turned out to be quite a lunk. He dressed like a monkey and smelled very funky when he covered his hair with blue gunk
A monk went to visit the queen They say that he made quite a scene He drank all her tea then he climbed up a tree and jumped into his flying machine.
Thanks for stopping by
Now that I’ve managed to insult my wonderful daughter and monks, too, I guess I’ll call it a day.
Jone Rush MacCulloch hosts Poetry Friday today. She’s been part of this wonderful group for 13 years now. Amazing! Check out her Poetree and found poem–plus see what all the other poets have to share and share something yourself!
I hope you have a wonderful week.
xoxo
Susan – utterly astounding, this vivid revelation of your dream. This is so striking to me: “My older daughter showed up in my prenatal dreams as an approximately 4-inch tall baby wearing a sequined evening gown. Due to her tiny size, I kept misplacing her even though she sparkled so much.” Awed by the dreams’ conections to your daughters’ personailities. I am a believer in dream symbolism and keep a section of a notebook to record the more vivid ones (before they disintegrate from memory). Your painting – breathtaking! You’re so right about the silliness of limericks – yet, how easily they stick with us. Your monk and queen are so much fun.
There must be many families looking for books about grief now. I had a friend who was very ill, close to death, and she was searching for such book to share with her small son. It was very sad and now there is much sadness out there. I think your video would be helpful to families with children experienceing grief.