After months of being stricken with Empty Next Syndrome, I woke up one morning a few weeks ago, finally knowing What Was Next.
I sat down at the dining room table, determined to start outlining “Dragonflying Lessons,” a book that’s been living inside me for way too long.
But before my fingers even hit the keyboard, my eyes were averted by something very strange out the window.
A hummingbird was performing the most unusual aerial stunts imaginable.
From left to right, then right to left, she soared through the air like a miniature trapeze artist.
I called my husband Will to behold the spectacle.
Like me, he just stood there, transfixed.
What was this, some exotic mating ritual?
But once we went outside, our joy turned to “oy.”
Sadly, we realized that our little emerald green friend was helplessly tethered to the long, silky fine thread of a spider web.
We cut the barely visible thread and watched helplessly as the little hummingbird fell to the ground.
We expected the story to end there but miraculously, “Emerald” (she now had a name), fluttered around, obviously trying to fly.
I felt so helpless. I knew I had to something but what? I couldn’t just leave her there.
So, I called my dear friend Rochelle, one of the calmest, wisest and most spiritual people I know.
“She must have come to you for a reason. Get down on the ground next to her and tell her that you’re going to help her.”
“Ohhhh-kay,” I answered, having no idea how.
But I spoke reassuringly to Emerald who was still fluttering around, futilely trying to fly.
Her seemingly broken wing broke my heart.
Evidently, I wasn’t the only one worried.
I looked up to find another hummingbird hovering over us. My eyes filled with tears, thinking this must be Emerald’s mama.
While I was having my mini-breakdown, Rochelle was looking up Hummingbird Rescue organizations. (Who knew they even existed?)
In a matter of moments, I spoke to several “hummingbird rehabbers.”
The first told me to fill a syringe (can you believe I even had one?) with sugar water.
I tried my best but probably gave the bird more of a shower than a feeding.
The next rehabber said to “make a nest” so that if that was the mother, she might be able to feed her.
Well, that was a flop.Literally.
Emerald and the tiny plastic container I strapped to a tree both fell kerplunk on the ground.
A third rehabber, Linda (the only one geographically accessible,) said to put Emerald in a shoebox ASAP and hightail it to her house in Woodland Hills.
I was so stressed out by then, I couldn’t even find a shoebox. Fortunately, my neighbor could.
I dashed out the door, shoebox in hand, only to find my car was on empty.
!!?@#$!! I’m not cool, calm, or collected in situations like this.
And it didn’t help that while I was stopping to get gas, EMERALD FLUTTERED HER WAY OUT OF THE SHOEBOX!!!!
I freaked.
Seriously, was I driving 30 minutes on the freeway with a hummingbird sitting next to me?
Uh, make that sitting on my purse.
She had somehow managed to flutter to the ground. (What a lot of gumption for such a tiny little thing.)
I was so nervous, racing the clock and worried Emerald was hurting herself more.
Thankfully, my unflappable friend Rochelle, calmly talked me although the entire freeway ride.
A total wreck, I finally made it to Linda’s house.
This woman is a gift from God. She is a licensed wild life rehabilitation specialist whose house was filled with birds of every kind—from pigeons to falcons. (That morning she had even rescued a mole with cataracts.)

Such a thirst for life.
Linda handled Emerald with the confidence of someone who’s definitely been around the hummingbird block.
She washed and fed her (the right way) and gave her a private cage.
I learned that Linda’s house is the “Hummingbird ICU.”
Once they get stronger, she hands the healing hummers off to another rehabber who eventually releases them into her beautiful garden.
Tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes as I left.
Hugging Linda, I said a prayer for little Emerald, hoping she’d make it to the garden.
And knowing I had done everything in my power for this precious little being.
But that night I called and received the sad news that Emerald didn’t make it.
Tears trickled down my face. But that didnt stop my cruel Mind from its tirade:
“WELL THAT WAS GREAT. YOU JUST WASTED YOUR WHOLE DAY, TRYING TO SAVE A BIRD? YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING TO GET YOUR BOOK DONE THAT WAY? AND WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE OTHER BIG FAT GOALS OF YOURS, HUH?”
Before my mind could go any further, I took a few long deep breaths into my Heart. Ahhhhh…..
And now a word from my Inner Dragonfly:
The care, compassion and dedication you gave to that tiny hummingbird sent ripples of love into the universe.
In rescuing the hummingbird, you rescued yourself.
You and your culture put so much emphasis on accomplishing big goals.
Yet, true joy can be found in savoring the smallest moments.
Like Emerald, you have been tethered– held captive by the belief that you are not enough nor do enough. You have been imprisoned by the old paradigm of having to prove your worth.
By continually judging yourself, you miss the sweetness that can be found in every moment.
Like the hummingbird, flutter from flower to flower, drinking in the beauty and joy of each one.
Follow your heart’s fluttering. It is your instruction manual to life.
Stop taking inventory of what you HAVEN’T done. Celebrate what you HAVE done.
Enjoy the sparkle of life in this instance.
It is fleeting and yet, forever. Like your precious little Emerald.
Well, I have a feeling that this message was for you, too.
With every passing year, the tick-tick-tick of time gets louder. And the pressure mounts to make every moment count.
But sometimes we’re so focused on big goals and aspirations, that we miss the little miracles unfolding right before our eyes.
The same week as this story took place, my dear friend Mona Lisa gave me a card that “coincidentally” had a little bird on it and these words:
“We must be willing to let go of the life we had planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” -E.M. Forster
I hadn’t planned on being of service to a tiny hummingbird that day. But it felt sacred. Like I was connecting to something bigger than myself.
And do you know what was waiting for me the very next morning after Emerald had passed?

This gave me the chills.
I found this tiny little bird’s egg right outside our door.
You can’t make this stuff up.
It’s magic.
And I hope some of it flies into your life today.
xoxoWendi
P.S I’d be overjoyed to hear your thoughts. Just wing it below.
So much to think about! Thank you for enriching my day with your beautiful story! xo
That means the world to me, Laura. Thank you from the bottom of my grateful heart.
Oh my dear Wendi,
I am all choked up with tears and feeling all kinds of emotions! Wow, what a story. What magic. What a lesson!
And the egg symbolized the cycle of life, such a beautiful closure.
Thank you for sharing, Wendi. There is nothing more important and more real than helping another living being. The rest will follow.
Love you!
Wendy Sue
Ahhh….Wendy Sue, your words touch my heart so deeply. You have such a beautiful way of articulating. Big love to you.
I love this. It touched a cord on so many levels. Slow down, take care of what is important in that moment. And, I love your drawing. Thank you for sharing such a poignant event in your life.
Deb, thank you for taking the time to share how it affected you. It brings such a smile to my heart.
Beautiful!
Pam, that means a lot to me. Big hugs, Wendi
Perfect!
Thanks Wendi
Thank you, Jennifer. I really appreciate hearing from you.
Such a beautiful and moving piece of writing, so rich with wisdom and inspiration. Thank you for this!
Thank you, Shari. It is a joy to share it.
I’m truly overcome with emotion and my eyes are filled with tears at this precious story. I am reminded that our part is to take appropriate, loving action for ourselves and others and surrender the outcome. As always, thank you for sharing your journey.
I can’t see the computer through my tears. You are a blessing to many!
Oh, Kathleen—you touch my heart with your words. May those tears water your dreams. xoxo
That’s so beautiful Wendi. Thank you for the reminder to savor the small moments of all the beauty that is unfolding NOW! xoxo
Anne, I love hearing everyone’s reaction to this story. Amazing how something so small can have such a large impact on our hearts and souls.
I once rescued a hummingbird out of my cat’s mouth. I grabbed my cat and forced his mouth open and the hummer flew out. Other times I tried to rescue them from my cat and could not. I do my best each time.
Wow, the hummingbirds have a heroine in you, Randy. Your cat? Just being a cat.
Heartfelt and touching…good advice for all about living our dreams, no matter what fears we may have. Shared on FB today!
Thank you, Monica. I sooooo appreciate your support. And thank you for “getting” it.
Wendi, an amazing story! I had tears and smiles throughout it. You were as much a blessing to that little bird as she was to you. Clearly she needed a loving concerned human to help her crossover to her new world, while you brought wisdom and caring into yours. Thank you for sharing this experience.
Wendi
You have no idea what a gift you have. I am a “tough cookie” but I had tears streaming down my face while reading this. Just beautiful.
Be well
You’re right, Holly. Most of the time I don’t have any idea! But then, I am blessed and grateful to have you remind me. It is such a joy to have you in my dragonfly “fetch.” Much love, Wendi
loved what you wrote and the deep message that goes with the words!!! your writing is always so meaningful and takes me to a peaceful and joyful state!!!!! love you and think about you often- xoxoxo ellen
Ellen! What a joy that you fluttered by to share these much-appreciated words. I love you to pieces (but then, you knew that). xoxo
There is so much heart in your wise teachings. I cannot wait for all the nectar you’ll share. xo
Thank you, Rochelle for your continual support, guidance and profound sisterhood. And for being a grounding force in this story. You have been on every step of my journey from muck to magic.I love you for it and sooooo much more. xox
So lovely, Wendi. Goddess bless your sweet service to Emerald, despite the outcome. Last year I had a tender encounter with a honeybee at my window that affected me deeply…any time we choose love is a precious moment.
I agree, Teri. Your sweet summary puts it all in perspective.Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to move mountains. And yet, the smallest act of kindness has a ripple effect of love.And it’s so easy to get attached to outcomes in this world of ours. Thanks for reaching out. xoxoWendi
Wendi, you are truly inspirational and that baby hummingbird also brought tears to my eyes. You have a way of writing that is very beautiful, funny, and meaningful.
If you were to write a quote for the day I am in!! Hurry and finish that novel .. I want it.
P.S. When my grandfather died in 1964 we had a hummingbird that came every morning outside the breakfast window. I have had hummingbird plants in all of my gardens and there is a very spiritual meaning for me. Your story was truly beautiful and made my day…. xo Suzanne
Thank you sooooo much, Suzanne. Your words are very touching and empowering to me. Actually, my book will be a “gift book”—one you give yourself, not a novel. You are encouraging me to get on with it. I remember your father—-such a silver fox. I have beautiful memories of he and your mother walking the neighborhood–both so elegant. When my father passed away, the next day a hummingbird came right up to my face. We have that bond, you and I. Big hugs of gratitude, Wendi
thoughtful, insightful and inspirational..all the qualities any talented writer hopes to evoke. Thanks for sharing..which is YOUR greatest gift to us all. xo
Dear Angie, Thank you so much for this reflection. I often suffer from “not-enough-itis” so your words really mean a lot to me. Big hugs of gratitude, Wendi
Hi there Wendi! So excited to come across your blog…my neighbor Beth Dellsite shared it on FB. I am very much on the same path/place and I love to hear stories like yours…for one to know I haven’t totally lost it! And for another, to believe in the hope I feel in my soul by taking this path…I don’t have to know how it will work exactly, I just need to continue down the path! Excited to follow your work.
Tracy, your message means so much to me. Of all the things I want to share with women, HOPE is at the top of the list. We don’t need to know exactly where we’re going or how it’s going to work. But I do know there is no more powerful navigation system than that of our hearts. Thank you for following yours and reaching out to me.
Dear Wendy,
Thank you for sharing your story. Hummingbirds ha’e come to be beautiful messsengers from God in my life. I have found that, when I am struggling for a resolution in one of life’s many dilemmas, if I watch closely enough I will spot a hummingbird to gaze upon. And somehow that offers me the moment of clarity that I have been seeking. Good luck to you, mr dragonfly sister. Please continue your writing. It’s beautiful.
Dear Lisa,
Would you believe….I was just looking out my window, marveling at a hummingbird at the same time that I received your comment. Talk about synchronicity. I haven’t thought about this story for quite a while and am wondering how you happened upon it? Thank you for taking the time to connect with me. And to remind me of the connections and magic that exist in our everyday lives. And thank you for the encouragement about my writing. I haven’t been doing much lately. And this was just the gentle push I needed. With love and gratitude,Wendi