Most of the family is now gone, and seeing this dragonfly today, and knowing how loved they are by so many cultures, I thought that there would be parallels to be drawn between the dragonfly and the wonderful time that we have recently shared.

To the Japanese, the dragonfly symbolizes summer and autumn and is admired and respected all over, so much so that the Samurai use it as a symbol of power, agility and victory.

In China, people associate the dragonfly with prosperity, harmony and as a good luck charm.

Amongst Native Americans, it is a sign of happiness, speed and purity. Purity because the dragonfly eats from the wind itself.

I also learnt that a dragonfly nymph breathes through its anus.

I think I'll leave it there.