The Year Of the Sand Dollar

Many years ago, I sat on the edge of my mom’s bed and eagerly watched her unpack a suitcase that was certain to hold a present for me. As she shuffled through the suitcase, she enthusiastically talked about finding whole sand dollars along a tame coastline. I could hardly believe it! I had secret dreams of finding whole sand dollars on the beach since the first time I spotted a pile of them in a souvenir shop in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Both of us could not wait to see her treasures.

She found the package that held her sand dollars and I saw her face drop. "Oh, I bet they are broken!" she said as she carefully removed the protective tissue paper from the sand dollars. Sure enough, they did not survive the perils of travel. I’m not sure which one of us was more disappointed. "Oh well, there is nothing that can be done about it." she said while placing them aside.

"One day, I will find whole sand dollars on the beach too!" I thought to myself. Even though it seems impossible because they are so fragile, I will find them!" It was at least thirty-five years ago when I set that intention.

This year while on vacation at Fort Walton Beach, Florida I walked toward the shore and a woman (or perhaps angel!) approached me. She held out her hand and said, "Look what I found!" A sand dollar was safely tucked into the palm of her hand. "How did you find that?" I asked and she said, "Oh, it’s easy! Look! I have a bucket of them over here." I looked inside the red bucket and felt myself turn green with envy. With a big smile, the woman said, "Come on, I’ll show you how to find them!" and off we went. At first, it was a challenge. It took patience, a keen eye and totally being present in the moment. She kept finding them while I had no luck at all. I persevered though.

Eventually, I was victorious! My long ago dream had finally come true.

So, when I was walking along Old Orchard Beach in Maine a few short weeks ago, imagine my pure delight when I looked down and saw a whole sand dollar just waiting to be picked up. I thought my intention had already been met. I did not expect to find more sand dollars. When I found the second one, I was ecstatic! I felt the universe was pouring blessings and abundance in front of my path. All I had to do was notice and receive with a grateful heart.

So, these sacred sand dollars feel like gifts from God to me. They remind me that all dreams come true if they are fueled with the power of belief. It might take awhile for them to manifest and so what if it does?

Watching any heart felt dream come true is worth the wait.