FEELING LUCKY

Never stop searching for your own four-leaf clover

One contributor happily discovers that you don’t find a four-leaf-clover—it finds you!

Last summer on June 18, 2020, I found a four-leaf clover—my first ever. That may sound unimpressive to you, but it means so much to me because I’ve literally been searching for years—every time I’m outside, always when I walk my standard poodle Gilbert, even when I’m on vacation!

Recently my older, wiser neighbour explained, “You don’t find four-leaf clovers, they find you.” I appreciated her advice, but the saying “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” is more appropriate for my life! So, as always, I took Gilbert in the backyard that morning and wandered around, head down, searching the grass.

I had just finished showing Gil the wildflowers that were still closed from the night before—daisies, devil’s paintbrushes, buttercups and strawberry blossoms—and was walking towards the house. That’s when I looked down and saw it, my four-leaf clover growing just outside the kitchen window! I was honestly so shocked and happy to find it that I knelt down beside it, thanked the heavens above, and began to cry.

Two of the leaves are frayed and beaten up on the edges, which is fitting because my life has felt frayed at times throughout the years. The other two leaves are healthy and colourful. It’s a resilient little plant. For now, my lucky clover stands in a shot glass of water on the windowsill. I’ll press it in wax paper later, then decide how to frame it.

I hope somehow my little story encourages you to keep searching for your own four-leaf clover, whatever that may be. You will find it if you don’t give up, even if it takes years. I also hope you never lose that childlike sense of wonder for the simple things in life, such as the look of fireflies dancing in the dark, or how nice it feels to hug your pet, child or true love. ◼