We’ve been hearing of the return of our 17-year cicadas for weeks. Doug Kammerer, NBC meteorologist, has been giving updates daily for the last few weeks. Today was to be the day where we would really begin to see them.
My son, Tim, was 7 when he first fell in love with the odd, clumsy, red-eyed cicada. He collected their exoskeletons which are left as they molt and played with them. I don’t remember the details of that play, but it was such that he was excited when they came again when he was 24. Now he has a 7-year old himself, and the cycle begins again. A new generation of boy, and a new generation of bug.
Whether you are freaked out by cicadas or not, there is something comforting in knowing that nature continues to do its job, and yes, the cicadas arrived right on time.
On May 5, 2021, Tim posted the first pictures of emerging cicadas. His caption read, “I’ve been waiting for you.” He meant it in the most gentle way, finding nothing sinister in this unique creature.
I may have more to say later this summer when the incessant sounds of cicadas preparing to mate and lay new eggs become intense. But until then, I’m willing to let them be.
pelicansandprose 
This is so cool! I love the way the cycle has come full circle with the then 7 year old now with a 7 year old himself. I keep hearing about the cicadas, but I don’t think we have them here in our part of the world. Thanks for the slice–and a reason to be even more curious about the cicadas.
Kim
Our daughter was born 23 years ago when the 17-year cicadas AND the 14-year cicadas were out in Missouri. It was a MESS of bugs! We could hear the cicadas through the walls of the hospital and they were using snow sweepers to clean them up!
It’s always fun when things come full circle in life. May your grandson enjoy these creatures the same way your son did! 🙂
“A new generation of boy, and a new generation of bug.” What a wonderful way to summarize the situation! It’s neat how the seven-year-old coincidence happened; that’s one to think about (and definitely write about)! Here in north Alabama we see a few every year, and I’m curious about the increase and whether or not we’ll experience it here. Thanks for sharing this, Marilyn!