From the time I was little, my father asked that I keep an “eye out” for pennies, nickels and dimes that may be laying on the sidewalk, in stores or in parking lots. And I did. And I still do. My finds include lots of cash, coins, diamond rings, wallets, phones and 3 wedding rings (see February 17, 2019, to read about the first one).

I recently read the New York Times bestseller — Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson. It suggests that many “signs” come to us — usually from somewhere across the spiritual divide. From those who have “crossed.” And coins may be one of those signs. Excellent book but it seemed a bit too “woo woo” for me. I mean I’ve found thousands of coins over the years. None carried a message that I could see. Anywayyyy. . . . . fast forward to February 19, 2026. . . . .

I went into the local Fresh Market store to pick up a few things for the larder at home. As I came out, I walked by a small area of dirt. As I passed, I noticed what looked like a coin. I stepped back, picked it up and sure enough it was a small penny caked with dirt. I popped it in the left pocket of my coat and went home. I put away the bananas, milk and cereal. And sat down to read the newspaper. “Oh” I thought “the penny.” I reached in my coat and scrubbed it off. And looked. [Fasten your seatbelts]. The coin was a Canadian penny – where Donna’s mother was from. And the date? 1947 – the year both Donna and I came into this world. Two days after my birthday. And a few weeks before Donna’s.

How and why a dirt-crusted Canadian penny from 1947 (I mean why not 1956? Or 1974?) was sitting in front of a food store in Wilmette, IL – where I walked by – I have no clue. Amazing coincidence? Fascinating mystery? Religious experience? Or a sign from . . . . ?