A visitor
Dreaming of a lost friend

 

Dear Dream Lady,
Recently, I have had disturbing dreams about someone from my past. When I was a freshman in high school in the 1970s, there was a guy I’ll call “Al” who was a senior who had the same lunch period as I did. He was always kind to me, unlike most other students, but I digress. The only times I saw Al was at lunch so we were not close; furthermore, I never saw Al again after he graduated, nor did I know where he lived. Well, lately, I’ve been dreaming that several people are standing in a field of red and white flowers, smirking at me and saying, “Al is dead and there’s no hope.” I don’t know who the people are, but when I wake up, I am afraid and worried. What does all this mean?
George C., Chicago, Illinois

Dear George,
Many years ago, a reader had a dream similar to yours, but she was closer to the person and felt a strong need to contact her high school friend. She hired a detective (this was before Google’s people search), found the friend and ended up enjoying Thanksgiving holiday with her. Your case is sadder, but I offer the same advice. First, contact the class reunion group of your high school. Many people are found this way. Secondly, try “Googling” your friend’s name and see what you find. Specifically, regarding your dream—the red and white flowers have opposing meanings: red symbolizes temper; white symbolizes success. Also, it might be important to know that red and white poppies are the color of flowers sold by the VFW/American Legion every year to honor our veterans. Perhaps “Al” is a veteran who would appreciate contact from you. The unknown people all symbolize you. For whatever reason, you are upset with yourself for not thanking this person. Please try to find him. It sounds like it might be worth some time to give you peace of mind about his whereabouts. —Dream Lady

Dear Dream Lady,
I need your help. I keep dreaming that I wake up from my bed and try to tuck myself into a shoebox. I am not a petite person and the idea of doing this, even in my dream, is ludicrous. Why would I have this kind of dream?
Signed, “Shrinking and not liking it.” Cincinnati, Ohio

Dear Shrinking,
Your dream has several possibilities. First, a box can symbolize a womb, your true self (that you don’t feel free to express), your fears, or problems you are trying to avoid. You can see where this is going. You clearly have challenges going on in your life. It might serve you well to seek counseling to discover how to resolve what is upsetting you. —Dream Lady

Send your dreams to Dream Lady to P.O. Box 403, Ardenvoir, WA 98811. Enclose an SASE if you want a personal reply before publication. Not all dreams are published.