Butterflies

My grandmother used to always say at the sight of a butterfly, "I don't know why they are called butterflies when they don't butter by, they flutter by." That phrase will always stick with me as long as I live.

When I was in sixth grade, my language arts teacher had us watch the movie, "To Dance With A White Dog." Since that day, I have been able to relate butterflies to my granny. It is about an old man who loses his wife. He grows cold and lonely, honorary, and becomes frustrated with a white dog coming into his yard daily. He starts getting this visitor soon after he loses his wife. He sees the dog isn't going to leave so he gives in and makes friends with the pooch. Now I haven't seen this movie in years but I will never forget that he found the comfort of his wife in this dog.

When Daniel and I were at the beach weeks ago, we kept seeing beautiful butterflies on the beach, hoovering over the ocean. I told him this very story. Even though he will never have the chance to meet her, I think he knows just how much she meant to me and how she impacted my life. I know she would love him to pieces and think he is just as wonderful as I do. In a way, I think she is always in the butterflies I see and reminds me she is still very much a part of my life.

It has been 16 years this month since I lost her but not a day goes by that I can't remember the smell of her house, dragging her around on a float in the pool, the peanut brittle she made during Christmas, the smile on her face, and me playing in her lipstick that stained my mouth for days to come!

Hope the Holiday season brings back lovely memories of the ones you love. Tis the season to be thankful...as November comes to a close.

Happy Holidays!