The Butterfly and Mother

There is a Celtic legend that the earth knew no yellow butterflies until Easter morning when the the first one flew out of the tomb at the Resurrection.  I love this legend and at some point in my life, I shared it with my mother.

My mother died on April 12, 2006.  She was 86 years old, and the last years of her life had been challenging due to Parkinson's disease and a stroke that disabled her in 1999.  Yet through all of this, she had an incredible spirit and met all of the adversities with wonderful courage and faith.

When she comes to visit me now in my dreams, she is not elderly nor crippled.  Rather, she is my young, vibrant mother of the age she was in this picture of her and my father. 

This picture was taken many years ago when my parents were dressed up for the Cherokee Strip rodeo held every September in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Although her death freed her from the sufferings of human existence, I continue to miss my mother because she was so important to me.  Yet I also believe she continues to watch over me.  In June following her death in April, I was with some friends hiking in the Teton Mountains in Wyoming.  I was not in any shape for mountain hiking!  At some point, I stopped with one of my friends to rest and found a good rock to perch myself on.  I hadn't been there for long before a yellow butterfly flew up and landed on my right hand that was resting on my thigh.  I sat quietly as it walked across the back of my hand - as if inspecting it or looking for some lost treasure.  It finally stopped and was still, seemingly content to rest with me.  It remained on the back of my hand for 4 to 5 minutes and didn't fly off until the other hikers caught up with us along the trail.  My friend remarked how odd it was to see a butterfly stay as long as it did on my hand, and I told her of the legend from Ireland.  I also thought of my mom.

In October of the same year, I was speeding along I-40 in the back of a convertible when I looked down and saw a yellow butterfly resting on my thigh.  I don't know how long it had been resting there, don't know how it could have flown into the car that was going so fast, and still don't know how it could have found itself on my lap.  But it was there and stayed there for almost half an hour. 

I certainly don't know what awaits us after this life.  But I do believe that in a mysterious way, love is the bridge between this life and what awaits each one of us after we pass from this existence.  And I have come to believe that at times, messages of love can break into this existence - carried on the wings of yellow butterflies. 

Comments

[Debbie Breneman]

What a touching story. I too believe that love is the bridge between this life and the wonderful life waiting for us. I know that your Mom (Ruby) has a set of wings. She loved to ride around I don't blame her for joining you on your short ride. God Blessed you with two wonderful amazing parents....and you are a chip off the ole block.

[Granny Annie]

Becky, I am so glad that you rattled my cage today. It caused me to come check your blog and find this beautiful story. Of course I cried as I thought of both our wonderful mothers and how much they are missed. Love you cuz!

[Marla]

What a beautiful story. It is so cool about the butterflies. You just have to wonder?!? I lost my husband this Sept. and I miss him so much. I am visiting you via Granny Annie!

[Linda]

Granny Annie sent me your way. I was touched by your story, and I wanted to mention that Meggie of Life's Free Treats had a similar experience. As I recall, a bright blue butterfly (she lives in Australia) landed on her arm or hand and stayed quite awhile. Shortly after, she found out that her step daughter had been killed in an accident.
I really like your blog and I'll be back1!

[lunettes de soleil ray ban]

Cela m’a donné beaucoup d’expérience, beaucoup de réfléxions. Je vais le partager avec mes amis。Je viens juste de tomber sur votre travail. Je suis sans voix.Quel talent. Vous êtes une source d’inspiratio

[California Fishing]

Your story was really inspiring. I lost someone to and you help me remind myself to always love her.

[Alaska RV Rental]

The post is so beautiful I almost cry. It was so sad to lose someone but life must go on.

[Locksmith]

We also believe about the butterflies. It helps us think and remember the one's we lose.

[Cantilever Racks]

I never knew that legend of butterfly.

[Internet Marketing Services]

Really, mother is one of the most important person in the life of every individual.

[Fort Worth Knee Doctor]

I agree in the last paragraph. All I can say is that we shall give importance to our life.

[Alaska Halibut Fishing]

You're such a loving child. I admire you for loving your parents as you do.

[Seattle Bankruptcy Attorneys]

A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved, A mother understands what a child does not say. Thank you posting a great story.

[Omega-3 Fish Oil]

The love of the mother is really without limits and it is beyond compare.

[tee shirt homme]

J'aime ces photos, j'espère que d'aller en Afrique un jour et voir sa beauté vient moi-même. En attendant, je vais juste apprécier les regarder à partir de votre blog, super boulot