The Monarch
Two summers ago as the flowers began to bloom and grow fragrant, I noticed a particularly beautiful Monarch Butterfly in my yard. She was there every day with her striking colors and patterns. She seemed to belong here. I watched her fly from flower to flower gathering nectar. Her wings were graceful and the gentle opening and closing of her wings as she sat upon each flower was hypnotic to watch.
I looked for her when I went out each day.
This was the same summer that my Wife was struggling to stay positive with the pain of her cancer. I helped Pearlene out onto the porch where she would sit for hours watching me work in the garden and the yard.
She is the one who first noticed the Butterfly.
I held her hand and we would walk around the yard looking at each flower.
We walked slowly and deliberately.
She used the walking cane I had fashioned out of a coffee tree.
She loved nature and helped me to see the beauty through her eyes.
Together we marveled as our yard was transformed into a garden of flowers and greenery.
As the pain increased my wife spent more time in bed.
I gave her a cow bell to ring when she needed my help and I continued to work in the garden.
When she was able, she would sit on the porch and watch me.
She wanted to be there by my side, but was unable to endure the bright sunlight.
I watched as her vibrant life slowly slipped away.
The bedroom became her life.
I would sit with her and describe the progress of the yard. She would ask about her flowers and the butterfly.
I began to notice the butterfly’s wings were looking worn and the colors were fading.
Then one day I found the butterfly lying on the ground, dead. I brought it in and showed my wife, she was sad.
We talked about life and death.
When we were no longer able to treat the pain with natural remedies, we began the drugs.
We called the family. They gathered around and together we said goodbye. It happened so fast...
When I brought her ashes back I sat and cried for a long time. I walked around the yard trying to find the joy once more. It was so quiet and I missed the sound of her laughter.
That was when my attention was drawn to my outside bedroom door. There in the corner of the door frame was an empty chrysalis casing from the Monarch Butterfly.
That empty casing is a reminder to me that Pearlene’s spirit flies free.
No pain
Just freedom and Joy.
Thank you Marian for reminding me ...
