She struggled weakly from flower to flower and then stumbled onto the edge of the planter. I could see that something was wrong with her wing. She was losing a portion of it. Her delicate beauty caused my heart to flutter. I gently let my hand down and to my surprise she climbed on. She sought the warmth of my hand and turned toward me as if to say, Thank you.
I was fascinated by her delicate legs and the beautiful markings on her wings. I wanted to save her. I brought her into the house and placed her in a glass container with flowers and water. She turned around and around in her space and seemed lost. I suddenly realized this was all wrong. If it were me, would I want to live out the rest of my life in a glass box or would I want to be free? My mind told me she was hurt, she needed me. But something about her delicate movements and how she kept tuning her lovely little antennae told me I needed to let her find her own way. I let her climb onto my hand once more and then to my surprise she flew onto my shirt! She could still fly even with her injured wing.
I carried her out to the garden and laid her on a flower.
She paused for a moment, turned her antennae toward me, and with a little bound she took to the air in erratic flight. I waved to her as she flew off, my heart breaking with love for this beautiful creature I had known only a few minutes. Tears sprang to my eyes, but they never fell. I could see her joy as she once again felt the wind beneath her wings.
22 comments:
This is a wonderful blog. It seems you touched each other in a special way.
Maybe you will embroider this beautiful creature. With your talent it will be effortless. If you need help, let me know I would be thrilled.
Debra
Once again, your post has left me speechless. Isn't it fascinating how animals, even as diminutive as your butterfly friend, can sense the good in a person? It is obvious she chose you for a reason.
Ormolu- thank you for teaching me such a beautiful word. It dances on the tongue doesn't it?
That is so beautiful. I believe that animals (or in this case a butterfly) can sense kindness which this lovely creature obviously sensed in you:) Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story with gorgeous pictures:)
Blessings,
Kim
Such a sweet moment...I love butterflies...something so ethereal about them. Thanks for sharing Nancy!!!XO
That was a magical moment. How lovely for you and the butterfly.
Rosemary
What a lovely and moving story .... that she was able to fly away is so touching as is the emotion you felt upon setting her free... I love this!!
I must say also ...that I loved your last post with all your stunning roses... they are a favorite of mine.... if I could I would have a garden filled with roses...lavender ..... wisteria... jasmine.....all things heavenly .... and tons of flowers to fill ones souls
God uses the creatures to tug at our hearts! Your brother has saved the lives of a baby bunny, six ducklings and a finch trapped in our water heater. They all lived and left something special behind in our hearts! Bravo ma chèrie, beautifully photographed and written! Anita
What a lovely story. It is amazing how something can come into our lives for just a few moments but touch our heart forever.
When my kids were little they were given a kit to raise painted lady butterflies.
Everything went along fine until the end, one of the chrysalis fell while the butterfly was emerging.
As the butterfly struggled out of the chrysalis the wet wings became severely damaged.
My Allie decided that she was going to care for and give this flightless butterfly the best life that she could. The other painted ladies were set free when their wings dried.
The little butterfly was named Diamond and the family set out to care for him.
Simply sugar water was made, sunflowers were picked a new clean home was made.
It was truly amazing to watch the relationship between the two grow. Diamond would feed
on the sweet nectar that Allie offered, sit on the soft cotton ball bed next to Allie while she did her homework, jump up on her finger when it was near. ..
Diamond went to school for show and tell and spent the day feeding on fresh clover that the class picked. A painted lady's life span is about 14 days and I am happy to say that Diamond lived for 13 days. I was very proud of my daughter for the time and care she gave to this wounded creature, Allie was only six at the time.
Louise
You not only create beautiful photos but you also create with words, too. This little story had me tearing up as I read it.
Bonjour ma chère! I couldn't find a place on your recent post, but thanks for visiting me! What a crazy time of year! A la prochaine. Jolies fleurs...Anita
You are a good soul Nancy!
Your Butterfly is grateful I think.
xox
Constance
I just jumped over from Rue's Blog. I just wanted to say Hi and nice blog!
Carolyn
Nancy, what a beautiful post. Your photography skills are amazing.
Hugs Karen
This is such a lovely post Nancy. You always have the best photos. I like the rose petals too. Have a great weekend!
I'm so in love with your rose petals sweet Nancy!!! THAT is my favorite shade of pink....hugs and love, Dawn
What a sweet and touching post! ~Lori
Nancy,
You have the gift of telling a story in such a way that your reader is transported, by the sheer emotion conveyed by your words, to the very moment in time that the story is conceived.
I feel as if....I was there.
Kay
Tears sprang to my eyes too... from reading your blog post. You are truly one with nature. Whether it's a stray cat or an injured butterfly, they always seem to find the gentle soul to seek out when they need help. I think they have a sixth sense!
As always, your photos are exquisite. Another lovely post.
What a sweet story. You have a kind heart. It is so important to be kind to all of God's creatures. Thank you for sharing that touching story.
I love these photos. You have such a wonderful spirit, it is such a joy to visit your blog.
I spent most of my weekend in the garden watching the plants finally poke their heads out from the cool ground of Spring. I think they grew a foot overnight from all the rain we has Saturday night. I went out yesterday and their were plants wayyyyyyy bigger than I remembered them from the day before. I just love spring.
Have a great day.
xo Cath
Nancy,
What a beautiful post. I don't believe in coincidences. I think that so many things happen to remind us of lovely lessons from above.
Your story, and your photographs are just beautiful.
Karen
I just love your sweet little visitor...I just love Butterflies..
STephenie
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