Madame Butterfly
Something special happened at the Sielski’s earlier this week. I was outside with the kids and we found a butterfly fluttering on the grass. It was clear that it was injured and the kids wanted to help it. So I got a shoebox and Beth, Ben and Jeremy fetched some twigs and grass. I scooted the butterfly into the box, its new temporary home. Then I ran into the house to get it an apple and a carrot stick since we figured it was probably hungry. Bethany reminded me that it was probably thirsty as well so I ran back in to get a small container of water and placed it in the box.
Well, the kids became really attached to our new found pet. Bethany decided it was a girl and Ben named her “Buttercup.” It was so cute. We placed the box out on our deck. Beth went out every few minutes to check on her. Buttercup appeared to be doing ok, even though we knew she couldn’t fly. But she sat perched on the branch inside the box. We even saw her get onto the apple. But just before nightfall, Bethany made one last check and it wasn’t looking good. Buttercup was barely moving. I had read on the internet that butterflies like to flock to puddles of water so we poured some water in the corner of the box. Daddy picked up Buttercup and gently placed her in the puddle so she could drink. Things seemed to be ok, but before Bethany went to bed, she checked on Buttercup and came running back into the house, tears streaming down her face. She said she thought Buttercup was dead because she was laying on her side and not moving.
We covered the box for the night but unfortunately she didn’t make it.
Bethany was absolutely heartbroken. She has such a tender, sweet heart. It’s one of her greatest traits. In hopes of making her feel a little better, I told her that buttercup was a gift to us. She came into our lives, even just for one day, so that we could take care of her and love her. This helped a little but Bethany asked me not to throw out the box so that we could bury Buttercup.
And so we did. Daddy took one of our old landscaping stones for her grave. And Bethany “engraved” it.
In case you can’t read it, it says, “Best Butterfly, ButterCup.” And right next to it is the shoebox home she lived in for the day.
Bethany, mom is so proud of you. I love you so much. If there were more people in the world like you, it would be a much better place. You’ve taught me how to be a better person. May you never lose that great, big, giant heart of yours!