Life is full of beautiful gifts, and yesterday morning brought that truth to light in a very special way…
It was the birthday of my neighbor across the street, a neighbor I have become very close to in the last several months. It was also her first birthday since the death of her husband in early April. When we walked the day before yesterday she told me “…it’s just another day…” but to me, a birthday is to be celebrated-new life is always a blessing to be celebrated. Knowing it was the first birthday since her husband’s passing, I wanted to make sure I acknowledged it in a special way before she met with her family later to celebrate with them.
In the morning I texted to see if she wanted to take our neighborhood walk, then quickly stuck some breakfast cookies in the oven to take over with a card. Three minutes before the cookies were due to come out of the oven, I got a text from her: ” A Monarch butterfly has just emerged from its chrysalis, come see!” Funny, just the day before I noticed all the milkweed in her garden and meant to ask if she had ever seen the Monarchs hatch.
The cookies couldn’t come out fast enough, as I was sure the newly emerged butterfly would take flight before I could cross the street! As it was, I arrived in plenty of time to see the newly transformed Monarch since it was at least another hour or so from taking flight. My oldest son was off that day so was also able to come enjoy the scene with us, reminding me of the time we watched a newly emerged butterfly take flight when he was young.
As we talked and marvelled at the beauty of nature, I couldn’t help but think what a beautiful gift of new life she had been given on her birthday. She said she had never witnessed a butterfly emerge till that morning… a touching reminder that life does indeed bring renewed joy after pain.
My neighbor sent me off yesterday with Milkweed seedlings to plant in my own yard, and today while gardening I had a little visitor of my own, keeping me company as I worked…
Until next time, may you experience renewed joy and wonder in your life as well.
ā¼ Jen
ā¦Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning Psalm 30:5
Link about butterflies emerging, scientific term: eclosion https://www.reimangardens.com/butterfly/butterfliesmoths-spread-wings-emerging/
Monarch Facts: https://www.monarch-butterfly.com/monarch-butterflies-facts.html
Birds, Blooms and all things Beautiful 
That is such a beautiful story! Thanks so much sharing! š
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Thank you, and thanks for stopping by! š
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Very meaningful, on this auspicious day. Did you know butterflies symbolize soul transformation? Perhaps her husband sent it as a reminder that he is still with her. ā¤
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Wow, I did not know that Eliza…and I did wonder about her husband, but didn’t want to mention it to her. A few days after he died I visited and she said there was an insect that kept getting in their faces and they were laughing saying it was Michael pestering them. š Thanks for sharing!
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That is such a beautiful heart warming story Jen, what a blessing for your neighbour and what a delight to share it with her and your son. Our Father has a special place for the widow and the orphan, and you also were blessed also in the twixt with your compassionate caring heart.
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Yes, it was a really sweet thing to share in…God does indeed care and it’s so often those seemingly small moments that seem to be the most touching at times. š
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What a beautiful story……thanks for sharing. I love your ending verse……it popped up in my feed this morning!
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Hi Donna, yes it was a really touching thing to see, and you’re welcome. The verse has wrung true in my own life before and it is a great reminder to never give up on joy returning for sure. Fun timing it popped up in your feed. š
On another note… I bet you are looking forward to this beautiful fall season in your new-found retirement freedom! Enjoy!!! š
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Lovely story Jen. Great photos too. Saw my first ever monarchs when in Canada last month. Surprised by how big they were!
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Thank you Darren! How nice that you saw your first ever Monarch, they are special…I hope you enjoyed your visit on our side of the Pond!! š
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I did indeedšš
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what a beautiful post!
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Thank you dear Michelle. š
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A lovely, encouraging post. ā¤
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Thank you Anna, it was such a special thing to be able to share in!
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