Hello Butterfly

It is surprising that someone I didn’t know that well has had such a lasting impact on my life.

Elizabeth was a quiet force of nature. She was brilliant but understated. She was someone that I would describe as, “She really takes a bite out of life.”

Her 60^th birthday party in November 2024 was a lovely affair. True to her fun personality it was a Frida Kahlo themed party. There had to be 70 people from all over the country poured into her sweet home. Food and drink and laughter flowed for hours.

It was the last time I saw her. She passed away in January 2025 when the cancer that she had once defeated consumed her tiny frame.

A couple of weeks ago we attended her celebration of life in a beautiful garden setting. Flowers and hummingbirds surrounded the canopied tables. Food was abundant, wine was passed; friends and family shared stories of her life, laced with laughter and tears.

A prosecco toast to her closed the day.  

I looked around at the people who had come to honor her. Family, people from her childhood, people from high school, college, grad school and into her adult life. They came, again, from all over the country – she brought all these people together.

But there was more. Throughout the ceremony I noticed a yellow butterfly flitting about – around the tables, lighting on flowers nearby as if it was observing, it was listening. As we left, I whispered, “Thank you, Elizabeth.”

We were gifted with a beautiful handout containing the story of her life as well as several photos. One photo struck me. 

Throughout her life and especially near the end, she maintained a positive attitude. I’m finding that inspirational, especially in these unsettled times as well as with everyday issues that arise.

How lucky I am to be here.

How lucky I am to rise each morning to feed my Many Paws and give them the medications that help them survive. Being their Kahu is an honor. It sounds so trite but it is true – how lucky I am to enjoy the quiet of an early morning with nothing but birds singing, my dog by my side and a good book in my hand.

I am grateful, so grateful for time with the partner I chose 32 years ago. For the texts with my sons and video chats with my grandchildren. Girl time with my girlfriends. Giving back in my small way to animals I love so much.  

 Thank you yellow butterfly for reminding me to take nothing for granted. And to appreciate the gift that is every day.

 You just never know when someone will touch your life. My advice? Be open to possibilities.