Thinking back on her childhood the thought of “butterfly kisses” always enchanted Denise. When she was a little girl her mother demonstrated how they would feel by gently brushing her eyelashes across her cheek. It never failed to tickle Denise and leave her giggling. Of course when she became a mother she shared it with her young daughter Jennifer with exactly the same results. Jennifer would giggle, laugh and beg her mother to do it again.
As the years flew by, Jennifer grew to be a beautiful young lady. She had a special gift, among many. She was a brilliant conversationalist, able to hold someone under her spell for hours, even someone she just met. Jennifer also loved her family unconditionally. She totally adored her younger sibling Shayna and together they shared a special bond only sisters can have.
Eventually children grow up and the scariest time for parents is when a child leaves the nest. Venturing out into the world, their safety becomes a prevalent concern. Denise had faced those emotions when her oldest daughter moved away from home to attend Brooklyn College. Even though concerned for her daughter’s well-being, she was extremely proud of the young adult Jennifer was becoming.
One day Denise received the phone call that would forever change their lives. Jennifer, her beautiful daughter had suffered an asthma attack. She was alone in her apartment so by the time the paramedics were able to gain entry it was too late. Jennifer was gone.
At the cemetery, Denise quietly excused herself to go to the restroom. Walking alone she noticed a beautiful small yellow butterfly. To her amazement it kept flying by brushing against her cheek. Nothing like that had ever happened to her. When she came back out, to her surprise the butterfly was still there patiently waiting. God’s tiny little creature escorted her back to her husband Steve and their daughter Shayna. Denise had finally been blessed by “butterfly kisses” and in her heart she knew it was a gift from God, allowing Jennifer to kiss her goodbye.
The following month, Denise and her family left for their annual beach vacation to Ogunquit, Maine. Jennifer had always accompanied them to this beautiful place by the sea that she loved so much. Denise knew it would be difficult, but she felt Jennifer would be there with them and she was right.
As they were closing the car doors in the beach parking lot, that same beautiful small yellow butterfly swooshed down and brushed its fragile wings against Shayna’s cheek. She too received a goodbye kiss from her big sister.
Now Denise and her family keep a watchful eye out for their beautiful yellow butterfly. It has become a symbol to them that Jennifer is safe and happy. Denise is also very thankful that God provided them a much needed moment of comfort through something as delicate and unique as “butterfly kisses.”
