Butterfly Part 2

For as long as I can remember, I have used the written word to reach out to others. Whether it is for a celebratory reason or in times of sorrow or strife, I have words to give.

Although I am a Hands Free work in progress, this is one thing I have been doing right all along. In Hands Free Mama terms, I would call message writing one of my “Bright Spots.”

Regardless of how busy, tired, or distracted I am, somehow I always find the means to write a thoughtful note to someone at least once a day.

And if it is a truly momentous occasion for someone very special to me, a poem is written.  I have written over a hundred poems as gifts for people, and I hope to write a hundred more.

One poem I wrote years ago is especially memorable. It is called, “Your Mother Is A Butterfly.” The very first version of that poem was written and framed for a dear friend after the birth of her second son.

I will never forget what she said after reading it with tears rolling down her cheeks.

She said, “If I ever have a fire in my home, first I will grab my children; then I will grab this poem.”

Over the years I have met other extraordinary women who qualify as “Butterflies,” therefore many different variations of the poem uniquely written for that particular person exist in the world today.

I had never written a sequel to “Your Mother is a Butterfly.” Truthfully, I had never even thought about it….until last week. That is when I learned that one of the past recipients of a “Butterfly” poem is facing the battle of her lifetime. Her son is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a brain tumor.

I tried to imagine what she must be going through. One minute her life was moving along smoothly; she was happy; her family was happy…and then BAM! Everything changes.  Suddenly she is faced with questions, decisions, and emotions that no parent should ever have to experience.

I immediately wanted to do something. I saw that dear friends in her area had created an extensive meal schedule that people could participate in regardless of their location. I thought about a personalized charm necklace that she could wear around her neck for strength. I considered a care package for long days at the hospital. But it didn’t take long to realize that although those are all wonderful gestures, I am called to write.

The poem began writing itself while in the grocery store, the gym, the carpool line, even during my dreams. And because these words come from something far greater than myself, this poem virtually wrote itself when I sat down to write.

And here is the God-given message entitled, “Your Mother is a Butterfly: Part 2,” written about this extraordinary woman:

Your Mother is a Butterfly: Part 2

I once told you that your mother is a butterfly.
She is still a butterfly,
But she has risen to heights unknown to most.

I stand in awe of this woman,
Your mother,
Who is a butterfly,
For you, only for you.

Her wings are powerful,
Spanning extraordinary lengths to protect you.
In the face of the most severe elements, she laughs and rises above.
Your mother is a butterfly,
Fighting for you, fighting for you.

Her body is durable,
Withstanding undeniable pain, if only to spare you.
To fears she cannot avert, she chases away with words of faith and love.
Your mother is a butterfly,
Rising for you, rising for you.

Her colors are vibrant,
Glowing brighter with each arduous challenge and imposing obstacle.
When you are lost, her colors are your beacon of hope.
Your mother is a butterfly,
Shining for you, shining for you.

Let her land on your shoulder; you will laugh.
Let her float about your head; you will dream.
Let her wings wipe your tears; you will smile.
Let her flight take your troubles; you will sleep.
Let her presence surround you; you will flourish.

I once told you that your mother is a butterfly,
But she is stronger, more durable, more vibrant than before.
Because of you.
Because of you.
Your mother is a butterfly,
And it’s all because of you.

After I framed the poem and shipped it off in the mail, I found myself coming back to it. I read it and re-read it. And during one reading something struck me.  While I am certain that my friend inspired this poem, this message is meant to be read by many. While she displays grace, dignity, determination, and faith, she has raised many from their own depths. I strongly believe that this poem, written for her, is meant to do the same. Therefore, it is meant to be shared.

And here is that message…

I think about my Hands Free journey and my daily pursuit to let go of distraction to truly grasp what really matters.  Some days I get it right. But some days I fail miserably. And because you are on this journey with me and have shared your thoughts, I know some days are better than others for you, too.

But despite our missteps and failings, I don’t know a single one of us who wouldn’t fight like hell to protect our child or loved one if they were in danger, pain, or despair.

The “Butterfly Part 2” lives in all of us. And it is ready at a moment’s notice to endure, protect, and shine with every ounce of strength it possesses.

God only knows which one of us will have to rise to this occasion.

In the meantime, I ask these two things:

Support those who are living in the challenges and struggles of Life in Part 2. Open your heart and your mind and hear what you are being called to do to provide comfort, encouragement, love and hope.

And cherish. Cherish each and every blessed day that you find yourself lucky enough to be living.

I close today with an uplifting song that contains a message pertinent for today. Whether you are living gratefully in Part 1 or grasping for a ray of hope in Part 2, let the lyrics and melody of this song cover you, inspire you, and lift you like the wings of a butterfly.

Click on the link below and get ready to dance to this inspirational song. If there ever was a Hands Free chorus, I imagine it would sound a lot like this one:

Hey, hey, hey, no matter how life is today.

There’s just one thing that I got to say,

I won’t let another moment slip away.

-Michael Franti  & Spearhead

Hey Hey Hey by Michael Franti & Spearhead

Listen to your heart.  What are you are being called to do? Push away daily distraction and grasp what really matters; answer your call.  Start by clicking the “share” button below. Send this to all the “Butterflies” you know.  There is someone in your life who needs to read this message today.