Butterfly Symbol of Eternity

Drawn in only to look, my eyes fell on a gold butterfly. I thought it pretty but moved away. In walked my husband and surprisingly asked, "What caught your eye?" I pointed to the butterfly. He said buy it and I replied no; I had only come in to look. After some practical discussion of yes and no, the purchase was made and I brought the gold butterfly home. Each attachment tried never seemed correct, so I wore the butterfly on a chain around my neck.
Some time passed by and while cleaning house I came across a gold cross with no chain, broken years ago it was stored for safekeeping. To the jeweler I went and requested the cross be attached permanently beneath the butterfly. I thought it pretty and had no knowledge of its symbolism.
Within a year my mother died. She said to me "If there's a way that I can,I will send a message from the other side." Being strong in faith and strong in will, I knew if possible, she would!
I saw an adverisement for "The Butterfly Place" and mentioned to my oldest daughter my desire to visit. It was at this place the ancient story and symbolism of the butterfly was revealed to me. It represents the resurrection, life after death. Don't take my word for it, research it yourself to eliminate any doubt. Oh, I hear you nay sayers. You doubting Thomas "Coincidence" you cry.
Three months after my mother's death this same daughter and I headed out for a drive. Time to share, we drove with no particular destination in mind. I spotted a church and remarked at its beauty. We would visit on our return as it was on the other side of the highway.
It was not a Sunday and the church was locked. Something was pulling me to go inside. I searched for an entrance and located an open door at the side. A darkened corridor for a passageway, no lights to my dismay; yet I continued on. Voices could be heard further ahead, following their sound I came and stood at a closed door. Standing there uncertain why, I knocked and waited.
A woman opened the door and I apologized for intruding. I explained I was of a different faith but my daughter and I were passing by. I asked if we would be able to visit the church. We waited a moment while she fetched the keys then walked three together to the church entranceway.
Because we were not of this orthodox faith the woman described each symbol and custom of her church. We listened respectfully. Yet I felt the need to "be present" in this place in spirit and soul. For reasons unknown, I did not want a tour.
She began to tell us that she had lost her husband a year ago. She confided in us a story of seeing her husband standing behind Jesus and Mary. She pointed out the icon near the front of her church. Softly, she said "I don't know why I am telling you this. I have never told anyone, they would think me crazy." Her husband asked her "Why are you crying, can you not see that I am happy?" At this point in her story, I lost all composure. Sobbing I embraced this stranger.
Confused, she asked if I had lost someone. "Yes, I replied ,and you have no idea that you have delivered a message to me."
We three stood in front of the altar, in what appeared an empty church. She said to me "I think we just experienced something here." I replied "You may think we have, but for me there is no doubt.
It has been sixteen years. I still wear the butterfly with the cross. It reinforces my faith. It proclaims to those that see and know the history of the butterfly, my belief in God's word of life in eternity.

written by Pauline July, 2006
copyright 2006