I am feeling a little melancholy tonight. The title of this photo is the opening line to a song my dad used to sing to me and my sister when we were little. It is the same song I sang to him the day he passed away. It connects me and my family in ways that can not be explained.
I didn't think of it as I saw this butterfly dying on the side of the road this morning.
l didn't think of it as I picked him up and placed him in a bush in hopes he would revive himself.
I didn't think of it as I photographed him.
I didn't think of it as I processed the image.
I didn't even think of it when I found out I will probablly never receive that the box of letters Dad had emailed me, old family photos, his funeral bulletins and copy of the eulogy from his service and the last letter he ever wrote to me that the post office lost when I mailed it to myself from his home.
I DID think of it as I started to post. After I softly sang it to myself and cried my way through the last verse I went outside to find this poor butterfly didn't make it either. Melancholy
♥
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Losing a parent is so difficult. I am also sorry about this poor butterfly, however, I think it might have been sent to you in remembrance of your dad and the precious song he sang to you. Did you notice that most of the white dots on the butterfly wing look like hearts? I noticed it right away. I think your dad said "hello" today. Cherish it.
My thoughts are with you tonight as I view this beautiful capture (I love what MB said - now that I see the hearts, it's an even more wonderful photo) And, Katy, I will send up a pray daily for that box to find its way to you.♥
Oh Katy- I know how heart broken you must be over that box. Don't give up- keep pestering the post office about it. It's somewhere in their system I'm sure. Isn't it interesting what things can trigger those memories and emotions. I can't get through the first verse of the Easter hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" without "seeing" my mom singing it in the choir and tearing up. This Easter it hit me even stronger thinking about both mom and dad. There's one thing you can do which will make you feel a little better- go hug a grandchild! The love of our parents lives on in each generation. You'll be in my thoughts and sending hugs!
Oh, Katy. This brought tears to my eyes--but I have been close to tears all day anyway. I am so sorry about the loss of your dad and the box of memories. I hope the box will be delivered tomorrow! And then the butterfly--beautiful photo, symbol of the Resurrection. You cared, and that is what matters.
I listened to Aaron Neville singing "Bridge over Troubled Water" over and over today. It helped. . . .
Climb aboard the butterfly - and take off into the breeze....let your worries flutterby and do the things you please! Great words. Not surprised about melancholy. I found a big file of my mothers bits and pieces and had to go through them to reduce them into a small pile. And then my sister who I always told about family discoveries, is no longer. So sad. I like what @olivetreeann says!
Oh, Katy. I first read your narrative on my cell phone. My eyes were too full of tears to post a comment; I had to come home and post on full size screen. Time will heal.
@tahoemb what beautiful comforting words MB I did notice that about the dots after I took the photo. It was one of the reasons why I chose this particular pose and you might be right about my dad talking to me today thank you so much. My birthday is on Valentine's Day so I have always been partial to hearts anyway and I find it rather fitting that your suggestion this was a message from dad would have those hearts
@linnypinny thanks Lin for such touching words. I I am really grateful for those prayers.
@olivetreeann such a comforting thoughts you gave me Ann. I know exactly what you mean about the things that trigger our memories too. I guess that's what keeps them in our hearts and ever present in our lives even after they are gone.
@swguevin thank you so much Sheila. I'm really glad you like it.
@eudora i'm sorry to have caused you more stress, Diane thank you for your sweet thoughts and I was really hoping you were right about that box being delivered today as today was my mother's birthday. That would've been a beautiful present from her.
@maggiemae I should have known that you would be one of the ones that would know that song! I also know that you are feeling some of the same stuff that I am because of the recent loss of your sister. Thanks for being there for me Maggiemae
@sarasotab how very thoughtful of you Bob I appreciate your support and concern
@lesip thanks bestie! I needed those hugs and that understanding.
@jpvona thank you for those kind words Jill and that support. It means a lot to me.
@henrir how nice of you to say. I'm glad you think so.
@bill_fe I was deeply touched by your emotion, Bill, and by your support. I also I'm sorry for your loss is only someone who has suffered the same loss can understand.
@tunia I did. That is one of the reasons why I chose this pose. I had several that didn't show those little hearts but I liked them too much to not use them. I didn't see them when I was taking the picture at all .
Oh, no. Definitely keep bugging the post office. I'm still holding out hope that when they eventually close down operations in Afghanistan and clear out, that they will find my anniversary present from 2003 sitting in a warehouse somewhere. My husband mailed back several boxes, and only that one didn't make it. While I'm sad and mad that it didn't get to me, it doesn't have the sentimental value that your box has. Beautiful photo of the butterfly.
@homeschoolmom oh Lisa I am so sorry. I sure didn't want to hear THAT! @leananiemand honored by that. Thanks so much @kwiksilver Thanks so much Gillian. I am so glad you like it.
Beautiful lyrics for the title, super shot to go with it. The PO lost your box, that won't do, please pester them until they locate it! Melancholy is a gentle companion sometimes when the heart aches so much, and tears help as will time. Much love and great big hugs xxxx
@ruthmouch thanks for your always generous support. I will continue to contact the post office from time to time but I feel like it's really out of my hands now. If I never get it back I'll have to learn the art of acceptance. Thanks for the love in the hugs you know how much that helps. I also appreciate your understanding ❤
To have little things bring up your dad again must be so painful. So so sorry for your loss. Beautiful photo of this butterfly though. Wishing you all the comfort I can muster as you try to endure tough times.
Your dad surely must be smiling at the kindness you showed this little butterfly and photo you made. I'll say a prayer your box will turn up. The memories of your dad you have in your mind and heart can't be taken away.
I listened to Aaron Neville singing "Bridge over Troubled Water" over and over today. It helped. . . .
@linnypinny thanks Lin for such touching words. I I am really grateful for those prayers.
@olivetreeann such a comforting thoughts you gave me Ann. I know exactly what you mean about the things that trigger our memories too. I guess that's what keeps them in our hearts and ever present in our lives even after they are gone.
@swguevin thank you so much Sheila. I'm really glad you like it.
@eudora i'm sorry to have caused you more stress, Diane thank you for your sweet thoughts and I was really hoping you were right about that box being delivered today as today was my mother's birthday. That would've been a beautiful present from her.
@maggiemae I should have known that you would be one of the ones that would know that song! I also know that you are feeling some of the same stuff that I am because of the recent loss of your sister. Thanks for being there for me Maggiemae
@sarasotab how very thoughtful of you Bob I appreciate your support and concern
@lesip thanks bestie! I needed those hugs and that understanding.
@jpvona thank you for those kind words Jill and that support. It means a lot to me.
@henrir how nice of you to say. I'm glad you think so.
@bill_fe I was deeply touched by your emotion, Bill, and by your support. I also I'm sorry for your loss is only someone who has suffered the same loss can understand.
@tunia I did. That is one of the reasons why I chose this pose. I had several that didn't show those little hearts but I liked them too much to not use them. I didn't see them when I was taking the picture at all .
@kwiksilver Thanks so much Gillian. I am so glad you like it.