The Butterfly Lady - A True Story of Love
I would like to share a story that has changed my life.
In the spring of 2006 I started a new business with my wife Céline and a very close friend, Christina. We opened a flower shop together and were learning the ropes fast. Not long after we opened I soon realized that my part of the business was most definitely not going to be making bouquets or arrangements so I assumed the role of support and transportation. Flower deliveries were becoming more frequent and I was learning to love doing it. The joyful surprise that most recipients display warms my heart and of the many jobs I have done over the years this one was fast becoming my personal favorite.
In July of that first year, 4 months after we opened we received and order for a bouquet for a woman in her 90’s that was terminally ill with cancer. It was her birthday and as she lived alone in her home, a caring friend requested a nice bouquet be sent to her to help lift her spirits. When I was told about the details of this particular delivery I was eager to get there and provide that joyful surprise for a woman who needed it more than anyone I have brought flowers to yet.
Céline made a beautiful bouquet with different flowers and colors and added her usual extra touch, several artificial butterflies with various bright colors to compliment the bouquet. It was simply stunning. I picked it up along with the card and proceeded to bring it to this woman's home, a short drive from the store. As I arrived I saw the front yard of her home was overflowing with a large assortment of wildflowers, there were real butterflies fluttering around and some fake ones placed in the garden. This woman obviously loved flowers and adored butterflies, Céline had no idea how perfect the bouquet that she made was.
I rang the bell and waited. After a short time the door opened to reveal an elderly woman with the warmest most loving eyes and voice I have ever seen or heard. Her eyes sparkled to life as she looked at the flowers I was holding out towards her. “For you Ma’am, Have a very happy birthday!” Her eyes welled up with tears as she took the bouquet, “Oh how I love butterflies and these flowers are the most beautiful I have ever seen, Thank you so much!” I smiled and wished her a great day and as I turned to walk away a lump appeared to be stuck in my throat. In those few moments she touched my heart in ways that no stranger ever has and I never forgot her after that day. I told the story to Céline and Christina later on and we then dubbed her The Butterfly Lady.
One year later in July of 2007 we got a call again from The Butterfly Lady’s friend for a bouquet. Upon hearing this I was overjoyed that she survived the year and I was going to see her again. Céline as usual out did herself and made this extra special lady her extra special bouquet. Again as I walked up her sidewalk I was surrounded by the aroma of her flower garden and the butterflies that thrive there. I rang the bell and she opened door slowly and recognized me right away “Again you bring me such a beautiful bouquet of flowers and with butterflies in them! Thank you!” This time the lump in my throat was already present but I managed to wish her a great 91st birthday and hope to see her again. I walked away feeling somewhat melancholy as I was heart-warmed at her reaction but saddened by the fact the most likely she wont be around another year. I went back to the store to share my experience with the girls, after last years they were waiting on news as to how she is and looks. “The Butterfly Lady is looking good and was enormously grateful for the extra special gift from her neighbor” but for the most part I just couldn’t talk about it without the lump returning to my throat.
July 2008, on schedule we got a order for delivery once again. I was enthralled. This sweet little old woman had strength and spirit to fight her disease for more than 2 years now. I picked up the usual extra special butterfly laden bouquet and headed over to her home. As always I was greeted by the bees and butterflies as the aroma of her garden filled the air around me. She opened her door and lit up instantly. As she reached out and touched the butterflies in the bouquet that was still in my arms she said “Hello again! They are so beautiful and I love the butterflies!” I handed her the bouquet and told her how much I love bringing them to her as much as she loves to receive them. She looked up at me with big pale blue eyes and said “This is the third year you bring me these wonderful flowers for my birthday, but I think it will be the last time” then she smiled softly. I touched her arm and said “I hope not, you are a very special lady and I hope to see you again.” Again she thanked me and I bid her farewell and walked away. I must of sat there in my car for 15 minutes before i could see enough through the tears to drive back to the store.
Fall 2009 and after hearing that "Butterfly" (as we now affectionately refer to her) had come by on 3 occasions with a friend to see us at the shop and I missed her each time, I was delighted to see her walk in while I was there. I went out to say hello and she greeted me with the biggest and warmest smile. The emotion in me was overwhelming and I just wanted to reach out and hug this near stranger. I smiled and warmly took her hand in both of mine and told her how happy I was to see her again and glad she was able to come see our shop. At that point a conspicuous emotional lump was forming in my throat again and I bid her farewell with a smile and retreated to the back of the store to gather myself.
I knew instinctively that that was the last time I would see her but there will still be one more delivery for The Butterfly Lady. I will be there to place the butterflies and her special bouquet next to her when the time comes. And then go away before her family and friends show up for the funeral.
Sadly, that day came 2 days ago. Butterfly passed away on Friday March 12th 2010 aged 95 (or so). On Sunday I brought her her last flowers and brought one from us at the shop as well. Plus one special rose. The rose was has a very special story attached to it, perhaps that will get added to this one one day.[see below] This special story was relayed to me by Christina who chose to join me on the delivery. We were both in tears as she told it. It is Butterfly's life story and explains where the rose came from. As I walked into the Funeral Home I realized, I did not know her name.. So instead I walked inside to find someone to help. I came across the friend who has been sending the flowers to her all this time. After I asked if she was here for the lady who lived on unnamed avenue, she said "yes' and your the man who brought her her flowers" I said "yes" and I handed her the arrangement she ordered as well as our gift and the special rose. I offered my condolences but couldn't get the words out. She put her hand on my shoulder as i choked up and smiled with tears in her eyes as well. We shared that moment for several seconds before I turned and left. We all cried a lot that day. This story has touched us all so deep.
And I will never forget this Butterfly Lady. For someone who I have only met 4 times, for a total of maybe 5 minutes the love I have for her is overwhelming.
It has taught me that love transcends all barriers, race, language, age... you name it.
Love your neighbor God said, I say Amen.
RIP ML
With Love
Richard
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We are all great beings.
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