I was his protector.
Any mom of a child with disabilities knows the fight that comes with parenting such special children.
Discrimination, ignorance and apathy still abound in churches, schools and every day life. Even for a kid as cute as my T.
I’m so blessed that his last years were in an educational program that fought for him instead of against him, and with a church family who embraced him, loved him and danced with him.
Even when I wasn’t fighting systems and institutions, I was always on guard when it came to protecting his health. Having a kid with Celiac disease, gastritis, cardiovascular and pulmonary issues, I was never able to let my guard down.
So today…
Today I sat on my bed looking outside when I saw a beautiful white butterfly, a precious reminder of my angel in heaven, flutter down to the grass. As I began to record it’s little dance I saw Carter, our cat and the best hunter in the house, eyeing my precious little butterfly.
Suddenly I saw her body shift as she leapt for the butterfly, and instantly I flew too. We landed, her paws together over her prey in the grass, my hands also cupped, neither of us knowing who had won. As I pushed her aside with my elbow I saw the butterfly, intact and slightly stunned, hiding in the grass. As I put my hand to it, it slowly climbed on as tears streamed down my face.
A few minutes later, it fluttered off.
For his lifetime I protected him… now it’s my job to protect his memory and celebrate his life.
For one very brief second I got to protect him again, even if just a symbol of his memory.
In this moment, I have peace.
#ButterflyRescuer
#HiCaliberButterflyRescue
#WillNeverStopLoving
