Resurrection

I love butterflies for a specific reason. Monday was the 5th anniversary of the death of my step-father. He was hit by a train while riding a 4-wheeler on the tracks. It was a stupid thing to do, but he paid for it with his life.

A few days after the funeral, my mom found a butterfly chrysalis on one of the flower arrangement on his grave. One day, later on, it was open and the butterfly was gone.

At Christmas, I was looking for gifts in an antique shop downtown. I had never been there before, but something told me to go in. I found a little sterling silver bell necklace with a butterfly on the bell. It was okay, but the card that came with it made me buy it for my Mom. This is basically what it said: The caterpillar's non-stop eating and excremating reminds us of normal earthly life where people are often preoccupied with taking care of their physical needs. The chrysalis or cocoon resembles the tomb and the butterfly represents the resurrection into a new and glorious life free of material concerns and restrictions.

My mom said that it was her present from John, that he just made me buy it. I agree. It was his way of letting her know that he was okay.

That is why I adore the butterfly.

The photos are a ring I made with one of my brass charms and sterling silver wire, and the necklace is a larger butterfly on copper, with tiny brass flowers for the bail.

Have a good week~