Monarch Butterflies (Dealing with Grief)

As many of you know, I have a monarch butterfly tattoo on my left shoulder.  The top of the tattoo has purple dots because that was my sister’s favorite color.  One top wing has 2 dots which represents the fact there were 2 of us and she was 2 years younger than me.  The other wing has 4 dots which represents the fact that her birthday was on September 4th.  Our birthdays were also 4 months apart.  I was actually 2 years 4 months older than her.

 

Why did I get a Monarch butterfly on my shoulder?  One year ago on August 28th, Tanya left her Earthly body for her Heavenly body.  Every since her death, I’ve seen Monarch butterflies when I’ve needed her.

Today’s post is going to list the special times I’ve seen a Monarch butterfly since August 28th, 2016.

August 30th – We were cleaning out her apartment.  I was sitting in my car when a Monarch flew by me.

September 2nd – Right after her funeral, a Monarch flew by my aunt and myself.

September 5th – I was waiting at Young’s Dairy for my family from Pittsburgh.  A Monarch flew by me.

Sometime in September – During dismissal duty, another Monarch flew by me and up into the sky.

Last weekend in October  – Hubby and I were visiting Louisville to give me time away from all of the pressure I was feeling.  It was the 2nd month anniversary of her death.  There were a lot of Monarchs flying around purple flowers.

Thanksgiving – This one was truly when I realized it was her.  I cried tears in the bathtub in Cabana Bay Beach Resort because I was missing her.  Later that day, I was at the entrance of Animal Kingdom.  I saw a Monarch butterfly.  Then at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I saw another one by giraffes.  She knew I love Disney and giraffes.

August 5th – I finally visited her grave.  Later that day, she visited me when I was working at a tent for DeMolay and Rainbow.  We are both majority members.

August 20th (Today) – I was missing her.  I went to talk to the Imaginative One who was outside.  Suddenly a Monarch was flying around the yard.  When she came to visit me, she would sit outside on our little patio.

Also in June – I was walking on the beach on the 10th month anniversary of her death.  Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder.  No one was there.  I know it was her telling me “Traci, I’m here with you.  I’m walking through life with you.”

Even though I know she is still with me, I still miss her.  I often have the urge to call her because I want to talk to her.  No one will ever understand the feeling of emptiness that I feel.

During the next week, I’m going to be sharing my feelings as the year anniversary of her death approaches.

Here’s the schedule for this coming week:

Monday – Menu plan Monday

Tuesday – Dealing with Grief Post – Don’t know what yet

Wednesday  – New series – My visit to Rochester, New York

Thursday – Writer’s Workshop

Friday – Dealing with Grief Post – Don’t know what yet

Saturday – More of my Folly Beach trip

Sunday – Dealing with Grief Post – Don’t know what yet

Monday – The night my life changed forever 

Have a magical day,
Traci