THE BUTTERFLY LADY

I still savor a sweet moment that happened more than a year ago. Perhaps because there’s so much rancor and division in our world these days, it keeps running through my mind. 

I was attempting to extricate a shopping cart near the front door at Hannaford’s but the wheels were stuck. I pushed, pulled and finally jarred it loose, simultaneously bumping into a lady standing behind me. I apologized and said, “I hope you’re okay. I didn’t mean to hit you.”

With that, she pulled a two-inch paper butterfly out of her pocket and said, “Please take this. Butterflies are messengers and heralds of joy. They’re also a lucky charm during cycles of change in your life, so this may bring you luck.” With that, she turned to leave.

I said, “Please wait. Who are you? And why did you give this to me?”

She answered, “I’d rather not state my name. Just call me the Butterfly Lady. Wherever I go, I often sense that people might need a little extra happiness, so I give them a butterfly. You were polite and you smiled when you accidentally ran into me, and I wanted to thank you.”

The Butterfly Lady has been asked to appear on local television and other media outlets in Maine. “I’m not doing that,” she said. “I just want to brighten up someone’s day.” She’s been spreading joy from Kitttery to Biddeford for eight years now.

No one in their 80s escapes tribulations, whether it’s health or family situations. Actually, no one at any age can avoid setbacks and hard times. As many of you have, we’ve experienced a rocky road this past year. But I keep thinking of that dear lady who is out and about, actively sharing joy and love to make other people smile.

Be on the alert the next time you go food shopping. I sure am! Apparently, the Maine Butterfly Lady finds supermarkets good spotting grounds. Who knows? There could be a Butterfly Lady in your area too.