Our friends like the butterflies were given to us for a season in our lives. Enjoy them while we may, for they are not ours to bind and to keep. Indeed when the time comes if we let them go, their beauty and love will remain a part of our lives for always, and our friendship will live on forever.

We desire to have our friends near us until the end of time. But to do so would be like catching a beautiful butterfly in a jar. To cage a butterfly would be to kill it. Inside the jar the little thing would fight for his freedom. With its wings bent and broken, its body bruised, our little butterfly would be earth bound, never to ride on the breeze again. Never to feel the sun’s warmth on it’s wings. Never would the butterfly be able to share its beauty with the world.

Share them with the world, for there are others like yourself who are in need of the beauty that only your friend can bring. Just as the wings of each butterfly differ in color and design, so do the experiences and gifts that each person brings into a relationship. Do not bind the butterflies nor your friends, but let them go. As you do so, open your eyes and heart, for coming your way is another to share his love and friendship with you.

For you and all my friends who have indeed added unto my life a rainbow of color, joy, sunshine and blessings, I give thanks. May you spread your wings and rise on the winds of life. Go forth and add colors of joy and friendship to the skies and the lives of those around you. Take care and share what you have with others that they too may know such love and warmth, that our friendship has added to my life.

Thank you for being a rare and special butterfly in my life.

- Lina Musick -