To Live

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

-Thomas Campbell

The Butterfly

He had her there, resting on the palm of his hand for a while.
She was all he ever wanted.
Sometimes her wings were closed.
Motionless.
At other times, she spread her wings open in the bright sunshine,
Displaying her colorful patterns.
But he couldn't keep her.
He knew that.
She was born to fly.
She had been beautiful in his hand, but in flight she soared.
In the garden amongst the colorful, sweet-fragranced flowers.
Her habitat.
Free.
In letting her go, he made her happy.
But she was always to remember his warmth and his love.
Always and forever.
For all eternity.

-Roberta Adams

My Tiny Footprints

These are my tiny footprints,
So perfect and so small.
These tiny footprints
Never touched the ground at all.

Not one tiny footprint,
For now I have my wings.
These tiny footprints were meant
For other things.

You will hear my tiny footprints
In the patter of the rain,
Gentle drops of angel tears,
Of joy and not from pain.

You will see my tiny footprints
In each Butterfly's lazy dance.
I'll let you know I'm with you,
If you just give me the chance.

You will see my tiny footprints
In the rustle of the leaves.
I will whisper names into the wind,
And call on each that grieves.

Most of all, these tiny footprints
Are found on Mommy and Daddy's heart,
'Cause even though I'm gone now
We NEVER truly part.

-Unknown

Angel

Once I held and angel,
So very close to me.
I watched her run and jump and play,
But only in my memory.
I waited for the day she'd come,
She'd bring such joy to all.
Then the angel was called home,
She never had to fall.
She was too perfect for this world.
She didn't need to stay.
She went straight up to heaven.
I'll join her there someday.

-Unknown