For the Sake of the Children

Today was both Jacob's birthday and a national holiday. A happy coincidence which brought us as a family to the Butterfly Conservatory nearby. Before I explain the experience, I should mention that I don't like things that fly. For whatever reason, flapping wings near my face (or any part of my body, for that matter) freak me out. If it's a bigger animal, it seems to be better. I can predict what it's doing or where it's going. But little flapping things make me uneasy. Very uneasy.

Fighting back my own reservations for the sake of my very excited children, I entered the butterfly sanctuary. I was immediately alarmed. I had only taken one step inside and already things were fluttering about. I wasn't even in the trees yet. "Oh look!" I exclaimed to my young, impressionable offspring. "Look at all the butterflies. Wow!"

We continued walking. I continued to exclaim with joy over all the pretty colours, so very many colours flitting around my head. I know I ducked a few times, but I think I managed to hide the increasing fear, no make that panic, that was pulsing through my frightened veins. I told Hannah if she stood still and held out her hand, a butterfly might land on it. She wanted this so desperately. I stood to the side, making sure all parts of me were moving to discourage anything from landing on me. I smiled serenely at my hopeful daughter while silently enduring an internal panic attack. I wondered if it would be offensive to swat the closer ones away.

It's very difficult to smile and speak cheerfully when you're hyperventilating. I can't wait to see the pictures Scott took. I'm sure I look downright thrilled in every one. But the kids loved it. And in the end, that's all that really matters.