RIP

It all started Saturday when Papa gave three-year-old Amelia a butterfly net.  He gave it to the right person; a little person of such perseverance and determination.  She caught one by netting it right to the ground.  The next thing we hear is that his wing is ripped and she wanted tape to fix it. "No" said Auntie Karen that won't work.  Next, Amelia wanted to give him water.  "No" said Auntie Karen (she tried to sneak it out anyway). 

 Next thing we know, they have buried the butterfly under the apple tree with a marker and a beautiful picked pansy.  And Miss Riles wants a Bible to read at the "funeral."  After a rough start in Hosea, Karen suggested Psalm 23.  As she read the chapter over the graveside, Maddie stood solemnly still, taking it all in. With hands folded in front of her she was reverently quiet and serious. Karen was taping the "funeral" and I was taking pictures. After the reading Riley said a few words of encouragement; how much they loved the butterfly and always would. 

 In the meantime Amelia had lost interest in the funeral and the next thing we see is her off in the background chasing more butterflies.  We were trying so hard not to laugh and Karen was valiantly trying to hold the camera still.  The whole time in the background Brady is yelling out "MOM" trying to get Karen's attention. 

I looked down at the grave marker and it said RIP.  I said "oh does that mean 'rest in peace?' Riley and Maddie informed me it was his name-you know Rip because he had a ripped wing.  Karen and I almost lost it at this point.  

One little addition; we found Riley and Maddie a half hour later crying at the gravesite.  Karen said "you know it's just a butterfly?"  Riley, laying back on her back crying said "I know, but he was so special."  Drama queens, both of them, with Maddie following her older cousin's lead.  Rest in Peace Rip. 

                                                                   The reading of Psalm 23

                                                             A very serious Maddie

                                                        "We will miss him"

"He was so special wasn't he?"

                                                                    Dust to dust

Rest in Peace Rip H.