“Where has the time gone?” I mumbled to myself. “Just when I think I am organized, something unexpected pops up and that does away with my schedule.” Telephone calls, unending questions from my son, and 'honey dos' were just a few interruptions of the morning.

I sighed as I stood at my kitchen window washing dishes and wondered what else the day might bring. I was tired, and the day had only begun.

I watched our youngest daughter from the window while washing the dishes. She was oblivious to a watchful eye, as she frolicked in a field of wildflowers with butterflies flitting around her. She whirled and twirled as a ballet dancer. Suddenly my flower child sat down, right in the middle of the field, blond head bobbing from side to side with music, she alone could hear.

Tossing the dishtowel on the cabinet, I strolled outside to join my ballerina in the field of colorful flowers. She held her finger to her lips to silence me as I approached. Obliging, I eased down cross-legged before her.

Suddenly the most beautiful butterfly lit on her cheek. Eyes wide with wonder, she couldn’t keep quiet another moment. A giggle bubbled from within her, breaking the silence. A glorious sound of robust laughter filled the air as I joined

She boasted, “I just got a butterfly kiss.” (I prefer to call it a kiss from God.) I'm certain it was a gift from God. Leaning towards her smiling face, I fluttered my eyelashes on her cheek. “That’s it,” she exclaimed, “That’s just like the butterfly!” A brief moment of ecstasy for both mother and daughter transpired in the middle of the field, and I gleaned a treasured memory to tuck away for future years.

God’s timing was perfect. Somehow, the dishes didn’t seem so important anymore, nor the schedule and interruptions of the day.

Recently we celebrated her 31st birthday. She now has three beautiful daughters to join in their own dances, or exchange butterfly kisses. I hope she hasn’t forgotten.

Marie began her writing carrer after her children were grown. Altho, she did write for a few writing competitions in high school, winning one to attend Girl's State in Oklahoma City.

She wrote Christian articles for a local newspaper for two years, and has several poems published.

She hopes to publish a gift book within the year which will contain a potpourri collection of short stories,inspirations, and poetry.

Marie's goal is to reach the lost for Christ.