More than 20 years ago, when my mother was still with me in Florida, we went to Arby’s for lunch. When I stepped out of the car to help my mother, I noticed a Monarch butterfly on the curb. I helped my mother out of the car and then came back to check the butterfly.

She had somehow crossed her wings in such a way that she could not fly. She obviously was alive but exhausted from trying to get free. I gently took her in my hands and managed to uncross her wings.

She felt the freedom and moved her wings but stayed in my hand for a little while. She slowly turned around, and I knew she was staring at me.

It was an amazing moment.

My mother was silent and tears coming down her eyes. She was also staring at the beautiful creation of God.

Finally, the Monarch flew away and landed on a tree branch. I joined hands with my mother and said a prayer of gratitude.