Butterfly Letter

Butterfly Letter

A Story for children and parents, derived from an inspiration.


It was an ordinary afternoon, in the middle of a week, when the telephone suddenly rang. My friend Yvonne was on the other line. Her voice sounded extremely sad and desperate. "Regina", she stammered, "Tamara has just passed away in my arms". Momentarily, I was lost for words. I was in a state of utter shock. We had not seen each other for many months, apart from a few phone calls during this time. I had had no idea that Tamara had been taken ill. In a very slow and quiet tone of voice, Yvonne told me that Tamara, who had suffered from Down-Syndrome, had never recovered after a bout of influenza. She had been fighting a lingering cough. Due to a series of infections her immune system had weakened immensely. Finally this had led to a severe case of pneumonia, from which she had not survived. In that moment, my mind was lost for thoughts. What do I say to her?

How can I comfort her and how can I give her any kind of hope in such a sad situation? I didn't even want to try, she needed someone who listened. I prayed for inspiration, for finding the right words to say to a mother."God loves you he knows you are suffering. He will look after Tamara for you. You don't have to worry about her".

Tamara had been a very special child. She had wonderful parents, who had great experience with handing a handicapped child. Their one and only wish was to give Tamara a happy childhood, i spite of hardships and self sacrifice at times. They also knew that only a disabled child is able to return such love and affection, out of gratitude.

On that afternoon, I asked my friend if she would me to be with her. She wanted me at her side and so I immediately drove off to see her. On arrival, there was an atmosphere, difficult to explain in words. It was very quiet everywhere, no one dared say a word. There was a feeling of serenity and devotions throughout the house.

In that moment I could see a great spell of light. I could sense Tamara's spirit in each and every member of the family. I knew she was in spirit and soul with everyone there.

On my way home, my thoughts had never been so clear before. I felt I knew where Tamara was then. She was on her way home. I was desperate to tell my dear friend everything I had seen. I had seen Tamara arriving at a beautiful place, happy and free, just like a butterfly.

At home, I kept thinking about Tamara and Yvonne's broken heart. Not wanting to forget anything I had experienced, I quickly wrote down my thoughts and inspiration. I sat myself in front of my computer and started to write a letter with the title "Butterfly Letter". It was to be a letter from Tamara to her mother, Yvonne. Tamara's words were to comfort her mother's grief and to let her know that she were well and happy. She were to experience a wonderful change or transformation. Like one of a caterpillar which changes into a butterfly. This special butterfly were to feel free in a new beautiful world without barriers.

I sent this letter to Yvonne, I hoped it would comfort her and touch her heart.Yvonne had read this letter out to everyone present at the church funeral.

Years later, in the course of my training as social education worker, I wrote and illustrated this manuscript.

How can we find the right words for describing and explaining something to a child, that we have never seen, felt and experienced yet, has no physical substance, and is not tangible, but you know in your heart it is true...

Life after life, exceeds the limit of our imagination...


Regina Fger