Britany Harding

Written by Donna Harding:

In the spirit of butterflies, that Britany loved, was born on August 25, 1993 & today I look at you this way.

I remember the day we met. You bumped into me. Well, sort of floated, from no where, and from that moment, I recall what I said, 'Well, my little butterfly, where did you come from?

Butterfly, you laughed, and responded, 'I picked you out, and just floated down, and landed on your shoulder.

Butterfly, there are many that think that a Butterfly, can't laugh, but you did.

In fact Britany you filled our home with laughter and joy. You were content surrounded by your books and nature and extended your deep compassion to all creatures great and small. As a young child I cherished the countless times you stopped to pick flowers during our walks to lovingly present to me. With great anxiety I watched how you fearless played on swings, hoping to touch the sky and climbing on monkey bars that made me run to catch you, heart racing. In shear joy, your spirit soared when riding the fastest roller coaster, which took my breath away. Throughout our journey we laughed and played at numerous parks, explored countless beaches, collected rocks to paint, and seashells to treasure. We enjoyed pic-nicks everywhere (including movie theaters).Our camping trips were memories filled with comic mishaps, getting lost at every turn and trips to Mexico filled with joy and adventure, meeting new people, including Mickey Mouse at Disney Land.

They think that a Butterfly, does not cry, but you have. There were times at school that I know were difficult for you to endure – the bullying and lack of acceptance because of your fantastic gift of artistry. In a world so focused on Barbie doll templates – all were blinded and did not see the most beautiful individual that I have ever been blessed to love, pass them by. Our family was a family of three. Martha, a family friend that passed 8 years ago this July loved you dearly. She was 1 family rolled up into one. Jocelyn, Doug, Frank and Isabelle became our family & loved you too. These wonderful spirts took on the rolls on behalf of those who choose not to.

Can a Butterfly be happy, cause happiness? Butterfly, of mine...you did. You truly are my unconditional joy and teacher. Remembering, all the times your outreached arms brought me to your hugs, sharing stories, cheering at all your soccer games, laughing at your attempts in skating and roller blading, making snow angels on late winter nights, building snowmen and sandcastles.

Can a Butterfly, caused one to nearly burst with joy? Butterfly, you did and you have. Defining the odds at high school, creating the most beautiful sculptures; your passion for cooking; intricacies of details that you saw; helping the most down trodden stranger and always leading a hand to your friends. Mastering swimming despite my attempts to keep you in life jackets, getting on your first bike, and riding on the first try and finally showing your determination to learn how to drive a car. Britany you mastered incredible costumes, with exceptional creativity using materials that you diligently hand made. You always had that gentle and sometimes mischievous smile, & the most beautiful bright blue eyes that I so sadly miss. Butterfly, there is not a moment, since I met you, that I cannot recall how much I love you and will for all time.

Butterfly, shall we always be together? Butterfly, I do not mean, just here on earth, I mean until the stars stop shinning. Butterfly, I mean, until there is no moon...no anything, but my Butterfly and I. Butterfly... we will. Butterfly, I believe that we were meant to be. . What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.

I thought about Britany yesterday and days before that too, I think of you in silence I often speak your name. You have shed but a shell & our spirits are now as one and memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part.

God has you in His keeping and I have you in my heart forever.