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1st Place - A Memory of Butterfly Wings - 2004 Essay Contest
EasyLink Access #: 210
By Luz Manso After 12 years of living dialysis free, I faced transplant failure. It was difficult to accept for I knew very well the life that was awaiting me. I would once again have to go through the process of hemodialysis week-after-week, month-after-month, and year-after-year. I struggled through the feelings of anger, hopelessness, and finally acceptance. I thank family and friends for being there, for holding my hand and wiping away the tears... But, most of all, I'd like to thank a Butterfly. I clearly remember the day. It was warm. The sun was shining brightly, and I was kneeling in my garden pruning the Shasta daisies. My heart was heavily burdened, and my Soul felt like it could never be mended. How could I face going back on dialysis, being tied to a machine again, week- after-week, and month-after-month? As I tended to the flowers, a Butterfly came fluttering near the daisies. I was surprised, for she came so close and began dancing around me. Every so often, she would come and land on my hands. As I watched her, I noticed that, although she had a broken wing, she danced as if she was perfection. She played with me for a while and then, just as she came, she flew away. I cried there in the open sun for she reminded me of myself, a Soul with broken wings. She came to visit me that afternoon to tell me "fly" in spite of your imperfections, "dance" in spite of your limitations, for life is beautiful and worth dancing to. An important lesson, God's message sent to me on Butterfly Wings, a reminder that Life goes on, that the sun still shines, and that, after the storm, there are still rainbows to be seen. That no matter how winding the road, within us is the strength and the courage to carry on. About the Author Luz Manso resides in New Haven, CT. She is the First Place Winner in the iKidney.com Third Annual Essay Contest entitled, "TOUGH TIMES--A Memory or Dream That Gets Me Through." The contest was made possible by support from Watson Pharma. Last Updated July 2007
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