My Butterfly
With
a
Kiss
~
Goodbye
~
Away
She
Flies
~
My
Beautiful
Brilliant
~
Butterfly
~
~
Dedicated to my baby daughter,
to whom I just gave a teary hug, and kiss goodbye,
as she departed for her extended adventure in Spain.
She will be studying at university in Seville over
the next several months. This will be the greatest
length of time and distance we have ever been separated.
I am so proud of this child of mine, who I nicknamed
“butterfly baby” when she was small;
A remarkable young woman
who is kind, strong, sensitive, brilliant and 100%
Love!
Spread those wings
and
Fly High
my Darling
…
I Love You,
Mom
THROUGH THE HEALING LENS 
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™ and commented:
This is absolutely beautiful. Butterfly Baby is blessed to have a mom who allows her to spread her delicate wings and soar. Thank you for sharing this with us Ms. Robyn.
January 9, 2013 at 5:32 PM
So touched dear Mr. Jueseppi! Thank you for your loving words ~ and yes — I so want her to soar. She is quite humble despite all her incredible gifts — this will be a great time to expand and discover. She will be only allowed to speak Spanish in her program — so that in and of itself will be so enriching… 20 is a good age – yes? ~ Love to you! RL
January 9, 2013 at 6:25 PM
Yes, 20 is a glorious age,,,and please honor me by calling me JB. You are both blessed to have one another. Ciao Bella
January 9, 2013 at 7:29 PM
Gracias Señor JB ! 🙂
January 9, 2013 at 7:44 PM
how ironic that i just posted ‘chrysalis” — your little butterfly is floating away on wings of love, though she’ll always remember where her loving home is! z
January 9, 2013 at 5:33 PM
That was perfect timing z !! I loved your photos – and music share as well! Thank you dear friend — And what great poetry here “floating away on the wings of love” — Yes – she will be back by summer here — and probably a whole new woman — thank goodness we will have technology to keep us connected in the meantime 🙂 ~ xxoo
January 9, 2013 at 6:28 PM
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW xo
January 9, 2013 at 5:36 PM
Exactly Cat — it was an awwwwww moment — she had to run away from me before it got too intense though 🙂 xxooo
January 9, 2013 at 6:29 PM
it’s like electricity xxxxxxx 🙂 that kind of Love xoxoxoxoxooxoxo
January 9, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Bravo!
January 9, 2013 at 6:06 PM
Thank you dear Tom ~ yes – very proud of her. First big adventure alone — she will thrive – all good! 🙂
January 9, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Excellent.
January 9, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Yes – hoping it will be Millie 🙂 Thank you sweet friend ~ x Robyn
January 9, 2013 at 6:38 PM
A beautiful daughter indeed and what an adventure she has ahead of her. Think of all you’ve taught her and all she’s observed in that sweet, sensitive and powerful mother of hers. She’s blessed to have all you’ve given before she even walks out the door. Many blessings for her as she ventures out of the protective world we like to believe she’s been in and prayers for you too, Mom. We keep them safe and then the day comes . . .
January 9, 2013 at 6:10 PM
Oh thank you so much dearest Sheri! I do hope she’s ready to fly — being in a new land and culture…. it has to be wonderful, yes? She had mixed feelings leaving — excitement – anxiety – wonder. Now if I could get her to make a blog so I can have a virtual 6 months in Spain myself!! Thank you for your loving wishes and blessings — So much appreciate — and yes — we all do grow up don’t we. I was just 20 — it seems!! 🙂 xo Love to you always, Robyn
January 9, 2013 at 7:01 PM
May the blessings overflow you and yours always. I am a mom of a 23 yr old baby girl and I feel your joy, love and the thought of your pain if mine should ever have to fly far far away on her journey through life. Best to you both of all things fantastic and full of life 🙂
January 9, 2013 at 6:26 PM
Thanks so much Shelly. This means so much to me. Yes – it’s a bittersweet thing to watch our children grow up and blossom this way. I still see the little girl chasing butterflies when I look at her 🙂 ~ So appreciate your blessings and much love to you and yours too~ Robyn
January 9, 2013 at 7:03 PM
🙂 a pleasure
January 9, 2013 at 9:08 PM
A beautiful tribute to your beautiful daughter dear Robyn. What a wonderful opportunity you are giving her. I am certain you will miss each other immensely. Hugs to you! Robyn
January 9, 2013 at 6:33 PM
Robyn — thank you so much dear friend. Yes – she has been near-fluent in Spanish for some time, and being immersed in an environment that she will not be permitted to speak English – will really be wonderful for her proficiency. Oh yes – I do miss her already — but know as long as she is safe and happy — I’ll enjoy her joy! Gave her quite a few lectures in that last 10 minutes home with her about staying safe! 🙂 Thank goodness for technology too — will have a virtual adventure myself. Blessings and Love ~ Robyn
January 9, 2013 at 7:10 PM
So many exciting experiences you will share. So fun! Technology is a true gift. Hopefully you will be able to FaceTime or Skype. My mother always says that it comforts her to see us even if it is just through the iPad screen most of the time. Many hugs to you! Robyn
January 10, 2013 at 9:03 PM
Oh Robyn…now i want my mommy. This is beautiful, and most fitting for a beautiful daughter. Sending warm hugs and love…you are truly blessed
January 9, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Thank you so much boomie ~ 🙂 yes — she has no clue I did this, and did not plan – but what else do I do with my jumbled emotions watching her head out the door to the airport??!! Of course – do a blog-post right?? ~ Hope she doesn’t put me in the “time-out” chair when she sees this 🙂 Photo was from New Year’s Eve – my birthday -so special too! Love and blessings to you ~ R
January 9, 2013 at 7:13 PM
Belletristic, for your daughter farewell, congratulations and good luck to her …
Buena suerte¡
January 9, 2013 at 7:00 PM
Ohhhh Carlos -she will be thrilled when she sees your comment. She helps me with my Spanish when I comment on your blog sometimes (so she knows you)! And You know my older daughter did her abroad studies in Buenas Aires !! ~ and if I recall, you may be on your own adventure too?! Gracias Mi Amigo ~ So appreciate your warm wishes!! ~ Love, Robyn
January 9, 2013 at 7:16 PM
Aww….yeah, good luck to her. I’m sure you’ll miss her.
January 9, 2013 at 7:33 PM
Thank you so very much dear Robert! 🙂
January 9, 2013 at 9:25 PM
Wishing your daughter all the very best..and that is a lovely photo
January 9, 2013 at 8:01 PM
Oh thank you nightlake… that is so sweet of you. The photo was taken on New Year’s Eve and my birthday – so special as well 🙂 Glad you liked it! x R
January 9, 2013 at 9:38 PM
Oh she is gorgeous and so much like you! Beautiful!
January 9, 2013 at 9:02 PM
Thanks so much Julie ~ I will admit that although she has her dad’s big blue eyes (mine are green) … she resembles me quite a bit. Now if she’d gone to Australia to study, we could be making a serious match right now with your darling Ming 🙂 xo Love to you ~R
January 9, 2013 at 11:07 PM
oh dear sweet robyn, you are so very fortunate and she’s such a beautiful young woman. she looks to have your spirit and beauty in her youth. i loved seeing you with her as a baby girl-so sweet. this post actually gave me goose bumps. very touching-i too have a daughter. 🙂 xoxoxxo and you should be a very proud mama as i am sure you are.
January 9, 2013 at 9:44 PM
Aww ~ thank you Linda! Yes she really is a beauty inside and out… I am blessed with 2 amazing girls. She’s very much her own person… though.. definitely looks a lot like me when I was 20 in her facial features (though Dad’s eyes which are very blue vs my green). She’s probably a good mix in spirit and personality of both parents ~ but still evolving so a lovely ‘work in progress’. Growing up with all my ‘stuff’ she’s got a huge sense of compassion and understanding of chronic pain and illness… actually planning to practice medicine as of now, and excelling in the preliminary coursework. So yes – super proud, as I imagine you are too of your daughter! Now to get the call that she arrived safely and is adjusting… then I’ll relax!! ~ Sending Love your way ~ Robyn
January 10, 2013 at 1:48 AM
oh my dear, do not worry…she is quite fine with everything! can’t wait to hear how she likes Spain!! xox
January 10, 2013 at 1:37 PM
just got notice she is there ~ exciting! Thank you Linda!
January 10, 2013 at 5:00 PM
Oh the departure of the kids who grow up and leave…. a little bit of ones heart goes with them and man it just seems so far away… when our daughter left for Germany (her first sojourn away from the home country) I wanted to go with, felt she still needed big bulldog to protect her… then she started to come and go to so many different countries of the world and I realise my little girl had become a woman… I still feel she has left a little piece of my heart in every country she visited…. Oh she does look like you… and I’m sure she will have the best of times having had a mother like you… I’m sure your pride in her precedes her in life….
January 10, 2013 at 1:54 AM
Yes bulldog ~ have been through this before too — big daughter went to Argentina for a semester ~ and now lives out of state. I agree with you, we always want to protect our children …. just instinctual I suppose, but at the same time I also know in my heart that the broader their exposure and diversity of experience, the better they will understand the ways of the world and feel comfortable navigating through whatever comes their way. I can just image your daughter and you having an amazing bond — and I’m sure she will always be Daddy’s little girl in some ways ~ but her own independent woman in others 🙂 It’s wonderful she has seen the world too… I just got an email that my baby has just arrived in Seville ~ so sigh of relief there. Thank you so much dear friend ~ love, Robyn
January 10, 2013 at 4:53 PM
With all this modern technology you will hardly notice, except for in the mornings, take a breath and find peace knowing she is living her life the way she wants to.
January 10, 2013 at 3:15 AM
She is gorgeous and so much like you! Beautiful!
January 10, 2013 at 6:11 AM
Thank you so much Kreon ~ you are so kind. Warm wishes to you dear one! ~ RL
January 10, 2013 at 4:54 PM
What a wonderful overseas adventure for your youngest – hope she has an amazing time.
She looks so much like you too, Robyn.
V
x
January 10, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Thank you Victoria – yes – hoping she adjusts quickly and can enjoy the journey ~ you think so too hugh? Guess consensus then. 🙂 x R
January 10, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Robyn this is beautiful
January 10, 2013 at 9:43 AM
Thanks Renee! Very spontaneous — felt a little panic when they left for the airport yesterday. Creating the post was soothing 🙂 xxoo
January 10, 2013 at 4:57 PM
Thank you so much for sharing,your blog looks great.
January 10, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Thanks so much rimassolos… 🙂 Welcome ~ and I just did a little “cruising” over at your place – lovely!!! 🙂
January 10, 2013 at 5:01 PM
she looks so much like you 🙂 I know deep in heart she will have an amazing time and maybe one day you will come to Spain with a visit? 🙂 All the best to both of you! 🙂
January 10, 2013 at 12:32 PM
Thank you poojy ~ yes — I have a good feeling she will have the time of her life. She was a tad apprehensive yesterday, but I think that is normal. Being immersed in the culture there is going to be incredible ~ would love to visit — at this point isn’t possible for me to make the trip this spring when rest of family goes. There are always miracles though –so we shall see!! xxoo
January 10, 2013 at 5:04 PM
🙂 yes, miracles happen every day! xxo
January 10, 2013 at 5:16 PM
Well I guess the big challenge is yours, to live a free life without your little baby. So, now mom will be a great big butterfly! 😉
Take Care!
January 10, 2013 at 4:25 PM
Thank you wambliokiye .. & no worries there — I have been “Madam Solitude” for some time now … and do enjoy . She has been away at college (in US) now for 3 years and independent as can be, and my older daughter is living out of state as well. So yes ~ now baby butterfly goes to Europe, and mommy butterfly will continue fluttering around here — joyously and free! Just want to make sure she settles in ok and is safe ~ maternal instinct – you know.. 🙂 ~ RL
January 10, 2013 at 5:12 PM
All is well then! 🙂
But these are flowers that fly and all but sing:
And now from having ridden out desire
They lie closed over in the wind and cling
Where wheels have freshly sliced the April mire.
~Robert Frost, “Blue-Butterfly Day”
January 10, 2013 at 5:54 PM
Beautiful verse … .thank you kindly;
And so happens, this butterfly of mine can sing like an angel.
😉
January 10, 2013 at 6:28 PM
She’s beautiful like you Robyn. I hope she gets everything she needs on her journey through life.
January 10, 2013 at 4:42 PM
Thank you Yaz ~ me too!!! Have done my best — and so far so good. Just got notified she’s made it there safely. Exciting times ~ Love, R
January 10, 2013 at 5:15 PM
I remember the first time Robyn. It does hurt doesn’t it? But in a loving “I’m proud of you but still want to protect you and are you sure you’re going to be okay because I know you are and I’m going to miss you like crazy” love! (just summing up. lol) Your beautiful daughter looks and sounds just like Mommy! And your gift of her nickname “butterfly baby” is one she’ll always appreciate too, I think! Excellent post, much love to you, Penny xox
January 10, 2013 at 6:49 PM
Hi dearest Penny ~ yes – it’s always hard. I went through this with my big girl a few years ago when she left for Buenos Aires … I missed her but the technology really is amazing ~ and she kept a blog which was great This one has already flooded us with emails and photos ~ and informed us that her “host mom” is a gourmet cook and fun señora ~ and her roommate lovely – so all is well. Once I know she’s happy – I totally get over the ‘missing’ part 🙂 ~ oh be sure to peek at the photo I just added under the B & W one above. It’s when she was maybe 4 – chasing a butterfly (on window) in my kitchen!! LOL ! She was one of those free-spirit kids — bare feet all the time and out in the nature catching butterflies and ladybugs – only to set them free 🙂 ~ Love to you my sweet friend – so glad you enjoyed and thank you !! xo
January 10, 2013 at 9:50 PM
On my way over to see the photo my friend! 🙂 Love to you!
January 10, 2013 at 10:22 PM
What a fantastic photo, you can see her spirit. It is just glowing from her vibrant posture. Free spirited in deed! I love it! 🙂
January 10, 2013 at 10:29 PM
She was super free-spirited as youngster. Of course the intensity of life has hit her now (pre-med and very serious student etc.) — Hoping European Living brings back some of her “go with flow” way of being 🙂 Thanks Penny – glad you enjoyed – you may be only one to see that pic – as just thought of it today and added!xxoo
January 10, 2013 at 10:39 PM
She will Robyn, the change in environment, people and customs will do that for her! Others will come and see the photo also, wait and see! 🙂 much love to you dearest friend! xxooxx
January 10, 2013 at 11:55 PM
I’m sure this was a tough moment but what a beautiful one as well to watch your lovely daughter spread her wings. Wonderful post Robyn. 🙂
January 11, 2013 at 12:16 PM
Thank you so much LuAnn! I am thrilled she is having this opportunity to expand and grow. Now that I’ve heard from her and know she arrived safely and all is splendid in Spain ~ I can breathe easier too. So happy to share this with you ~ xxoo Lots of Love ~ R
January 11, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Ahhhhh, so sweet. Here was my take on butterflies in case you missed it: metmorphaeo. They change. The times, our children, ourselves. See the beauty and enjoy the journey. Warm Regards, Dan
January 11, 2013 at 1:40 PM
Dan, thank you so much for sharing this one — not sure how I missed it? ~ Absolutely — everything evolves , and will enjoy the journey for sure (especially since I heard from her last night and know she is safe.. all is well in Spain) 🙂 Love ~ R
January 11, 2013 at 2:24 PM
Good to hear. Blessings abound! 🙂
January 14, 2013 at 4:25 PM
I still remember my last day home with my son three years ago (he was 20 then). I could not believe how fast time had gone by – it seemed to my like yesterday when I gave birth to him and all of a sudden he was grown-up. And I could not imagine that all of a sudden he would live his own life, that he would not be there, sit down on the sofa and talk to me in the evenings as he used to. I think I was crying all night as I just could not imagine that a part of my life would end all of a sudden.
January 11, 2013 at 6:59 PM
Thanks Cornelia…yes – it seems you have traveled this path ~ and I agree, the time has gone so quickly it’s amazing. That 2nd shot of her trying to catch the butterfly in my kitchen ~ feels so much like yesterday. Treasure the memories and celebrate the growth and beauty of the wonderful adults these children become…. Blessings and Love ~ Robyn
January 11, 2013 at 11:27 PM
Robyn that is really beautiful – I can feel your pain and happiness in setting her free and watching her blossom.
January 12, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Thank you so much Patty ~ yes exactly ~ it is quite jumbled on the emotional side, but thrilled now to know she is thriving there (so far) ~ should be a wonderful life-experience for her. Sending you so much Love ~ Robyn
January 12, 2013 at 11:22 PM
Congrats to your baby butterfly. And I enjoyed your poem. Thank you for sharing. :} {:
January 12, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Thank you so much Yahobahne! Truly appreciate ~ she is flying high so far. Miss her but happy she’s expanding too 🙂 Much Love ~ RL
January 12, 2013 at 11:25 PM
oooh soooo sooooo lovely, Robyn! I got a gliimpse of a possible future with my little C! What a gem! Love, Lisa
January 13, 2013 at 9:59 AM
What a beautiful poem and tribute to your gorgeous daughter!! She certainly seems full of spirit and love…and that smile…reminds me of her mom! 🙂 She looks so much like you!! Hugs & so much love to you and prayers and blessings that she have a wonderful time abroad ♥♥♥♥ !!
January 13, 2013 at 8:20 PM
We give them wings then set them free. Lovely
January 15, 2013 at 9:09 AM
Thank you so much nayomiaw ~ yes exactly — always need to set them free, for that is most joyous gift of all! ~ Love to you, Robyn
January 16, 2013 at 1:54 PM
Congratulations dear Robyn! I could never have children, so I will be proud of you and your daughter! – Resa xo
January 17, 2013 at 8:30 PM
That is heart-felt Resa. Thank you and especially huge hugs to you tonight x RL
January 17, 2013 at 10:47 PM
Hugs to you!
January 18, 2013 at 11:04 PM
When my twin sons spent their gap year across the globe I felt like hibernating the year away. But there was mobile phones and internet face-to-face excitement, they were back before I knew it and even more interesting people than they were before. You’ll remember this parental trial for its ease of passage Robyn and the big plus is when you discover that you’ve thrown a trout to catch a salmon!
April 2, 2013 at 6:15 AM
Awww…saying goodbye to your baby girl.
I know this feeling. Mine stays summers with her Dad in Washington. This summer, being the longest yet. We are looking at 10 weeks. 😦
April 9, 2013 at 8:18 AM