By: Han Shao Xian (G4.

5)

Have you had a yellow butterfly stop by for a visit? What are your thoughts when you see something
over and over again? I like to research when things happen or I see something over and over just to see if there
is a special meaning. The Chinese say a yellow butterfly signifies happiness and prosperity. In Scotland and
Ireland, it is believed that a golden butterfly near the dead ensures the soul’s place in heaven. I am sure many
of those are just myths but I choose to believe that it was my departed loved one stopped by and things will be
lucky too.

I lost my Grandpa six years ago. As my family sat with my Grandpa throughout his last day
here on earth with us, we kept noticing yellow butterflies outside his window and the window in
the waiting area where we would take a moment alone. The whole evening it was raining lightly.
The rain became heavier but at that time when the sun was setting, I looked up, and saw there
were over 25 butterflies fluttering outside his window, he was on the 8th floor of the hospital. I
was mesmerized by the sight of the yellow butterflies. I truly believe that they were a sign that he
was about to take on his transformation into his after life in heaven.

A few weeks later, I was reminiscing about my memories of Grandpa. As the quote goes, “death leaves
a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”. Every time I caught myself crying and
wanting to know why my Grandpa’s illness came out of nowhere, a yellow butterfly would show up… and took
us all by surprise especially my mother. As I looked out the kitchen window, a beautiful yellow butterfly fluttered
around our backyard. I instantly thought back to that day when I first saw that yellow beauty. As the summer
weeks flew by, I kept seeing a big yellow butterfly continued to appear around us. And every time I saw that
bright flutter in the distance, I thought of Grandpa in heaven.

Last Sunday, my elder sister got married and a yellow butterfly flew in the chapel and
fluttered over them during the ceremony. I did not see it and neither did she because it was up
higher but everyone in the chapel came up to her afterwards.

“Did you see that yellow butterfly?” they asked.

Their questions brought tears to her eyes, knowing that Grandpa was with her on such a
special occasion. She felt a sense of peace and knew that Grandpa had given his blessing.

As for me, I will believe the souls of my loved ones are resting peacefully and letting me know with the
yellow butterflies visiting our yard. A smile spreads across my face as I remember a beautiful sign from above.
It is amazing to think that a single yellow butterfly had the power to ease my grief.