Yule Ramblings #4: The Fluttery One

It's a sad fact that we are missing a super important person in our lives: Kelsie Jean Schelling. Simply heartbreaking, actually. Kelsie is my sister-in-law, and one of my very favorite comrades. She's been a missing person in Colorado since Feb. 4, 2013. So it seems fitting that I share her dedicated ornament today, to commemorate the 70th month of her disappearance.

It's no wonder that Kelsie's ornament should be a multi-faceted, sparkling bright purple butterfly with glittering platinum antennae. You see, purple was Kelsie's favorite color, which makes sense because she was always so regal. And simply put, no one glimmered like that girl.

Kelsie exuded a perpetual playfulness, which we also see in the symbolic meaning of the butterfly - a stunning creature that is continually evolving, keeping us on our toes. You just know - you feel it in your core - that the fleeting moments you share are so, so precious. And just when we want to snap a photo of that butterfly or touch its delicate wings, it gracefully dances onward to entertain and delight another flower in the garden. Kelsie was so very loving and friendly, and naturally sought to make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.

Some people believe that our souls become butterflies between lifetimes.

Flutter. Flutter. Flutter. We certainly feel Kelsie's presence all the time.

Now here's an important note about all of the ornaments in our tree: We don't seek out a specific object because of its inherent or popularized meaning. We are simply drawn to ornaments with a weird, almost visceral, connection... and they end up a perfect fit. It's only after their acquirement that we learn of their specific meaning, history or symbology.

Kelsie's disappearance is heartbreaking, but we won't let it break us.

Shine on, Miss Kelsie Jean. We thank you for reminding us that there is still reason to celebrate... We miss you so, so much :)