photo by Jeremy Greenhouse

Watch the butterflies flutter in our garden in the video below.

This month, we are marking milestone after milestone:

» 25th wedding anniversary for Jeremy and me

» 18th birthday for Jesse

» The end of elementary school for Dylan, marked by three-day 5th grade camping trip

» Last day of high school for Jesse

» Wedding of first grandchild for my mom Jeanne and dad Tony and of firstborn child for my brother Sky and sister-in-law Angie

» Marriage of our eldest nephew Justin

» Graduation party for first grandchild of Jeremy’s parents, Jane and John

Just as the monarchs play in our garden for a fleeting two weeks at the end of each summer,

I am reminded to be here, now.

Pay attention.

Live each moment in its fullness.

Breathe it all in.

Exhale gratitude.

Let it all go.