By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral to the Story:
True beauty shines from within and touches everyone it meets. Kindness is the
most lasting legacy we can give to our children and grandchildren. A gentle
spirit can calm the roughest winds. A generous heart creates joy wherever it
goes. The love of a mother and grandmother strengthens families for
generations. When you lift others, your light shines the brightest. The most
beautiful lives are those lived for others. Celebrating someone special reminds
us of the love we carry and share each day.
In the golden light of morning over
Petal Meadow, every creature with wings and paws was busy with joyful
preparations. It wasn’t just any day—it was September 27, the birthday
of the most radiant, most cherished monarch butterfly in the entire meadow: Mervin
the Magnificent, affectionately called Nona by her beloved family.
Mervin wasn’t just known for her
graceful orange-and-black wings that shimmered like stained glass in the sun.
She was celebrated for the warmth she spread, the encouragement she offered,
and the unwavering love she gave to everyone who knew her. No creature in Petal
Meadow ever left her presence without a smile.
Mervin had raised three wonderful
sons—Charlie, Joseph, and Mathew. Each one had grown to be
a loving father, married to kind, caring partners. Mervin’s heart fluttered
most joyfully when she was with her six treasured grandchildren:
- Chipper,
the giggling little caterpillar of Charlie and Sara.
- Rice
and Mathew, the curious and clever young butterflies of Ali and
Mathew.
- Archer,
the adventurous flier born to Joseph and Megan.
- And the sweet and joyful sisters, Poppy and Isla,
daughters of Ryan and Christina.
Everyone had gathered near the
Milkweed Grove beside the glittering stream to host the most magical birthday
party ever seen in the meadow.
Bright flower petals were strung
from tree to tree. Lanterns made from glowing fireflies lit the path, and
butterflies young and old danced in swirling spirals.
Mathew, Mervin’s middle son, took
the lead on planning. “Mom deserves a day that’s as beautiful as her wings,” he
said with a grin. His brothers nodded. “Let’s make it unforgettable.”
All the grandchildren had worked on
special surprises. Chipper prepared a twirly leaf-dance. Rice and Mathew had
written a poem with rhymes full of love. Archer made a tiny map of the meadow
with all of Nona’s favorite spots marked by hearts. Poppy and Isla crafted a
crown from golden petals and silk threads.
As Nona floated into the meadow
clearing with a graceful flap of her wings, the crowd burst into cheers: “Happy
Birthday, Nona!”
Her eyes twinkled, and a soft breeze
seemed to carry her joy through the leaves.
At the center of the grove stood the
birthday cake: a towering creation of nectar-soaked pollen puffs and honeycomb
layers, decorated with dew drops and wildflower petals. Perched on top were seven
candles for the decades of her life and four more for each of her
guiding virtues: grace, generosity, gentleness, and joy.
Eleven candles in total.
Everyone gathered as the family
sang:
🎶
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Nona,
Happy birthday to you!
🎶
Mervin took a breath, fluttered her
wings, and in one graceful blow, extinguished all eleven flames. The crowd
erupted with applause.
The celebration continued with songs
from the bird chorus, flutter-dances from the butterfly troupe, and Chipper’s
silly twirls that left everyone giggling. Then came the reading of the poem
from Rice and young Mathew:
“To Nona Mervin, our bright guiding
light,
With wings that bring day to the darkest night.
You teach us to love, to lift, to give,
And show us each day how we should live.”
As the sun dipped low, painting the
sky in monarch orange, Nona gathered her sons and grandchildren around her.
“This day—September 27—will
forever be in my heart,” she said softly. “Not because of the gifts or the
cake, but because I am surrounded by love. You, my family, are my greatest
joy.”
Charlie smiled and said, “We are who
we are because of your love, Mom.”
Archer flapped up beside her and
whispered, “Nona, you’re the wind beneath all of our wings.”
Poppy and Isla gently placed the
crown of petals on her head. Chipper buzzed around in happy loops.
And together, they watched the last
light of day drift across the sky, their hearts full and their love soaring.
Moral to the Story Poem:
True beauty is found in love and care,
In gentle words and hearts that share.
A grandmother's love, so soft and strong,
Lifts our spirits our whole lives long.
The best gifts are the ones we give,
In how we show the way to live.
With kindness, joy, and laughter, too,
There’s no one in the world like you.
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