One year ago, on June 21, 2011, I had to say goodbye to my sweet old dog, Kayla
She was diagnosed with cancer and we took care of here for 5 weeks longer until she had finally had enough. She was 13.5 years old and I loved to take her on long walks on a beautiful greenbelt near my house. After leaving the vet that sad day, I went on that same walk for the first time without her. As I was walking near the pond, a big yellow Swallowtail butterfly flew up to me, so close to my face I felt I could reach out and touch it. It hovered around me for a few seconds, almost bumping into me. I had such a warm sensation and just knew it was Kayla sending me a sign that she was headed to a better place! I continued to see those butterflies all throughout the summer last year always making me think of Kayla at the Rainbow Bridge! I decided I wanted to find a cross stitch kit to stitch in her memory and I found one called Free To Fly by Janlynn. I ordered it online last year but never started it.
Fast forward one year to June 21, 2012. As I was sitting in my backyard, watching my bird feeder, thinking how it had already been one year without my girl, a BIG yellow Swallowtail butterfly came up to me and at roughly the same time of day as the previous year (I kid you not) that butterfly came up to me, so close to my face and just hovered there, then made a few fluttery circles around me just like the first time!. I still continue to see quite a few of those in my yard, usually fluttering up near the trees or fairly high above me, never close to me. I like to think that Kayla is still with me in some sense and letting me know, by way of Swallowtails that she's waiting for me. Usually, I'm a skeptic when it comes to things like this but I think I've had a change of heart!
So, after my second 'butterfly encounter' I wasted no time and decided that on that day, I would finally start stitching this design...
A beautiful heartwarming story. I believe in the rainbow bridge. And I would have the same feelings as you about the butterfly. I think doing this lovely piece will comfort you and be a loving memorial for your special friend.
It's beautiful to have her memory in your heart like this either way.
This is a lovely tribute to her, and you've made great progress. 
what a very touching story! I think that Kayla's spirit is definitely with you and that this design is a brilliant tribute to her. What a beautiful start you've already made!! I am looking forward to your next update on it!! 
and said "it's a butterfly, who cares what kind it is if it looks good" Anyway, I wish I was artistic enough to change the pattern to resemble the kind of 
