A Gift

When something or someone intrudes upon your order and insists you follow them to something that's a wonderful discovery, you can turn down the invitation or follow.

Today a woman wearing a long paisley skirt and a different patterned paisley blouse simply said, " I took a walk yesterday with a man who knows butterflies, caterpillars, and the hiding places of small insects. I can show you four huge caterpillars on a cherry tree."

We followed her down the path to a cherry tree.
" Look up and see if you can find them."
The green leaves acted as a perfect camouflage for the green caterpillars. With a few hints we discovered two of the longest, plumpest caterpillars.

She couldn't recall its proper name so flew off to her car to find the paper with the proper name. Meanwhile we snapped photo after photo.

" They are cecropia moth caterpillars-- the largest North American Moth with a wingspan that often reaches six inches across."

" I thought," she said, " that someone should take photos."

Then she turned and walked back on the same path. I hope she found the tiny insects hidden on the underside of leaves-- something else she learned from yesterdays's guide.

I expect that she won't go too far before she finds someone else to share her delight --Releases it and watches the delight spread.

What is there about the encounter that makes me think of it as a gift?