Memory Monday: Happiness is...

One of my favorite memories of living in Pennsylvania for a few years while growing up was the magic of it's summer nights.

The air felt heavy and sweet, think with warmth and humidity. The lush green of the forests always gave me a sense of protection and safety. But, there was one thing in particular that made those mights truly magical.

Fireflies.

I loved them so much.

Seriously, fireflies are one of the most amazing things ever!

Think about it. They're like unicorns and fairies...only they're REAL! As an added bonus, they don't stink or bite. In fact, they manage to coexist with all the noxious bugs while doing their own glorious and unique thing.

When we eventually moved from Pennsylvania and relocated to Utah, I remember being truly saddened by the realization there were no fireflies in the West.

I must take a moment to admit my one indiscretion though. One night, my brother, who loved to be right, told me that smooshing a firefly would create a glow streak. 'No way!" I said, refusing to believe my younger brother could know something I didn't. Of course, this created a minutes long debate that culminated in my smearing a firefly on the pavement only to discover that my brother was right. UG! AND I had just pulverized a little creature that was only minding it's own business. That night I had a dream I was about to be smashed to smithereens by an enormous, very irrate firefly...(by the way, if you look them in the face, up close, they tend to look a bit angry)

(I continue to do penance for that act by being a bit maniacal about my recycling habits.)

Fast forward a few years when I became aware of a mental bucket list. I have wanted soooo badly to show my family fireflies. When we found out we were moving to Florida, the first thing I tried to find out was whether or not fireflies were indigenous to the area. Anytime I would ask, the usual response was, "Hmm, I think I may have seen them here once or twice. Maybe they're here...I can't remember."

What?! You can't remember seeing the fireflies?!

I was beginning to lose hope and figured that item on my list would have to be checked off another time.

Last month my fabulous friend Maggie called to tell me where I might be able to find them here. They actually don't stick around because it's too hot in the summer but their migratory pattern goes through here every year and, for a few short days, you can find them if you know where to look. Maggie pointed me in the right direction and after a few phone calls and regular check-ups, I got word that they had arrived.


Saturday night, we picnicked while waiting for dark. Unfortunately, our bug spray must be retired because we've got bug bites to remind us of where we were.

After an anxious hour or so, we began looking through the dense brush as we slowly drove down the rural road.

We didn't see any and my heart sank.



All we had to show for the night was a really pretty shot of the sunset... and the loss of about 25% of our collective flesh from the eagle sized mosquitoes.










We were about to turn back when suddenly, He-Man saw a blink!

Then Sunshine...then Bunny! There were a lot of "...uh. I think I just saw one." before we began REALLY seeing them. After a few minutes, there were hundreds!

As we drove slowly down the lane, we couldn't help ourselves and played the song 'Fireflies' by Owl City. Now that song will mean even more to us!

There was a moment when all was silent from everyone being mesmerized and I heard Bunny's whispering voice, "Fireflies are the best creatures EVER!"

(Smiles, a happy heart and a very tender prayer of gratitude to a very loving and generous Heavenly Father for such a perfect moment)

We parked, got out and went searching for some to look at more closely.

We put a few in a Mason jar, watched them a little while, then gently let them go.








It was a nearly perfect night...except for an altercation in the backseat that involved stinky dirty feet and angry faces.

Sometimes the buzz wears off faster than others.