Originally published Jul 11, 2014
Chasing fireflies on warm summer nights is one of my sweetest childhood memories. Growing up, My mom raised four kids—three of them boys, bless her heart—pretty much on her own. And yet, somehow, she still managed to fill our days with joy, adventure, and the kind of memories that settle deep into your bones and stay there forever.
So when Mom—also known around here as the world’s best grandma—came to stay with us for a few weeks, the first thing she asked the boys was whether they’d been out to catch fireflies this summer. When she learned I hadn’t taken them out yet, she looked at me as if I’d failed a basic Southern cultural requirement. Plans were made. Jars were rounded up. Mission accepted.
We stepped outside, and right there at our ankles was a glowing, twinkling carpet—like the good Lord Himself had sprinkled jewels across the grass. With every minute the sky darkened, more lights blinked awake, tiny lanterns rising and falling in the warm evening air.
The boys took off, hands cupped, chasing what they were certain had to be Tinkerbell herself. We laughed, we squealed, and we stood still long enough to remember how magical the firefly truly is. A miracle in miniature, lighting up the dusk just because it can.
I am grateful—deep-down grateful—that my boys have a grandmother who teaches them to chase the shining fire… to revel in the clouds of living stars twinkling at their feet… and most of all, to grow up knowing what she taught me:
Be like the firefly, darling.
Shine from within.
I see your light, my brave and courageous firefly.
You shine from within.
Always believe in the power,
The Park Wife
I have so many amazing memories of catching fireflies growing up in Arkansas. Usually by dusk I am done for but am making it a conscious effort this summer to not get so caught up in life that we forget to live in the little moments. Great post Stephanie! I will tell the kids it is thanks to you when we go chase fireflies tonight 🙂
Love this. The fireflies out here were incredible for a few weeks at the end of May, beginning of June. I couldn’t get enough of watching them light up the field.
A few weeks ago I caught a firefly and let it go in the bedroom. We all laid on the bed, in the darkness, and tried to guess where it would light up next. We giggled and laughed as it flew around the room.
The best part was the kids laughing at me as I tried to catch it and return it back outside. Ah, good times.
I made so many rings and bracelets from fireflies that I had more jewels than the Crown Jewels of England. This was a beautiful piece, SB — one of your best:) xoxoxo