I miss my grandfather’s laugh
and his smile
the way he would captivate 
my attention with wide-eyed wonder
as he sang me songs
about teddy bear picnics

I miss the way I would nestle
under his arm 
and listen to his voice weave magical stories
walks on the beach in January
collecting coquina shells
that I insisted were butterflies

my favorite childhood memories
are of time spent with my grandfather
I have come to understand that
the reason is simple 
but so powerful

he saw me for who I was
and loved her
I never needed to measure up
or prove myself worthy
all he wanted was connection
with my tiny heart
where it could safely unfold
and fly

as I walk the beach today
my eyes are drawn
to the sand
I crouch down and pick up
a fragile coquina shell
and hold it in the palm of my hand

the animal is long gone
but the shell has opened up
like a butterfly
a reminder of how our hearts can open
when safely guarded
by a grandfather
then fly out to hold others 
and leave this world a more
beautiful place