Butterflies and other scary things

Kimmie is not afraid of very many things. She is wary of some medical items -- bandages, stethoscopes, and blood pressure cuffs are the most notable.

She is also a little shy around animals, although with some coaxing she will pet them. Horses, dogs, goats, even a few cats (if they are not too jumpy). But not butterflies.

On our first trip to San Diego, we went through the butterfly cage at the Zoo. It is a very large enclosure with plenty of space for people, plants, and hundreds of butterflies. It is a rare opportunity to have these beautiful delicate creatures land on head, clothes, fingers -- very special pictures.

While we were walking through, Kimmie was in her stroller, wearing shorts. As I pushed her along through the multi-colored clouds, a butterfly landed on her knee. How cute! I reached for the camera as she began screaming. Remember, Kimmie is highly tactile. And butterflies are still insects with tiny griping hooks on their legs. Apparently she could feel the prickle, and most emphatically did NOT LIKE IT. I shooed it away and got out as quicky as I could.

She likes the idea of butterflies. There is Pooh Bear in a butterfly suit among her collection of stuffed animals. She even has a wonderful Halloween costume that Mom made complete with wings. She will occasionally put them on and flutter around the house. Just keep the real ones far away.

On the same trip we were at Sea World. There is a tank with several dolphins that will come within reaching distance. They seem to like people -- but they are BIG and have beak full of serious teeth. Most people (including me) were at least reluctant to stick our hands in the tank. Dolphins are friendly, but what if they mistook the fingers for tasty sardines?

Kimmie, on the other hand, was ready to simply jump in the tank with them. I kept one hand on her, else she may have tried. No fear, she just reached over and gently patted this 400 pound giant.

Why would she be afraid of a butterfly, and not fear a huge animal with dozens of sharp teeth? Her perspective -- her priorities -- make her focus on the small and immediate while losing track of large and real potential risks. I need to remember that lesson and stay with what is truly important, and let the little things that are merely annoying just fly away.

--Dad