Welcome and Hello

Beloved friends and family,

This July marks the second anniversary of Bruce’s passing and a milestone in my “butterfly journey” — one day after Bruce died, in 2022, a moth landed on my cheek to "kiss" me and remind me of God’s promise to extend Bruce’s life, exactly four years before (in 2018). (E-book pg. 86)

This month also marks almost a full year since The Butterfly Effect was written. Starting then, even, so much has happened: so much to grieve, and so to be thankful for...

Saying Goodbye

Both of my parents passed away: first my father, one year ago (May 2023), and then my mother, five months later (October 2023). I was devastated to say goodbye to more people I loved, so soon after losing Bruce. (Blog: Tea is the Best Medicine and So long, mahjong)

Nothing can replace Dad, Mom or Bruce, but I believe God sent more butterfly moments and friends to comfort me in my grief. Those stories, and that community, helped me to find new joy from a place of loss. I don’t know what I would have done without them.

I can even say, after a recent trip to Europe (London and Paris where Bruce and I shared many happy memories) (Europe Trip - May 2024) that the butterfly encounters now feel lighter and more joyful — almost like the pain I felt so deeply at the beginning is now fading into an old, warm memory. In a word: closure.

After a few very hard years, I feel more and more like myself, and for that I am grateful.

Generational Blessing

Although it is not surprising that butterflies continued to feature prominently in the stories following the book, I did not expect to see so many members of the next generation leading the way in this “butterfly movement”…

One of those young friends, Benjamin, my editor, quoted these words at the end of the book, “In North America, monarchs migrate both north and south on an annual basis, in a long-distance journey that is fraught with risks. This is a multi-generational migration…”

I did not know that Benjamin and Mercy would be with me in Lisbon when Dad died, or that they would listen to me, hug me, and pray for me as I processed that news.

I did not know that I would feel so emotional reading my goddaughter Hannah’s reflections on her love for me and Bruce, and the way she has seen her own butterfly story come to life. (Blog: Hannah's Sharing)

And I did not know that I would make a new friend from this younger generation (a new “godson,” even), when I met Ethan in February 2023. He was wrestling with pain over his career and identity as a ballet dancer, but now, through several “butterfly moments,” has a new perspective on life. (Blog: Ethan's Sharing)

And I did not know that the friendship with Tsz Wa – the Hong Kong breakdance champion (See chapter, A Good Father, p.154) has given me a deeper understanding that artists are chosen as God’s rising army for His Kingdom work. Check out Tsz Wa's Sharing) and this book "An Army Arising" by Christ John Otto).

Butterfly Family

I could not have planned or imagined it, but these young friends have become like family to me: like brothers and sisters. And this is what I am most grateful for today: how butterflies have drawn us together through moments of emotion and vulnerability.

Together, we know that we are not alone.

Certainly, there are more butterfly stories since the book was published. The signs of love from God and Bruce haven't stopped. You can check some other new stories from this website: butterflyeffect.com.hk.

Would you continue the “great migration” by helping us to launch this site? Would you join our growing “butterfly family” and write to me at amiitam88@gmail.com.

I would be so blessed if you would read through my friends’ stories, and if you would comment on and share them, in whatever language you feel comfortable — English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, anything! And it doesn’t have to be a long or fancy comment, either.

And finally, if you feel a gentle stirring, maybe you could share your own “butterfly story”, if you have one. If that is something you are curious about, please let me know. I would love to chat with you more.

Lots of love,

Amii 🦋

butterflyeffect.com.hk

July 6th, 2024