My life at sixteen years old was everything I wanted and more. Sure, there were a few minor things here and there that I wanted to change about myself and my life, but overall I was happy. That is, until September 27, 2012. My grandfather passed away that morning and there was an aching in my heart that I had never felt before. I didn't just lose my grandfather ... I lost my best friend, my comforter, the person who always had my back and, most importantly, one of the people I loved most in my life. It was probably the most devastating experience I have ever had to go through. Seeing one of my greatest role models become so ill and pass away was something that defined me and made me who I am today.

From the moment my grandfather passed away, I knew that God was with me. The way things played out were too easy to be anything other than an act of God. The depression that took over my life was so deep, but God's love for me was deeper. He spoke to me in so many ways that I couldn't see at the time. But the greatest way God spoke to me was through butterflies.

Butterflies have always been a mystery to me. I knew where they came from ... But really, where did they come from? They seemed to pop into my life at the most convenient times. I would be stopped at a red light on a busy intersection after a long day, about ready to bust into tears. All of a sudden, a butterfly would gracefully flutter in front of me and remind me to slow down and take a breath. Suddenly, I started to realize that it wasn't convenience or a coincidence that butterflies were always crossing my paths.

A common saying that I've come across is, "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." This really spoke to me. I believe that butterflies are my symbol of hope, because when I thought that my world was crashing down, something came along to remind me that this was not the end. Whether it was a butterfly, a friend, classmate or family member, they all acted as my butterflies in disguise.

We pray for miracles, a sign, anything to show us that God is real, that our loved ones are safe or that everything will be okay. My sign came in the form of a butterfly. I am forever thankful that God gave me a tangible sign of His love and compassion for me. Whenever I'm down or missing my grandpa, I can count on butterflies to bring me comfort.

"Never hide your wings. For without them you would not have flown above the past. Always show them ... For they are the strength that you have become." -ACH