April is a month of transitions. The seasons are changing which means days of warm sunshine followed by snowstorms, bare trees begin to blossom with new buds, and bulbs break free from under the ground. As anyone who has played the back-and-forth game of heater and air-conditioning can attest, transitions are not always comfortable. We had our share of transitions in April, and like sunny/gloomy springtime itself, they each included beautiful flowers and a sense of remembering the past and looking ahead to what the future will hold.
April began with a happy occasion. Congratulations to my brother Ryan and his new wife Valerie! They were married on April 1 which was a cold but wonderful day. We welcome Valerie and wish them all the best in their new family.
On April 9, we got the shocking news that Rusty's brother Rhett had passed away. It was completely unexpected. Rusty and I immediately planned a trip to Georgia to gather as a family and to say goodbye. It was extremely emotional and difficult, but we came away with peace and a firm knowledge of the eternal nature of families. I have feelings and experiences from this visit that will stay with me forever. I've never been more proud to be a member of the Butler family. Their strength and wisdom inspire me. We will miss Rhett and look forward to being reunited with him in the future.
So in April we gathered two weeks apart for two brothers of the same age for two very different transitions. They were surrounded by flowers and loved ones. We know they are both where they are meant to be with the people who will help them progress to the best they can become. I'm genuinely happy for them both.
