Tiger Moths (27 page)

Gracie reached up and grabbed Laura’s arm. “Momma, can we go make a campfire so I can play with some real glow sticks? We need to be outside so we can look at all the stars. And maybe I could make some new friends.”

Dale said, “You know, Gracie, when I was your age I was quite the camper. You meet lots of interesting folks when you camp, and you learn a lot of fun stuff. Want to know one of the neatest things my dad taught me?”

“Sure!”

“Well, October is one of the best times of the year to find a woolly bear caterpillar. They are way cute. But if you catch one, and keep it in a jar over the winter months, you can see something amazing happen in the spring.”

“What, Aunt Dale? What happens then?”

“Then the cute little woolly bear becomes a tiger moth!”

“Really! How cool! Let’s do that, Mom. Can we please?”

“Sure, sweetheart. But not tonight. It sounds like a perfect family outing. I’m sure your father will be happy to join us.”

Gracie looked from her mom to Dale and said, “Wow, I bet those woolly bear caterpillars dream about flying from the day they are born. Don’t you think so, Aunt Dale?”

“I certainly do. And don’t forget, you can dream your own dreams too.”

“You know, I think most of my dreams have already come true.”

Laura smiled and said, “Gracie, I think all of our dreams have come true, even if they are a little different than we thought they would be. Like Johnny says, we are all here on this earth for one reason, love. And God’s infinite love always defeats evil.”

“Yes, Momma. And I love you, and I love Aunt Dale, and I love Daddy, and I love Johnny Clark, and I love that big man that punched out that mean man, and I love….”

“Okay, okay honey, we all love you too. Now can we get something to eat?”

“Laura, is that all you ever think of?” Dale laughed.

“Well, it is since I found out that I am eating for two.”

“By the grace of God!” Gracie exclaimed, and they all laughed and repeated, “By the grace of God!”