for Zane.

The earth beneath her feet shifted as she made her way up that high rugged mountain side. She lifted her head ever so often to see the progress she was making as the chaos of life behind her slowly began to shrink with every step she took. She was desperate. Desperate to find peace, to find a place quiet enough that her own thoughts wouldn't interrupt. As the misty morning fog began to lift from the west side of the mountain she could see the beautiful collage of colors rising with the sun over the east side. It appeared to her that the sun was pushing its way up from the soil just as a butterfly was crawling out of its cocoon. The irony realized in that moment confirmed in her heart that she was that butterfly.

She could feel it. The warmth had kissed her lips and skin with a fresh burst of energy. Rock by rock. Tree by tree. She could feel her heart begin to boil over in her chest. She was more than excited. The anticipation was ruining her.

She could now see the apex of the mountain. Resting against a tree she looked back and smiled. The thought of escaping had brought joy to her heart. She was finally free. She looked up, now as the sky began to bleed through with the most clear and beautiful blue, and whispered into the cool air "Thank you".

She had come to realize, more than ever, that she was loved.

As she reached the top, she sat down on a rather comfortable warm boulder. Tears began to gather at the base of her eyes. It wasn't fear. It wasn't doubt. It wasn't even hurt. These tears were the product of love. Agape Love. Her Father, looking down on her, has been faithful. She knew... in that moment... that she was TREASURED.