Madeline and the Dragonfly

By Charles Meyers

Many of us deal with the lost of a love one in many ways. It
is even harder for a ten year old girl. This book deals with
a young girl Madeline. Who lost her father in the war and
unexpectedly lost her mother six months later. What better way to
help her understand and deal with her lost. Then meeting a talking
Dragonfl y at a creek that nestle on her Aunt Violet and Uncle Jack
farm. With the help of this Dragonfl y Skip and few of his friends.
Madeline fi nds out, how family, friends and love can overcome all fears
in life. That death is not the end but the beginning of life itself. This
inspirational story will give you that. But, most of all. It will show
you. That unconditional love is the most powerful gift we can give to
each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 14, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453563571

Charles Meyers

Charles Meyers has served the Criminal Justice system for more than 60 years and practiced in the discipline of Firearms and Tool Mark Identification (Forensic Ballistics) for over 50 years. His career includes 25 years with the Michigan State Police, 12 years with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and 5 years teaching. Since 1989 he has been an independent consultant. Charles has a BS degree from Michigan State University in Police Administration with a year of Police Science and a minor in Natural Science. He has been active in professional groups; is an Emeritus member and Past-President of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), a Retired Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), a Member of the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists (SAFS), and a Kentucky Colonel. He is a Navy veteran of World War II and Korea. Since 2004, he has published three books, a memoir entitled Chasing Tail Lights to Forensic Ballistics, and two concerning case histories from Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Crime Laboratory Analysis (CLA) written as short stories; the first, Silent Evidence received the High Country Writers award for non-fiction book of the year, with a follow-up Wherever He Steps, Whatever He Touches… The Compilation brings together numerous anecdotes, many from the previous books, plus additional short stories based on actual homicide investigations, and appendices concerned with Firearms and Tool Mark Identification.

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Copyright © 2010 by Charles Meyers.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2010912518

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-4535-6356-4

ISBN:   Softcover   978-1-4535-6355-7

ISBN:   Ebook   978-1-4535-6357-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

images by Christopher J. Greiss

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

81704

I like to dedicate this book to my family and friends who helped me in publishing this book. But, most of all to you who has lost a love one may you find comfort in this inspirational story.. God Bless and Peace to you.

Madeline, where are you? A voice came from the old farmhouse on the hill. The woman kept yelling for her niece, Madeline.

Jack, where could she be?

Violet, you know she loves to play near the creek and collect those butterflies. Anyway! There’s nothing wrong with a child of her age to be curious with every little thing. I know, Jack, but she’s my sister’s daughter. And ever since Margaret died, I worry about her all the time."

Violet, relax. Give the girl a chance to get used to the idea of living with us.

I know, Jack, but how can I not worry?

Right at that moment, the screen door slammed shut.

Aunt Violet, Uncle Jack, look what I found! As Madeline stretched out her hand, there was a yellow butterfly with black polka dots in her palm.

Honey, Uncle Jack responded, it’s beautiful.

Look, Aunt Violet. As she got close to her niece’s hand, Aunt Violet said, It’s beautiful, my dear. Why don’t you let Uncle Jack take the butterfly?

Her name is Yellow, her niece responded.

Yes, dear. Why don’t you get ready for dinner? Go wash up and we will take care of Yellow.

Uncle Jack, can I listen to my favorite show tonight after dinner?

Yes, honey, if you eat all your dinner.

I will! Madeline yelled back. They didn’t have the heart to tell their niece that Yellow was dead. That poor child! Uncle Jack whispered to Aunt Violet. She was so excited finding that butterfly.

I know, Jack, Aunt Violet whispered back.

Look! As they both looked at Madeline sleeping on the couch, Aunt Violet said, Jack, take her up to her bed. Tomorrow is another day. We will figure out what to tell her about Yellow.

The summer of 1944 was not the best of times in America, especially in the Midwest. Majority of servicemen came from the Midwest. Madeline’s dad, James, was one of those servicemen. He died at the beginning of the war. Madeline’s mom, Margaret, had died six months ago in her sleep. Family and friends believe Margaret died of a broken heart. Madeline’s fondest memories were of having Sunday dinners with her mom and dad. Once dinner was over, they would go sit in front of the radio. Madeline loved to listen to Charlie McCarthy and his puppet show. Of course, her parents knew that within minutes Madeline would be sleeping on the floor in front of the radio. Madeline’s fond memories of her parents are always with her.

When Madeline opened her eyes, the sun was shining through the window. Madeline sat up in her bed.

That was a weird dream, she said to herself. Madeline for a minute thought she was back at home. When she heard the noise of the tractor, Madeline realized that she was on the farm. Madeline gave a quick glance out the window. There was Uncle Jack on the tractor heading out to the wheat field. Madeline jumped out of her bed, got dressed, and then ran down the stairs.

tractor.jpg

Aunt Violet?

What is it, Madeline?

I had the strangest dream. I was with my mom and dad. We were just standing in this open field, Aunt Violet! The grass was as tall as me. I called out to them. They smiled back at me and began to wave good-bye. I told them not to leave me. All they did is smiled and blow me a kiss. The next thing they just disappeared. Aunt Violet, is it true that when you die you go right to heaven?

Yes, dear, the good Lord said so. Aunt Violet knew she had to handle Madeline’s question in a delicate manner. You see, when we die God has a special plan for us.

What is that? Madeline asked. Aunt Violet smiled at Madeline.

We become guardian angels. You see, Madeline, your mom and dad are your guardian angels. Maybe that is why you had a dream about them. It is their way of looking out for you.

You really think so, Aunt Violet?

I am sure, said Aunt Violet as she placed her hand under Madeline’s chin and gave her a kiss on her cheek.

Aunt Violet, you are just as pretty as my mother. Aunt Violet smiled at Madeline.

And you, my dear, are the spitting image of your mother when she was your age. Madeline smiled as she tilted her head down. Now it’s time for breakfast.

Aunt Violet, where is Yellow, my butterfly? Aunt Violet knew she had to say something. She didn’t have the heart to tell Madeline that Yellow had died.

Honey, butterflies are like angels. They need to spread their wings and fly. Yellow is gone, dear.

What do you mean gone? Aunt Violet couldn’t lie to Madeline. It would not be right to lie to Madeline.

I am sorry, Madeline, said Aunt Violet as she tried to comfort Madeline. Madeline shrugged away from her aunt.

You are lying, Madeline screamed out.

Madeline, please understand Yellow was already gone when you brought her into the house.

No, she’s not dead. I don’t understand. Madeline ran out the kitchen door. Aunt Violet felt awful. Madeline ran toward the creek that was behind the house.

Madeline sat under an oak tree, with tears running down her face. Madeline looked up toward the blue sky. God, why do we have to die? Why did my mom and dad die and leave me. I don’t understand this, she cried, with tears streaming down her face. With her head down and arms crossed over her knees, Madeline heard a buzzing sound. Madeline looked up. It was a dragonfly, flying all around her and the oak tree. Wow! She thought. Madeline tried to grab the dragonfly with little success. Madeline began to hop up and down like a rabbit. Soon Madeline became exhausted and fell down on the ground.

Gee whiz! I just can’t do anything right. At that moment, Madeline heard a voice. Why so sad?

Madeline looked up. Who said that?

I did! The dragonfly appeared again, this time in front of Madeline’s face.

Oh my god! Madeline jumped up as though she’d seen a ghost.

Hello, my name is Skip. Who are you? Madeline just stared in shock. Hello! the dragonfly said out loud again.

I am Skip, said the dragonfly pointing to himself. What is your name?

I am Madeline. Wait a minute, Madeline thought to herself. Who is doing this? Dragonflies don’t talk. This has to be a trick!

No, it is not, said Skip as he got close to Madeline. Madeline with her mouth wide open couldn’t believe what she was hearing. I don’t believe this!

Please don’t get upset. I really can talk, said Skip as he tried to convince Madeline.

I don’t believe you, Madeline yelled out. Skip flew right up to Madeline; he was getting angry that she didn’t believe him.

I can talk! said Skip as he flew high up above Madeline’s head. Why were you crying just a moment ago? Madeline yelled out to Skip, None of your business! Why should I tell you? You are not real, and you can’t talk. I am going home. Madeline ran off, not sure what to believe.

Aunt Violet, I am home.

Madeline, is that you?

Yes, Aunt Violet. Aunt Violet walked into the kitchen. Madeline was sitting at the table with her head laying down across her hands.

Madeline, I know you are upset about Yellow. Madeline just sat there with her head down. Aunt Violet tried to comfort Madeline.

Madeline, why don’t you go help Uncle Jack with the chores?

Aunt Violet, do I have to?

Yes, you do. Now be a good girl and go help your Uncle Jack.

Aunt Violet, I have to tell you what I saw at the creek.

Not now, sweetie, said Aunt Violet as she pointed outside. Madeline, go help your Uncle Jack.

Okay, Aunt Violet. Aunt Violet watched as Madeline headed toward the barn. Madeline with her hands in her pockets kicked the ground with her one foot as she walked towards the barn. Aunt Violet smiled and shook her head. She knew in time Madeline would accept that Yellow was gone.

Uncle Jack, are you in there?

Madeline, I am over in the stall.

Good morning, Uncle Jack.

Good morning, sweetheart.

Uncle Jack, can I ask you something?

What is it, dear?

Have you ever seen anything strange in your life?

What do you mean, honey?

Let’s say you see something, and you know it can’t be real. But for some reason, it is real. Uncle Jack looked at Madeline. I think I know what you are saying. It’s the imagination, said Uncle Jack, pointing to his head. And he winked at Madeline.

Uncle Jack, can the imagination think animals or insects talk?

Madeline, your imagination can make anything possible. Uncle Jack walked up to his niece. Madeline, is this about Yellow the butterfly you found? Madeline had her head down. She said, Sort of.

Uncle Jack knelt down in front of Madeline. Madeline, death is not the end. Yellow is now in heaven flying around, without a care in the world. So don’t be upset. Who knows you might find another butterfly just like Yellow. Madeline smiled at her uncle Jack and gave him a hug.

We better get finished feeding the livestock and get the chores done.

Okay, Uncle Jack. Madeline didn’t say a word about Skip, the dragonfly. She was wondering if it had been her imagination playing tricks on her, as she had been upset over Yellow.

That night at the dinner table, Aunt Violet and Uncle Jack noticed how quiet Madeline was. Aunt Violet gave her husband a concerned look and glanced toward Madeline.

Madeline, Uncle Jack said out loud.

Yes, Uncle Jack?

You know your aunt Violet and I love you? We are so happy that you are living with us.

I know you do, Madeline said to both of them. I was just thinking about Mom and Dad—

Aunt Violet interrupted her, Uncle Jack and I know you miss your mom and dad. What we are saying, dear, this is your home now. We want you to feel welcome and safe here."

I am, Aunt Violet.

Madeline?

Yes, Uncle Jack?

Aunt Violet and I can’t replace your parents. But we want you to think of us as stepparents. Not that we aren’t your uncle and aunt. I mean we are.

What Uncle Jack is saying, Madeline, is that we have no children of our own. We want you to feel like our daughter and not just our niece. Aunt Violet began to sniffle. She could feel tears forming in her eyes. I am so sorry, Aunt Violet said out loud. It has to be my hay fever acting up again. Anyone for dessert? Aunt Violet got up from her chair. Uncle Jack reached over for his wife’s hand and patted it.

I’d love some, Uncle Jack responded. How about you, Madeline?

No, thank you. Would you mind if I be excused? Uncle Jack looked at Aunt Violet. Go right ahead, they both said out loud. Madeline went on to the front porch. Clouds were forming. Not a star in the sky tonight, Madeline thought to herself. Oh, how she remembered that song her father sang to her, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Oh, I wish you were here to sing it to me, Daddy!

The next day it rained all day. Madeline was in her room playing with her dolls. She was talking very loudly to her doll. Ms. Muffet, you mind your manners. You have to listen to me. Ms. Muffet was Madeline’s favorite doll. Madeline’s mother had given Ms. Muffet to Madeline last Christmas. Aunt Violet heard this and was taken aback a little. Madeline seemed to be angry.

Aunt Violet walked into Madeline’s bedroom. Honey! Is everything all right?

Yes, Aunt Violet, everything is all right. Aunt Violet gave Madeline a curious look. You seemed to be angry at your doll.

Ms. Muffet will not eat all of her dinner.

I see, said Aunt Violet, as she knelt down next to Madeline. Why don’t you just tell your doll, I mean, Ms. Muffet, that she has to eat her dinner and that it is important to eat for her health?

Aunt Violet, that will not work.

Why not? Aunt Violet said to Madeline.

Because not everyone listens.

What do you mean, honey?

They just do what they want.

I don’t understand, Madeline. Why are you saying that?

Sometimes people don’t listen. They don’t eat either when you tell them to. Aunt Violet was confused about what Madeline had just said. Madeline?

Yes, Aunt Violet?

Can I ask you a question about your mother?

I guess so, said Madeline, hugging her doll. After your father was gone, how was your mother with you?

What do you mean, Aunt Violet?

I mean, did your mother take care of you? Did she get you ready for school every day?

Oh yea! She took care of me when she could.

What do you mean, Madeline?

"There were days I had to get things ready. I had to help around the house. Mom was always sleeping. Sometimes she didn’t feel like doing anything around the house. She said she was sick. Mom always had a headache, and she couldn’t eat.