Green River Tea Story / TEA on the Green
Sometimes we open our mouth to speak … not fully realizing
the commitment we have made.
That is what happened when I volunteered to serve a tea
party on a 18x60 ferry boat. It
was to be a time of celebration, a ribbon cutting for two counties joining
together in a project to help the people of each county have an easier
commute. For all who know me, this
might seem like an easy thing for me to do, as I’ve served many a tea --
unique, odd, simple, elegant, and everything in between.
But this time, only my family really knew the real issue. I
have always been afraid of deep water!
My Jacuzzi has always been the deepest, most comfortable depth that I
can enjoy. So they said, “You are
going to serve a tea party on the Ferry?!!” I replied, “Yes, I am committed to coordinate, make all
plans, and serve.” Each laughed as they shared scenarios of possible
happenings. “You will not be able to do that!” I replied, “I intend on giving it my best!” (I was praying God would help me
conquer this fear.)
Deep water is not my only kind of fear. Still, two years
earlier I had conquered one fear – so why not try for another? When the day arrived, I was prepared
with decorations, delicious food, crystal ware, linen tablecloths, and program
guides, and I was fully dressed as a Southern Belle. Most importantly, I had
committed the day to God. Before
any of the above was put into place I had bowed my head asking for God’s mercy
and grace to protect and help me.
It was a fine day for a celebration, and many local people
had gotten involved. Butler County Judge David Fields had asked the jail crew
to help me get everything set up. He opened the event with words of praise for
all involved in bringing this to fruition. The Green River DAR chapter’s
Regent, Christine Coleman, loaned us her tables and tents and also led us in
pledge to the American flag. Ohio County Judge David Johnston offered the opening prayer, thanking God for the
two counties that had come together to share in this endeavor to make travel
better and faster for everyone. I had asked Evelyn Byers to speak on The Love of Rochester and The Green River. Pam Thompson, a
lifelong resident of that community, spoke on The History of The Ferry. Bryant McClellan paid tribute to Mac
Gabbart for his desire and dedication to moving the ferry for repairs; he also
furnished the background music. Area legislative
delegates and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel were recognized for
their collaboration in the endeavor of getting the ferry back on the Green.
Two beautiful young ladies dressed in Southern Belle style
clothing arrived to serve. They were Heather Gill, my niece, and Jenna Hawkins,
my granddaughter. Teacher Diana Flener came in a lovely costume. She and Bobby
Gregory served as memory keepers by taking many wonderful photos. During the
ribbon-cutting ceremony, these two and members of the press were taken onto the
Green, in a pontoon boat owned and motored by Mike Porter. He gave them the
opportunity to shoot pictures from different angles, which could not be
accomplished shooting from the ferry deck.
An older gentleman came up to thank me for the wonderful tea
he had enjoyed. He was from St. Louis visiting our area; upon hearing about the
tea event, he said “I have done a lot of things in my life, but never attended
a tea.” So from babies held within
loving arms, to an elderly lady in a wheelchair, to this gentleman visiting
from out of state - all were offered tea and savories.
The most amazing thing happened – I served, interacting with
people from one end of the ferry to the other. Then Judge Fields announced, “Everyone that wishes to make
the maiden voyage remain on the ferry – all others may unload.” I said to myself, “Get out your camera,
take pictures focusing on all the beauty around – do not think how deep or wide this river is!”
We set sail, and all was going smoothly as we reached the
center of the river. I was
snapping one picture after another.
There was a lovely blue sky; and below us, running smoothly, was the
Green River, living up to its name.
I had even named the event Tea on
the Green. We sipped green and
white tea as a fanciful mixed drink. It seemed so appropriate.
All of a sudden someone said, “Look at that butterfly!” Mind
you, this was the last week in October.
I turned to see a Monarch alighting on my crystal dishes. A feeling very indescribable came over
me - a feeling of Peace, so much peace. Only two people in the crowd on the boat knew what this
meant to me.
You see, a few years back, my mother had died unexpectedly
after struggling with illness. My grief at the loss was overwhelming. But then
twice within a short period of her leaving us, a butterfly had landed upon me
as if paying me a special visit. The visit from a butterfly had brought me
peace then as I felt her presence engulfing me, as if to let me know that I
would be okay because she was in her heavenly home – there was no more
suffering, and she had a well body with everlasting peace.
Mom had known of the terrible fear of water that I had. And this butterfly landed on my dishes
in the middle of Green River. At this time of year, butterflies were gone. They
had not seen any in days! So when
this happened, I was overwhelmed with a peace unexplainable! My spirit felt as light as the flight
of butterfly wings. I wanted to
laugh (and I did) - such joy, comfort and contentment! No Fear! It seemed so unreal that I could be partaking
in such an activity without fear.
You see, when I married, my husband had been determined to
teach me to swim. After a couple of times of trying, with me thrashing him and
the water, unable to relax – he gave up, afraid I might drown us both with such
thrashing. When our two sons were
born he was instrumental in making sure they learned to swim and not fear water
the way I had always done ever since I was a child. A couple of times I went to the lake to watch them swim, but
I spoiled all the fun by pleading and crying do not, please do not go out into the deep part. After that, I was always left at home, still unable to do
anything constructive because I was fearful they might drown while at the lake.
This is why conquering my fear on October 25, 2010 was such
a big deal for me! The experience of squarely facing – and conquering – my fear
had transformed me. I remembered that a butterfly does not spring into beauty
full-grown; it begins as just a little caterpillar. It must go through a
process of metamorphosis – a transformation – before it can become what it was
meant to be. Like a butterfly, I had gone through my own metamorphosis, from a
fearful person into one with a new sense of confidence. Now I had been set free
from an awful spirit of fear. God
created all things, and He can use all things to His advantage and glory. That
day He sent His fearful child… peace on the wings of a Butterfly Angel.