"Flutter by" began just as its name implies ... with the sharing of little flutters of thought among co-workers and friends. The messages fluttered into their lives quietly and with serenity ... much like the Monarch butterfly -- a personal favorite of mine. My daily messages include a prayer and oftentimes a short story or quotation to show how that reflection applies to our lives and to our humanness. They revolve around the people, places, and particulars in my world -- which are pretty much the same as those in yours. My prayer is that this book helps you through each day with a flutter of thought, a breath of calmness, and a reflection for peace, love, and endurance. I pray that these little thoughts help you smile and see the true beauty of God's touch in each day -- even in those filled with sorrow. For, as we flutter by, we flutter on. Through Flutter by, you'll meet my husband Howard (often referred to as Ole Buckeye ... Ohio State is his alma mater.); our daughters Diane and Lori; and, of course, Chaplain Ditrick the Third (our Shetland sheepdog). Most times, "Chap" concludes my prayerful thoughts with a flutter of his own. They usually involve "treats." As a hospital chaplain, I got to know and become close to many of the staff, especially the nurses. One friend in particular was going through a very difficult time in her personal life. She faced continuous challenges and difficult decisions. Often, she confided that she didn't know how or even if she would get through it all. Each time that we talked, I came away feeling that I wanted to be so much more than someone who listened. I wanted to do something to ease her pain. I asked God to guide me to an answer to calm her burden. On one particularly busy day, I knew that our paths would not cross, but I wanted my friend to know that I was thinking about and praying for her. I wrote her a quick little prayer and sent it off through the inner-office mail. (This was before computers!) A few days, later, I sent another prayer ... then another ... and another. When we met up several days later, she thanked me again and again. She told me how much those little prayers meant to her and how she looked forward to receiving them. She asked if she could share them with friends at the hospital. I was touched and said of course! From there, the "prayer" mailing list grew to over 300 co-workers and friends. (Thank goodness computers came along!) May you flutter by others as you have fluttered by me.