“Butterfly House” built on love stands the test of time in Pacific Grove

You may have heard the story before, but even if so, it’s worth hearing again.

One Pacific Grove home has come to be known as the “Butterfly House.”

But what some don’t know is there is a sweet love story behind it.

When you drive down 9th street in Pacific Grove, something definitely catches your eye. It’s a colorful house, with an even more colorful background.

J Jackson and his wife Sonja moved to the Central Coast in the 70s. And shortly after, Sonja began losing her eyesight.

“We noticed when she was really going blind that what came in her view was really bright colors and so one day I just said to her, I was going to go out and make her a beautiful butterfly house with colors she could see,” says J.

He began building, all so Sonja could always find her way home.

And she says after all these years, she has the same feelings about J’s labor of love.

“Obviously very proud and very happy to have something so beautiful in the area,” says Sonja.

Thousands of people flock to check out what’s now known as “The Butterfly House.”

“Now the word has got out because women and facebook has made this house famous,” says J.

If you’re lucky, you can find J in his workshop putting together more butterflies. The couple has even created the “wall of love” to allow others to buy butterflies for their loved ones–those who have passed and those who are still here.

The funds raised from that go to the Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County, a cause close to their hearts.

Many ask J what will happen to the butterfly house when he and Sonja are gone.

“My philosophy is when I’m dead, I’m going to be free and I won’t have to worry about it. I’ll let the world worry about it. So I’ll never be concerned about what’s going to happen when I die. Just…that’s a waste of energy. So that’s why I live my life.”

But for now, J says he’ll continue to add to the home for Sonja..his inspiration and true love.