So impressed with their depth of understanding of this metamorphic phenomenon and the events occurring inside the chrysalis, I just had to ask the question: “How do you know all this stuff?” I will never forget their response, said in unison with a joy and enthusiasm I don’t think I ever had at any level of my education: “We read!”
The gift was a small block of Styrofoam impaled with a stick, and
attached to the stick, a Monarch chrysalis. Also included was a note. I will
let Jolene’s words explain her very thoughtful present.
“Perhaps this Monarch butterfly could be released in memory of Dr.
Laman. This chrysalis was spun 8/26/14, and will hatch 10-14 days thereafter.
The possible hatching date of Sept. 6 is eleven days from spinning.The chrysalis will get continually darker in color the closer it is to hatching. On the evening before the day it hatches, it will be a very dark like purple color. The next morning it will be black. Actually the chrysalis is clear and the black color is the butterfly body. You will also be able to see the orange wings. At this point, it will only be a few hours before it hatches. Most butterflies hatch mid-morning.
After hatching, the butterfly usually will cling to a twig and pump
fluid through its wings to expand them. It will also excrete some brown fluid.
When the butterfly can fly [about 4-5 hours], it can be released. Enjoy your
butterfly!”
And we did. Everyone in our office would check it daily to see how its
progression compared to Jolene’s note- you’d think we were all in fourth grade.
But on the afternoon of Sept.5, Bonnie and I both came to the conclusion that
the butterfly didn’t belong with us. It really belonged with another. Later in
the evening, the chrysalis was given to Ed’s wife, Anne.
The hatch went according to script. By happenstance, Anne is quite an
artist. One of her works resides in the hallway by our check-out window. Now, a
beautiful painting of the butterfly is on display on a thank you card she sent
to Jolene. Jolene in turn sent back a lovely note with a photograph. She had
another butterfly hatch the day the card arrived, and the new one climbed onto
Anne’s card, apparently looking for a friend.
Though strangers before this exchange, through the butterfly
the two women were able to share their hearts and their talents as each grieved
the loss of a loved one. You see, Jolene’s own mother passed away not long ago,
much too young. Death should never be allowed to overshadow the beauty of life.
Anne and Jolene are doing their best to make sure that doesn’t happen.
The other day Jolene sent me some
information which I am proud to report I read. The population of Monarch
butterflies is dropping precipitously. Most of the Monarchs in North America
migrate to a certain forest in Mexico each autumn. Because it is impossible to
count individual butterflies, researchers measure the acres they cover. In
1995, they covered 44.5 acres. Last year it was 1.65 acres.
The main source of food for Monarchs is the common milkweed plant. Urban
sprawl, certain farming practices, and herbicides, are often cited as the cause
for the decline of this plant habitat, and subsequently the butterflies
themselves.
What a great project it would be for children to follow Jolene and
June’s example. It costs next to nothing to raise butterflies and milkweeds,
but the rewards from helping to save a species could be infinite. And parents,
it wouldn’t hurt your kids to emulate the Yoder sisters in another aspect as
well. Tell them to read. Better yet, show them.
Thank you, Jolene, for your wonderful gift. It truly was a beautiful memorial for the man who gave me so much. Rest in peace Dr. Laman. Enjoy your butterfly.
Author: Dr. John Jones
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