The Gift of the Butterfly

                     

                         Shortly after the death of my old boss, Dr. Ed Laman, in August, a gift arrived at our office delivered by a young lady named Jolene. I first introduced readers to Jolene in a column I wrote five years ago about a girl and her quest for knowledge regarding her pet goat’s illness. On a visit to the farm to examine “Toggie,” I noticed a collection of Mason jars on a table next to the pen. Inside the jars were different stages in the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, including a chrysalis. Jolene raised them with her sister, June.

                        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