Parable of the Butterflies

The butterflies were on display at a Bed and Breakfast where the couple had stopped on their travels. On first sight they were captivated by the variety of specimens pinned to the boards. After an evening of tasty food, shopping and conversation they were drawn back to the butterflies. The colors, the designs, the shapes, the sizes created in them an interest to know more.

Arriving home days later they began a search of websites that could increase their understanding. They learned that their name is derived from the original pre-8th century word buturfliog, there are approximately 24,000 different types of butterfly species worldwide, they can see red, green, and yellow, they can range in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to a huge almost 12 inches, and the difference between the Danaus plexippus, the Lampides boeticus and the Vanessa cardui.

Books were purchased. Details were extracted. A lifetime of study began.

A second couple became intrigued with butterflies and began learning about them as well. One day they made the serendipitous discovery of a butterfly world in the backyard. They were amazed at watching the unpredictable patterns of a butterfly in flight. They marveled at the intricate design and color of slowly flapping wings. The emergence from a cocoon was breath taking. A field of butterflies took on the qualities of a master painter. Soon they begin to see butterflies in the greater context of flowers, sun, birds, trees and spring.

More than once they travelled to butterfly reserves where the Monarchs emerged. Arriving early in the morning they climbed narrow hilly paths into the dense forest to be surrounded by thousands and thousands of butterflies. What a remarkable experience it was to see them weighing down the branches of trees, perching on a hand, filling the air with color, inspiring laughter and creating a symphony of beauty.

It proved to be a lifetime of learning. Rounded out by the wonder of it all.