KEEPERS LADY, WE GOT A BUTTERFLY (Part III)
May 10th, 2008Keepers have a very special 9 year old friend named Sarah. She is a very important part of the Idgyedgy system of alters. She is, also, an avid lover of butterflies. So, last autumn–when a friend of hers gave Sarah three cocoons for tending until the butterflies emerged–she was absolutely thrilled. Anyway, over the next few weeks Sarah called KEEPERSKORNER twice. Both times, she had to leave a voice mail as keepers were on the other line. Each of these two messages contained the same words. KEEPERSLADY, WE GOT A BUTTERFLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The instant keepers could get back to Sarah, we did and keepers were regaled with the story of how each of the butterflies emerged from it’s cocoon. And how the Idgyedgy system worked together to set each butterfly free. Being allowed to share the experience of birthing butterflies with our friends was one of the most awesome things keepers have ever been a part of.
However, there was one cocoon where the butterfly never emerged, which was quite distressing for all concerned. At first, everyone figured that cocoon had not worked right and there was no hope for the butterfly. But, after some researching, it was discovered that some cocoons do what is called “over wintering”. That meant there was the possibility that the third butterfly would emerge from her cocoon some time this spring. So, Idgyedgy put the plastic case that had contained all three cocoons at one point to see if, indeed, butterfly #3 was over wintering.
Needless to say, this past winter seemed like a very long time for both Idgyedgy and keepers. Checking the cocoon became a part of their morning routine and asking about the cocoon was always of high priority when keepers spoke with Sarah. There was never even the slightest change in the cocoon as the winter months came and went.
Then, the official beginning of spring came about six weeks ago. Our anticipation that the butterfly might emerge was heightened as the days grew longer and some what warmer. Day after day, Sarah was checking on the cocoon and letting keepers know that nothing at all was happening. It had been so long that keepers could tell that Sarah had lost hope of ever seeing our over wintering butterfly.
But, just two days ago, Sarah phoned keepers (this time we were able to answer). I remember giving my usual greeting THANK YOU FOR CALLING KEEPERSKORNER. HOW CAN I HELP YOU? when the voice on the other end said (excitedly) KEEPERSLADY, WE GOT A BUTTERFLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can not put into words how very awesome that moment was for us.
Apparently, Idgeedgy had gotten home from work and Sarah had gone to the storage closet on their back porch. One of her cats was fussing and trying to show Sarah that something was different. Well, Sarah turned around and saw the butterfly in the cage–fluttering its wings and trying to move about. Some time during the day, this over wintering butterfly had made its entry into the world without anyone but a kitty cat noticing. And keepers find it amazing to know that the cat could not wait to share her discovery with her owner, Sarah.
As you can tell from the above picture, the butterfly emerged with one of her wings absent. (I say her because the colors of the butterfly indicate that it was, indeed, a girl). We think this might have been caused by the length of her over wintering but there is no way to know for sure. We just know that this beautiful little creature came into this world with a handicap that made her even more special to us all.
Shortly after her discovery, Sarah took the butterfly outside to set her free. Because of her wing problem the little girl butterfly struggled to get off the ground and soar on her own. Sarah fears that she did not make it long before a bird had the butterfly for dinner. But, somehow, keepers think that this butterfly had a very special purpose and did what she was meant to do just by emerging from her cocoon.
Keepers absolutely love the story of butterfly #3 joining the world. Sarah checked her notes and it was eight long months between the birth of the second butterfly and the birth of #3. An awfully long time to wait. It is so easy to understand why Sarah and little keepers gave up hope along the way that anything would ever emerge that last cocoon. For keepers, this entire experience has been a great lesson in learning to hold on to hope no matter what because there really is no way to know what will happen five minutes from now.
After eight long months of waiting for this extra special butterfly, keepers believe even more strongly in our five minute rule–DON’T GIVE UP 5 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR MIRACLE HAPPENS!!! It seemed like forever until this butterfly emerged but she did when she was ready and not one moment before. A miracle? Keepers would say so.
Peace and Blessings,
keepers

