Two summers ago we took the boys camping up at Newport State Park in Door County. While we were away, Mat's mom Karen stayed at our house on pet patrol. She fed the dog, the cats, the fish, and a fat, striped caterpillar who was destined to become a monarch butterfly. Her lifelong interest in butterflies made her the perfect candidate to care for this fascinating little creature. When we left, the caterpillar was busy munching on some milkweed leaves. When we returned, it had split it's skin to reveal a shiny green chrysalis. After hanging for a few more days the chrysalis fell away and the butterfly began to open her wings.
We were recently reminded once again of the butterfly and of transformation. Mat discovered a monarch chrysalis on one of the gate posts leading out to the pasture. As he checked in with it he observed changes. Around this time, Karen was admitted to the hospital for inflammation of the colon which was preventing her from being able to properly digest. Days passed and her condition worsened. The chrysalis continued to change. On the last day we went to be with Karen in the hospital and say our goodbyes. The night came, and with it, the full moon. In the morning she had passed, and when we returned home from the hospital Mat discovered that the chrysalis was empty. The butterfly had left quietly.
If you've been a member of the farm for longer than a season, you've eaten salad mix that Karen washed and bagged. You've cooked with garlic that Karen trimmed and cleaned. You've taken in some of the love and good energy that she poured into her work here at the farm. We are so very grateful for all that she's done over the years to support us as we've built this farm and our family. A part of her will always be with us. Next time you see a Monarch, think of Karen and give thanks for those people in your life who have a way of always making things better.
