I picked up the grocery flyer that dropped from my mail box and found a monarch caterpillar lying inside. I wasn’t sure it was alive but put choice leaves in a jar and placed the creature there. I looked several times and saw nothing but by the next day, it had done its magic and digested and discarded body parts to spin a green chrysalis. Google says to check in 10-14 days. It will hopefully emerge as the gorgeous yellow and black butterfly we’re familiar with. I’m glad I took a chance.

Eight years ago, I found four active caterpillars on my parsley plants with black striped bands similar to monarchs except their bodies were green instead of yellow. I gave them a home and my grandchildren and I loved watching their development. These two last photos are of our last beautiful black swallowtail butterflies leaving their chrysalises and entering transformed life. It was a wonderful experience. I felt like sending birth announcements as they displayed their jeweled stained glass wings.

Whether my fallen monarch makes it or not, I’m praying for the best. Every creature deserves the chance to fulfill its destiny.