Process to Progress.

Shhhhh, quiet , quiet. 

We need absolute silence. 

Young boys and girls were gathered around the glass case, anxious to see the caterpillar's cocoon crack open like a egg on a hot July sidewalk.

The slight wiggle had those children in sheer awe.

They'd never seen metamorphosis up close before.  

Gradually, the hardened shell that kept the little critter cozy and warm had started to split at the tippy top, widening down like a windy back road.

It zigged to the left, made a sharp zag over to the right, each wall chipping away like old paint.

In one small girl's final excited gasp....it BURST!!

Wide open and in half the shell lay in the cage, a wing began to peel away from the body. 

Hues of blue and teal and silver green filled its flighty wings with deep pride. 

"OOOOHHHHHH". "WOWWWWWWW". Every kid stared in awe of this magical creature, unique beauty all its own .

"Now, children," said the teacher, "we must now let our friend fly free. She's done her time here. Now she has to go spread her magic elsewhere ".

The kids followed outside, awaiting the moment to witness their new flying friend to take flight. 

"Don't worry, little butterfly. You're going to be okay. Just promise you'll come back to see us again someday ". 

And with that comfort message, the teacher opened the hatch door, allowing the little butterfly to soar up into the sky to kiss the sun and clouds, open to love and happiness overflowed. 

She had kept the promise , coming back to see the classroom from which her humble journey had once began. Her presence like a warm kiss each time, interweaving more students and teachers together when hearing her story of where she was, who she is and what she is now seeking to be.