The Metaphor of Butterflies

During the summer, the patients at Veritas Collaborative enjoy watching the metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies. These furry little creatures go through a great deal of change in two short weeks, similar to the remarkable changes our patients make during their recovery process at the Veritas hospitals.

During the school year, child and adolescent patients are able to maintain progress in their coursework from their schools at home with the expert help from our Education Team. However, during the summer months, when most patients have completed their academics for the school year, we get to have a bit of fun in science and art.

The highlight of the summer is our metamorphosis unit, when we dig deeper to learn about this dramatic change the insects go through, observe them closely, and paint our own butterflies in the classroom. First, small cups of tiny, furry caterpillars enter the facility. We watch the caterpillars eat, getting bigger and stronger each day. They then climb to the top of the cups and form tough shells with golden armor. We move these chrysalides to larger butterfly houses and within a week, watch them emerge as beautiful, bright creatures. They spend a few days surrounded by flowers, enjoying oranges the patients feed them. Then, we release them outside.

The child and adolescent patients are similarly going through a process as they learn to eat for strength and energy, be still and mindful, and allow meaningful changes to happen to their minds and bodies on the path to recovery. The butterflies are a beautiful metaphor for this journey, and our Education Team is honored to be able to walk alongside our patients for a small part of their journey.