The Metaphor of Butterflies July 10, 2014

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 here at Veritas.

I am the teacher around here and am honored to serve the young women and young

men who enter our doors for treatment. During the school year, I am tasked with

coordinating the instruction of our patients, who range from ages 10-19. The

patients are able to maintain progress in their coursework from their schools at

home with my help, and with the assistance of local university tutors. 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 18 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 watermelon the patients feed them. Then, we

release them outside.

The patients at Veritas Collaborative 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 I feel honored to be able

to walk alongside our patients for a small part of their journey.

Mindy Elliott

Education Coordinator, Veritas Collaborative

Hospital Teacher, Durham Public Schools