What had started out as a great community activity for residents at Wesley Meadows, soon turned into an amazing tribute to a former resident. 

This is the story of Baby Roy the Butterfly. Activity Director, Caroline Roeber had the idea to connect residents to nature's life cycle by providing a unique "watching party" where elders witnessed a caterpillar's transform into a beautiful butterfly.

A caterpillar was selected and given a plant to live on while both were sheltered inside a butterfly net. The display was located where elders could peek in to see his progress. The elders cast votes to name their new pet and the baby boy was quickly named Roy.

"It's fitting the residents selected the name Roy. It was about this time last year that our dear friend Roy Angin took his epic sky dive at age 95 and reminded us all that you are never too old to live life to the fullest," said Marsha Brasher, Executive Director. "We have since lost Roy and this was a great tribute to him."

The "watch party" took on a life of its own. Each day updates were given on the status of little Roy. Residents waited patiently for Roy to begin making silk for his chrysalis.

During the waiting period, Roy began acting peaked and was taken to the Butterfly Doctor at Felicia's Butterflies where he was put in ICU. When he returned to Wesley Meadows, he was returned in a special case that allowed him more protection for his transformation. He was feeling much better as within days he began making his chrysalis signalling the upcoming change.

The excitement spread through the community. A baby shower was held for Baby Boy Roy and the elders showered the campus with fresh flowers and brought gifts of school supplies to give to local children. The shower offered the elders an excellent excuse for a party with good food and activities. Many spread their wings as they competed in butterfly races for prizes.

On August 14, 2018, at the end of what seemed like forever but was more like ten days, Roy the Butterfly made his grand entrance and fluttered his wings for the world to see. Caroline video-taped his release to the outside to share with the elders and everyone on Facebook. He sat and enjoyed the beautiful flowers on the patio for a few minutes and then he flew high and away into the sky.
What beautiful way to reconnect everyone to nature. What a beautiful way to pay tribute to a departed friend. What a way to recognize that life changes and letting go is a natural part of that process.

Life Lessons from a Butterfly:


Let go of the past

Trust the future

Embrace change

Come out of the cocoon

Unfurl your wings

Dare to get off the ground

Ride the breezes

Savor the flowers

Put on your brightest colors

 Let your beauty show