It was time to release the Painted Lady butterflies.
The kids brought their goodbye letters to the garden in the schoolyard. They also brought their four butterflies in their mesh container. It was the only home these butterflies had ever known.
One student after another stepped up to the butterflies to say a formal farewell. Saying goodbye brings up all sorts of feelings.
Some of the kids were sort of happy to launch the butterflies into the world.
Others had more mixed feelings.
Then it was time to let them out. There was a moment when each butterfly was free to go but didn't really know it yet. Suddenly they were all off on the wind.
It's hard to let go even when you know it's the right thing.
