Thanks for this. We visited our Montpelier in August and could feel the pain plus the community resilience. It was heart breaking but evidence of hope was everywhere. Butterflies are now abundant here on the Gulf Coast and birds are returning. We too are recovering from floods but nothing like what happened to Montpelier/Barre.
"Hope is no mere aspiration that things will turn out well. Hope instead takes our hand, shines a light ahead, and pushes us onward into the messiness and uncertainties of life."
Bryan, I've never read a more inspiring definition of hope, thank you.
Oh, yes. Life is hard and wonderful. Even when almost broken, I am restored as I walk where wild things go about their lives. And I am glad that others find similar solace and hope in nature. Thank you for the reminders.
“Hope instead takes our hand, shines a light ahead, and pushes us onward into the messiness and uncertainties of life.” Beautiful. Just beautiful. And true.
Strength is not the most powerful strutting along, it's those with the least, putting one foot (or wing) in front of the other. Two butterflies, or a city, recently flooded, moving forward. Thanks, as always, for the hope in your writing Bryan.
I love the juxtaposition of the steady rebirth of the town with the continuation of butterfly breeding--both undergoing utter and essential transformations. We were washed out here in the Adirondacks as well, but nothing as apocalyptic as what you all experienced.
Oh, Bryan, that photo of the books outside the library 💔 What an intense time we’re living through--vulnerability so apparent. Bless the Baltimore Checkerspots, and the way you attend to them as they navigate these times alongside us. I’m wary of hope, too; but even warier that I never let go of it completely. Thank you for shining your light.
Well written, Brian. The destruction is so sad. We went through a lot too a year ago here in southwest Florida from a hurricane and are just getting back to normal.
Oh wow. I did not expect the beautiful -- and weep-inducing -- turn this essay took. So, so beautiful. But the library! Just gutting. That's one of the things that many of us might forget after a natural disaster -- restoring libraries and bookstores, because we humans need story and connection to one another more than anything.
Great essay Bryan. So sad about the devastation and loss of life but nature and humans have a way of bouncing back. I know this but it is still heartbreaking. Awesome to see the Baltimore Checkerspots that survived!
Bryan, I am awed by your observations of Nature and its intersection with our species. Thank you for sharing all with us.
If it’s any consolation for the loss of your Checkerspot colony, my milkweed patch was home to hundreds and hundreds of these caterpillars that became magnificent fliers.
Beautiful. I haven’t seen many butterflies this year but every I have seen is the more than the last.
Butterflies strong!!
Thanks for this. We visited our Montpelier in August and could feel the pain plus the community resilience. It was heart breaking but evidence of hope was everywhere. Butterflies are now abundant here on the Gulf Coast and birds are returning. We too are recovering from floods but nothing like what happened to Montpelier/Barre.
"Hope is no mere aspiration that things will turn out well. Hope instead takes our hand, shines a light ahead, and pushes us onward into the messiness and uncertainties of life."
Bryan, I've never read a more inspiring definition of hope, thank you.
Lovely, as always—even in the wake of a deluge. Thank you.
Loved this!
Thanks for the update and the positive story of the community.
Oh, yes. Life is hard and wonderful. Even when almost broken, I am restored as I walk where wild things go about their lives. And I am glad that others find similar solace and hope in nature. Thank you for the reminders.
“Hope instead takes our hand, shines a light ahead, and pushes us onward into the messiness and uncertainties of life.” Beautiful. Just beautiful. And true.
Strength is not the most powerful strutting along, it's those with the least, putting one foot (or wing) in front of the other. Two butterflies, or a city, recently flooded, moving forward. Thanks, as always, for the hope in your writing Bryan.
I love the juxtaposition of the steady rebirth of the town with the continuation of butterfly breeding--both undergoing utter and essential transformations. We were washed out here in the Adirondacks as well, but nothing as apocalyptic as what you all experienced.
Oh, Bryan, that photo of the books outside the library 💔 What an intense time we’re living through--vulnerability so apparent. Bless the Baltimore Checkerspots, and the way you attend to them as they navigate these times alongside us. I’m wary of hope, too; but even warier that I never let go of it completely. Thank you for shining your light.
Well written, Brian. The destruction is so sad. We went through a lot too a year ago here in southwest Florida from a hurricane and are just getting back to normal.
Oh wow. I did not expect the beautiful -- and weep-inducing -- turn this essay took. So, so beautiful. But the library! Just gutting. That's one of the things that many of us might forget after a natural disaster -- restoring libraries and bookstores, because we humans need story and connection to one another more than anything.
Great essay Bryan. So sad about the devastation and loss of life but nature and humans have a way of bouncing back. I know this but it is still heartbreaking. Awesome to see the Baltimore Checkerspots that survived!
Bryan, I am awed by your observations of Nature and its intersection with our species. Thank you for sharing all with us.
If it’s any consolation for the loss of your Checkerspot colony, my milkweed patch was home to hundreds and hundreds of these caterpillars that became magnificent fliers.