When March arrives and the butterflies show up at Meijer Gardens, I get in touch with some of my favorite people and make plans to visit. It’s one of my favorite outings, and as my birthday falls smack in the middle of the exhibit, I always feel justified in making a trip (you know, because that’s how all the coolest thirtysomethings celebrate their birthdays).

When all the social distancing requirements came to Michigan and nonessential businesses shut down, I didn’t have the heart to delete my calendar reminder for March 27. And so yesterday my phone dutifully reminded me that, in a parallel universe untouched by a public health crisis, it was time go see the butterflies.

I grieve with the people who are experiencing large, acute losses: becoming suddenly unemployed, facing economic insecurity, fearing for the health and safety of their loved ones amidst scarce resources and great uncertainty. I’m struggling to envision just exactly how or when everything feels normal again, but I trust that day will come eventually.

Maybe you need a little dose of beauty today. I’m looking forward to all the future butterflies.