Nothing in nature is guaranteed. I was prepared to be disappointed. But, suddenly, swirlingly surrounded by the magical magnitude of the massing monarchs, the emotion welled up inside and burst forth with a flood of tears. As the flapping wings of the delicate, determined butterflies caressed and careened past my face, I could hear the indescribable sound of many thousands of fluttering wings. Standing still, I soon had half a dozen monarchs clinging to me, and one that stayed on my cheek for minutes by gently gripping my skin. I wished that I could stand there forever. Looking up, I saw many butterflies still enjoying the protection of the trees. The sunny sky was filled with the flying flowers. I will remember this always.

Photo and story by Gail Keeler
Mexico | Migration of the Monarch Butterflies with the Florida Museum of the Natural History