The Logo

June 3, 2024

I'm sure most of you can infer the symbolism. It's pretty straight forward. Having worked as an English teacher in middle and high schools for more than 20 years, I came to appreciate symbolism.

Of course, the turtle brings to mind the classic Aesop's fable, "The Tortoise and The Hare," which I read with many of my English learners. Turns out Abraham Lincoln also read Aesop's fables, and was affected by them. So, slow and steady along the Lincoln Highway--that was enough for me. But there's more. Turtles tend to symbolize age and wisdom: I'm hoping to . When our first child was born, a colleague gave us a copy of "Old Turtle." It's a great story. And, our funniest pet is a turtle. We got the turtle about 8 years ago. My daughter named it Monkey. Monkey the turtle. You know how people seem to fit their names? Monkey fits this turtle.

Anyway, likewise butterflies are often symbols of transformation and beauty and freedom. They break out of their cocoons, free to flit from here to there. But, thanks to Lorenzo's speech, they've also come to symbolize chaos theory. Of course, a few years before that speech Ray Bradbury wrote a brilliant story about time-travel, in which the plight of one butterfly causes a seismic shift in the future. Thus, butterflies have come to represent the importance of every word, every act. Turns out, everything we do matters into perpetuity and ripples throughout the multiverse. In the case of this ride, every dollar donated will have an immeasurable ripple effect. What's the value of a snack bar to someone who is hungry?

A couple of years ago, one of my students in Illinois informed me that butterflies also represent mental health problems.

The point is, as an individual, sure, I hope to learn and gain wisdom and improve my mental and physical health along the way. Likewise, as a society, I'm hoping we gain some wisdom, finish the race to end poverty in America, and thus transform into a much more free, beautiful nation. I'm afraid, like the Hare, we've been napping a bit too much.

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