metamorphosis

the Greek word metamorphosis means changing form but not substance. The caterpillar morphs into the beautiful butterfly. As we grow older we change in form but not substance, our essence remains, however much hidden by pain, suffering, trauma or bitterness.. Sometimes the essence of who we are is so far hidden by the external things that the old man/woman is obscured. Take for example dementia.
So maybe we can try and see behind the mask that others project or illness all but destroys to the inner being or substance and meet them in their essence.