One hundred butterflies

By Shari Harris, Publisher

The 1st Annual Memorial Butterfly Release by Three Rivers Hospice was held on Friday, August 15, at Licking’s Old City Park. The event was held to honor loved ones who have passed and to provide families hope to “find new strength and beauty through life’s transformations.”

“As we release these butterflies, we release our love, our memories, and our hopes into the world. May they carry forward the beauty and joy that enriches our lives,” said Three Rivers Hospice staff.

Three Rivers Hospice provides hospice (end-of-life) services in a 90-mile radius of their Licking office. Their 11 offices statewide cover 3/4 of the state of Missouri. Families who had lost loved ones in the care of Three Rivers Hospice over the past 13 months were invited to attend the butterfly release and were given an envelope containing a butterfly to open after the speakers were finished. Staff released butterflies for those who had no family present to represent them, many of those in a mass release from a box. In all, 100 butterflies were released.

To begin the event, hospice administrator Roxann Wurst welcomed those attending. She thanked families for allowing Three Rivers Hospice to be part of their lives and complimented caregivers for doing a great job caring for their loved ones. She encouraged them to not be afraid to share their story.

Pastor Jerry Blankenship, of Edgar Springs First Baptist Church, prayed over the families and the food, then a meal was provided to those attending.

Bereavement Coordinator Amanda Blaylock spoke words of encouragement to those assembled. She described the butterfly as a symbol of transformation, of hope and love. She explained that love also undergoes transformation, and she encouraged families to carry on what they have learned from their loved ones, and allow those departed to live on in what family members carry on to others. Blaylock was hopeful that the event would offer some comfort to families. She encouraged them to allow time to grieve, and said that a brighter day is coming. She told them they are not alone, and encouraged them to share their stories with others. Blaylock reminded families that they can honor grief but still allow peace and joy into their lives.

Three Rivers Hospice Chaplain Terry Ramming, a pastor in Mountain Grove, also spoke at the event. He emphasized again how much of an honor it was for all Three Rivers Hospice staff to be allowed into the families of hospice patients at such a difficult time. He shared that grief is not a straight path, and is unique, with each person following their own individual road through it. He offered six tips to deal with grief: 1) It won’t hurt like this forever. 2) You can handle it. 3) Be gentle (patient) with yourself. 4) Your feelings are not unreasonable. 5) You are not alone. 6) Turn to the Lord.

The names of each of the loved ones lost were spoken so families, if present, could collect their envelope. The magnitude of the event became obvious from the several minutes it took to name the deceased. Then envelopes were opened and life sprang forth on colored wings, some immediately taking flight while others tentatively took their first steps of freedom and tried out their wings.

What may be an ending of one phase of life is also the beginning of a new phase, and much like the change from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly, love never dies, it only changes forms.

The staff of Three Rivers Hospice offers 13-months of bereavement services to families of patients who have passed away. They plan to host a second annual butterfly release next year.

Three Rivers Hospice is also seeking patient care and support volunteers. A patient care volunteer may provide respite to caregivers, offer patient companionship, write letters, offer a helping hand, run errands or do light housework. A support volunteer may provide office or clerical assistance, participate in fairs and community events as a Community Ambassador for Health, or participate in social projects including crafts, music, singing and assisting with regular and seasonal events at care facilities and patient homes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Three Rivers Hospice at (866) 478-7898 for more information.

 

Photos by Shari Harris