Butterflies to represent thoughts of loved ones

Butterflies' flight to carry thoughts of those who've passed

Spring is a time of renewal. When a family member or friend passes away, people grieve the loss of their presence. This year's second annual Celebration of Life Butterfly Release on April 17, sponsored by the Nathan Adelson Hospice, symbolizes a fond farewell to those who have passed away instead of a sad tribute.

Butterflies, besides being the national symbol of hospice, represent the unknown and sacred according to several American Indian tribes. For those who whisper a wish or prayer to a butterfly and then release it, they are said to act as a messenger to loved ones who have passed on.

Laura Norcia, event coordinator for the Nathan Adelson Hospice, said it was no accident that the event occurs for the second time at the beginning of spring, a time for new beginnings.

"The butterfly has kind of been our logo with the hospice for a long time," Norcia said. "We thought it would be a nice way of celebrating life for people who have departed. With the butterfly representing the rebirth, and the fact that butterflies don't make any noise, when a person whispers a message to a butterfly, it goes up to spirits in the sky."

Norcia was uncertain about how the first year's event would turn out but was pleasantly surprised when they ran out of butterflies. She had to go through several channels to make sure the release of the 300 monarchs would be environmentally safe before purchasing them from a butterfly farm.

"We had an overwhelming response, we didn't know how well received they would be," she said. "This year we elevated it to 300."

Besides the butterfly release, a nondenominational service will be held, as well as live musical performances and the chance for guests to walk a ceremonial labyrinth.

B.J. Hawkins couldn't attend the first year's festivities but sent her stepson to purchase a butterfly in memory of his father, who was in the care of Nathan Adelson Hospice when he passed away nearly two years ago.

"It meant a lot to me to do that, to release it for myself," Hawkins said. "It was a beautiful way for me to commemorate his life. I think I have a very healthy outlook on life. We all come with a two-way ticket, and you do what you can to help people when they're alive. It's good, after they're gone, to remember them in good, healthy ways."

Norcia said the event can benefit anyone who has lost a loved one, not just those who lost one in hospice care.

"The adult monarchs are very nice sized, and they look fabulous when you release them all at once," she said. "A lot of times when you have a memorial or try to pay tribute to somebody it can be a very melancholy, somber event. We don't want to at all take away from the fact that this is a memorial, but let's take the opportunity to celebrate the fact that they've lived."

Participants are able to pre-purchase a butterfly for $25, proceeds go to benefit the nonprofit hospice care organization. Each purchase comes with a small remembrance gift. The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled to take place at Sunset Park, Section A, on Sunset Road at Eastern Avenue. For more information or to purchase a butterfly, call 938-3910 or visit www.nah.org.