A butterfly release is a symbolic act which allows us to revisit the life, love, and memories we’ve shared with those who have passed.
WRC hosted two of these heartfelt ceremonies, one May 30 at its Laurelbrooke Landing campus, and another June 4 at its Highland Oaks at Water Run personal care community. Each release was held jointly alongside Memorial Day ceremonies featuring hymn sings among the attendees, scripture and poem readings, and some spiritual words of wisdom from Hospice Chaplain Linda Lazzaroni.
After each memorial service, crowds gathered in the sunlight, each clutching a small white envelope containing a live butterfly dedicated to a lost loved one’s memory. WRC’s Kristi Vandervort read a butterfly release poem, signaling to all that it was time to open their envelopes and let their butterflies begin their journey. Soon, the Laurelbrooke sky was filled with 115 beautiful, inspired messages of love. At Highland Oaks, 36 butterflies bounced across the air, lighting up the faces of the loved ones who had released them.
“The butterfly release is an incredibly symbolic gesture of resurrection and new beginnings,” said Lazzaroni. “The families were grateful to share in this event with others who have experienced loss. Although there was a somberness to the room at the beginning of the ceremony, it quickly transformed into a renewal of hope by the end.” This was the fifth consecutive year that Laurelbrooke Landing has held a butterfly release. It was the first butterfly release held at Highland Oaks.
