OLDS – About 120 people participated in the third annual Olds & District Hospice Society’s (ODHS) memorial butterfly release that was held on July 16, up about 70 from last year’s attendance.
As always, the event was hosted just in front of the big red barn at the south end of the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology wetlands.
Participants purchase a box in which a single live butterfly is encased and following the ceremonies, open them to release the butterfly in memory of one or more loved ones.
This year, 150 butterflies were released.
The society’s executive director Mary Smith told the crowd that as always, the butterflies are the painted lady species, which she said are native to North America, and thus, their release does not harm the ecosystem.
“Painted ladies have numerous readily available host plants and are highly adapted to our unpredictable northern weather,” she said.
“It’s a very short and sweet ceremony here today because our little fluttery friends, they want out of their boxes.”
Smith said according to an American Indian legend, if you capture a butterfly, whisper a wish to it, then release it, the Great Spirit will grant your wish in gratitude for giving the butterfly its freedom.
Volunteer Kaitlynne Wilson read a poem entitled l Am Always With You. It’s part of a collection of butterfly poems and release readings on the International Butterfly Breeders Association website.
“When I am gone, release me, let me go,
“I have so many things to see and do.
“You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,
“But be thankful we had so many good years.
“I gave you my love and you can only guess
“How much you’ve given me in happiness,” it read in part.
“I won’t be far away, for life goes on.
“And if you need me, call and I will come.
“Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near.
“And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
“All my love around you, soft and clear,” another portion said.
Wilson read another poem By Jill Haley of the Monarch Team as well.
“As you release this butterfly in honour of me,
“Know that I am with you and will always be.
“Hold a hand, say a prayer,
“Close your eyes and see me there.
“Although you may feel a bit torn apart,
“Please know that I’ll be forever in your heart.
“Now fly away butterfly, as high as you can go.
“I’m right there with you, more than you know,” it said.
ODHS services coordinator Cindy Palin led a prayer.
In part, that prayer said, “for all people, tribes and nations on the earth, thank you for your creation around us.
“Thank you especially today for the butterfly who has so much to teach us about your wisdom and our unique beauty.”
Another portion of the prayer said, “you guide us and direct us and show up in so many different ways: in the sunrise, in a storm, in a friend, in the morning and at night. And yes, in a butterfly.”
Smith told the crowd that the release of butterflies is a very appropriate way to memorialize loved ones who have passed on.
“They are truly individuals. Some will stay in their boxes. Some will be brave and fly away. Some may even stay on your arms. They will do all sorts of unpredictable buggy things,” she said, spurring some light laughter.
“They are individuals, just like our loved ones that we are remembering here today.”
She thanked all those who came out for the event.
With that, participants spread out throughout the area to release their butterflies.
Jim Adamchick played soothing music on the fiddle throughout the ceremony, including the period when people released their butterflies.
“We’ve all lost people that we love, so thank you for being here,” Smith said.
After releasing their butterflies, several participants stayed around for a while to eat snacks and drink coffee or other beverages.
