As a hand is unclasped and a butterfly is released, a sense of comfort and change can be felt.
That is the idea behind the seventh-annual butterfly release scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 12 in the garden area behind the AmericInn and Lenard’s.
The North Star Hospice memorial butterfly release, said Polly Hebig, branch supervisor, is part of the hospice’s bereavement program and helps promote healing from grief.
“It really helps the entire healing process,” she said.
Hebig explained that the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, and the release itself, can be therapeutic symbols for those who have lost a loved one.
Butterflies, which cost $20 each, can be ordered through North Star Hospice through July 1.
During the release ceremony, names of those who have had hospice care and died in the past year will be read aloud, and names of those who are being remembered with the butterflies will be listed in the event program. The release is open to anyone in the community who wishes to participate — not just families who have received hospice care.
“It usually is a very emotional day,” Hebig said. “There are tears involved, but that the same time, there are kids running around playing. It’s a wide range of emotions.”
Hebig said every year, the ordering of butterflies seems to increase and she hopes the trend will continue this year. Last year, about 370 butterflies were released in honor or remembrance of someone.
To order a butterfly before the July 1 deadline, visit North Star Hospice at 900 Third St. in International Falls or return an order form and check to that address. Butterflies can also be ordered Fridays and Saturdays in June at the hospice table at Super One.
North Star Hospice can be reached at 283-3031.
