About 370 monarch butterflies were released into the air Sunday to honor and remember loved ones who have died.
Family and friends gathered together for the seventh annual North Star Hospice memorial butterfly release for an afternoon of reflection and remembrance.
Polly Hebig, North Star Hospice branch supervisor, told the crowd that butterflies have many different meanings. The colorful winged insect can represent change and resurrection. The release symbolizes the transition from life to death and helps with grief.
“It really helps the entire healing process,” Hebig previously told The Journal.
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.
“Like a butterfly, we’re all different and beautiful in our own way,” she said. “Life is precious and short.”
Gail Gagnier, hospice volunteer, recalled how the butterfly release event came to be. She said that herself and several other volunteers were considering North Star Hospice’s fundraising efforts and noted the focus for years had been on donuts.
“We thought we’d do something healthier ... and more meaningful,” Gagnier said with a laugh. “It still gives me goosebumps every time I come to this service.”
During the release ceremony, names of those who have had hospice care and died in the past year were read aloud, and names of those who were remembered with the butterflies were listed in the event program. Families who have not been involved in hospice care also attended Sunday’s event.
As some of the butterflies made a quick departure, others fluttered around the garden area while several people held each other close and others took pictures.
“I just sent a picture on my phone to my son in Arizona,” said a woman who released a butterfly. “The butterfly represents his dad and brother.”
