LAURIE WEIR
It was the first time that the Community Home Support Lanark County offered a butterfly release event.
Friends and families who have lost loved ones, or remember those who have passed away, were invited to release butterflies in beautiful Stewart Park in Perth on Aug. 28.
There were 100 butterflies that came in envelopes, carefully cared for until release date. There was no charge to release a butterfly.
“We were expecting a fair size crowd, however, we were pleasantly surprised with the turn out,” said Sam Fyfe, volunteer and community relations coordinator with CHSLC.
“This year’s event was not a fundraiser, there was no cost to the participants,” Fyfe added. “CHSLC covered the cost so that people in our community had the chance to pay tribute to lost loved ones.”
Kids watched in awe as their butterflies took a moment or two to find their wings.
“It was a very heartwarming experience,” said Shirley Ferguson.
Like many, Heather Griffith grinned broadly when her butterfly took its sweet time to take flight.
The Indigenous legend of the butterfly
When the Creator made butterflies, he used only the most beautiful inspiration from the world.
He took yellow from the bright summer sun, orange from the flower blossom, and blue from the rivers and waters of the earth. But He did not give them a voice, as they were His own special creatures.
If you have a dream, a wish, or a secret, capture a butterfly and whisper your heart’s desire to it. Since butterflies make no sound, they will carry your wish to Creator, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies.
By releasing them into the wild you are helping restore the sacred balance of nature, and your heart’s needs will surely be granted.