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On May 21st the NorthStar Child Grief Program hosted its first memorial service at Rockledge Gardens. 32 NorthStar children and their families joined together to honor the memory of their lost loved ones.
Each child brought their loved one’s photos to create memory jars that were placed in the Butterfly Garden during the ceremony as their names were read aloud. Stones were painted with the intention of taking them home and finding a special place for them. The poem below was read aloud by one of the children.
As you release this butterfly in honor of me,
– By Jill Haley
know that I’m 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.
Butterflies represent hope, metamorphosis, and new beginnings. There is also a belief that when a butterfly pass or lands on you it is a sign a loved one is paying a special visit. In this day of remembrance, hope, and love each child was given a butterfly to release in the Garden. The families convey how beautiful and meaningful this was for them as well as for their child. We are grateful to the staff of the Rockledge Gardens and their tears were evidence that this truly was a heartfelt time. Butterfly kisses can bring healing, hope and create memories that tie their lost love one to the present. Great lives and loves will never be forgotten. They just fly away.
NorthStar Memorial Photo Gallery
