Written by Toni Lavigne-Conway | Special to the Valley Gazette
On Sunday afternoon, community residents, visitors and guests gathered at the Water Tower Park to participate in a touching and memorable event, the annual Butterfly Release. Organized by Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) and the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF), the occasion honoured the lives of those who have died and aimed to support families in their grief journey.
Despite being held outdoors, there was a sense of peacefulness and reflection as guests arrived greeted by the serene sounds of the Yo Yo Mamas.
People were invited to write messages to their loved ones that were hung on a banner display and children were supplied with stickers and crayons to make their own special cards and signs.
The program began with a warm welcome from Lisa Hubers, Executive Director for MVHPC who noted that of the 300 butterflies that had been ordered, half were previously picked up to be opened privately at people’s homes, while the other half would be released in the park. She also acknowledged the help of many who made the days event special.
Executive Director Erin Gienow of the SFVHF noted that although the event is an important part of grief support to many, it is also a successful fundraising effort, raising $89,000 to date designated to enhancing the needs of palliative and hospice services, such as wish list items needed for the residential unit, the equipment loan cupboard and volunteer training. She publicly thanked the sponsors for the event, including CO Country Market General Store, the Madawaska Valley Lions Club, Huebner Funeral Home, Campbell Monument, the Barry’s Bay Legion and an anonymous donor. She also made special mention of the donors who give so generously.
Dylaina Wood, Clinical Director for MVHPC admitted that “days like these are emotional ones, when we acknowledge the loss of so many of our loved ones. Thank you for honouring them, and for helping them on their grief journey.”
She was pleased to introduce the event’s guest speaker, grief and bereavement counsellor Julie Keon.
Ms. Keon’s address focused on the important role that story telling plays in the grief process. “Everyone has a story of loss, and most need to tell it.”