A Gary Larson Far Side cartoon had two caterpillars watching a flying butterfly with the one caterpillar commenting “You will never catch me flying one of those things.”
Inevitably, the earthly caterpillar becomes the heavenly butterfly. A metamorphosis is a symbol of our journey from womb to tomb and then beyond. The butterfly is a powerful symbol which has many meanings:
Time, soul, grace, growth, elegance, expansion, lightness, surrender, transition, expression, celebration, resurrection, vulnerability.
Today, I would add: Remembrance, generosity and support.
In many cultures, the butterfly is associated with the soul. From the Roman sculpture depicting a butterfly exiting the mouth of a dead man, representing the Roman belief that the soul leaves the body through the mouth, to the ancient Christian tombs in Rome with an illustrated Risen Christ holding a butterfly. Some families have described Maison McCulloch Hospice as a piece of Heaven on earth.
I encourage everyone to purchase a butterfly as their symbol of their loved one’s metamorphosis to a good place beyond the limitations of this world.
When the world’s “greatest” Mohammed Ali died in 2016 – his obituary included the words “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
The hospice butterfly release heals the sting of death by celebrating the word remembrance.
The gift of memory is the legacy that loved ones leave with us. If you want someone to be dead, it’s very simple — just don’t ever say their name again. But every time we say their name, they are still with us. Over the years as I have released my butterflies in memory of my parents, I have felt their presence in the beauty of the butterfly and in the spiritual synergy of all the other family and friends who stand in solidarity with the gift of remembrance.
Generosity is celebrated at the Hospice Butterfly Release. Corporate and good citizens provide sponsorship and generous friends of the Hospice purchase a butterfly for $40.
Sadly, hospice care in Ontario is underfunded. I don’t believe it’s fair that if you are a patient in Health Science North’s palliative care unit the government pays all the expenses, but if you are at the hospice the generosity of people buying butterflies, hiking for the hospice, pledging at the Care-a-thon, or supporting community special events is required to pay a portion of the operational expenses.
That’s why I add the word “support” to the meaning of the butterflies that will be released on Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. at Science North’s Vale Cavern. Our hospice has been blessed with the ongoing support of Sudburians. I have often said it’s your sharing that keeps the hospice caring.
Please consider your commitment to the Butterfly release by calling 705-674-9252 or online at MaisonSudburyHospice.org
Gerry Lougheed is a Sudbury business owner and volunteer, and founder of the Hospice Foundation.
