The Butterfly Release

Wilma Kenny | Jul 26, 2023

Last Saturday, Southern Frontenac Community Services held an unusual, low-key event open to anyone dealing with bereavement. Organized by Katie Buckley, Bereavement Counsellor, it was focused around the release of butterflies in the memory of a loved one.

People of all ages gathered and chatted along a path through a flower-filled garden on the north side of Grace Hall, out of sight of the construction upheaval to the south. Then Katie spoke briefly, read a poem, and explained that we’d each be given a small envelope containing a semi-dormant butterfly. We should warm this envelope in our hands for a few minutes before opening it.

Through the semi-transparent envelopes, we could see what appeared to be a small butterfly with grey-patterned wings. When the creature began to stir, I opened my envelope, and was amazed to find I was holding an intricately patterned orange, black and white butterfly that covered my palm. (Found out later that it was called a ‘painted lady” or Cynthia virginiensis). Some flew at once, others lingered for a bit.

So did the people: some had to leave soon after, others stayed to chat over cookies and lemonade.

Thank you to SFCSC for providing this lovely experience.