Butterfly Release
Apr 27th, 2008 by MrW
A couple of months ago, Nana received an invitation to the 5th Annual Celebration of Life Butterfly Release to benefit the Nathan Adelson Hospice. We had completely forgotten about the celebration until this morning; otherwise, we would have invited other family members to join us.
In smallest terms, it was a wonderful event.
The program was scheduled to start at 2:00, so we arrived at about 1:30. Mrs. W. found a nice shaded table while Nana picked up our butterflies, and Little Whirlwind and I ventured off to the snow cone vendor.
During the program, LW and almost every other kid present entertained themselves on the playground. While I half listened to the program, I managed to get a few candids of LW on the playing.
(Getting candids of LW these days is quite a feat as he seems to be supernaturally aware of any camera pointing in his direction.)
For the release, everyone gathered around a large round, white tarp emblazoned with a labyrinth. Before instructing us how to open our butterfly boxes for the release, we were told of the Papago Butterfly Legend, and we all whispered our wishes and loves to our butterflies.
Papago Butterfly Legend:
If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all. In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish. So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.
The butterflies jumped from their boxes, making a beautiful quilt of fluttering color around us. While most quickly took to the sky, some stuck around as if to remind us that our loved ones always stay with us. Truly Spiritual.
We released butterflies for our loved ones:
- Papa Fred
- Papa Bob
- Papa Mike
- Omi
- Opa
Loved.
Mr. W.
What a sweet experience and a great tribute. I think you need to invest in a longer lens to get candids of LW. It works wonders with Boo.
F&P – We have a long lens but it doesn’t seem to matter! We could stand across town and LW would still know when the camera is aimed his way! He has a sixth sense which could come in handy if he ever needs to dodge the paparazzi.
25vzme5v8cnctb05