by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer –
MASON CITY – The Second Annual “Wings of HOsPicE Garden Party” took place Saturday, June 16th at Hospice of North Iowa located at 232 Second Street SE, Mason City.
The service took place in the Serenity Garden, beginning with Connie Bleile, Director for Hospice, welcoming the many guests (See photo, right).
Dr. R. Bruce Trimble, Board President, did a reading, “Miss Me But Let Me Go” author unknown. “When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul so free? Miss me a little but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone, It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know, and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me but let me go.”
The message was given by Chaplain Janet Dorenkamp, “After Death Communicators or ADC’s, are things that God uses to help give us messages from those that have gone before. Today we are using butterflies. There are also rainbows, there’s also deer or bunny rabbits or about anything you can imagine. When we ask God to show us a sign, that our loved one is okay, that our loved one is in a better place, that our loved one is alright, God hears those prayers. God hears those requests because we know the scripture tells us “Ask and it will be given onto you. Knock, and the door will open. Seek and you will find. Anytime you ask God for a sign, he will give it to you.”
In remembrance of a loved one, a donation was given to Hospice. The name of that loved one was added to a list of over 345 other loved ones, and individually they were read by Mick Baker and Jim Ragan, both Board Members of Hospice of North Iowa.
After the reading of the names, the Butterflies were blessed and released. Three netted containers held the butterflies and when opened, the butterflies were freed. Some picked flowers to land on, others landed on arms and heads of the people around the garden. A beautiful site to see. The smiles of the those that had lost a loved one were priceless.
Autumn Hawver, Bereavement Councilor for Hospice, said, “This is our second year of the Butterfly Memorial Release and look at the number of people who came. We would like everyone to know about this and to enjoy the Serenity Garden.” Remembrance and rituals are valued parts of the grief process. Special services like the “Tree of Life” and the “Butterfly Release” encourage families to remember loved ones in a special way.
“Today we remember those who have touched our lives in such a way that we will never be the same. We shall always be indebted for what they have given us, thankful for what they have taught us, and grateful for how they blessed our lives. No one can ever take away the gift and the power of the relationship you have shared. Together, let us remember…”–Hospice.
Hospice of North Iowa is a non-profit organization in North Central Iowa dedicated to using hospice dollars to meet needs since 1982, “We can help in ways you never thought possible.” Hospice of North Iowa is a partner with Mercy Health Network of North Iowa.
“You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life and we will do all we can, not only help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” – Dr. Cicely Saunders, founder of the Hospice program of care for the terminally ill.
Video Link of the Butterflies being released:
httpv://youtu.be/xaAJWzPd__g
