Community Corner
300 Guests Attend Butterfly Memorial in Carlsbad
After a butterfly stayed on her shoulder for several minutes Marjorie Camp said, "I understand this butterfly. I am here in memory of my son, Richard David Camp III. He died six years ago. Today is his birthday."
The following is from HNC
Some 300 multigenerational guests gathered at venue sponsor Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation’s Discovery Center for Hospice of the North Coast’s (HNC’s) Butterfly Release Memorial on May 19, 2013.
On an afternoon filled with sunshine, smiles, music, laughter and tears, Hope Bereavement Center Director Ti Johnson explained that although people experience grief and pain in different ways, loss and healing are universal.
“The flight of the butterfly symbolizes life’s transformation and gives us hope,” she said, as each guest was given a butterfly enclosed in a packet. Upon the simultaneous release, some butterflies soared immediately to the sky while others lingered on or near people; perhaps bidding a final goodbye.
Seven-year-old Christopher Meneguz, attending the memorial with his mother, Sonja, said his butterfly stood for two recent losses in his young life. “It’s for my grandfather in Switzerland, who died. And for our dog Gizmo, who just died, too.”
Looking at the monarch comfortably perched for several minutes upon her collar, Marjorie Camp smiled as she poignantly confided, “I understand this butterfly. I am here in memory of my son, Richard David Camp III. He died six years ago. Today is his birthday.”
For more information about HNC’s ongoing bereavement programs, open at no cost to community members, please contact tjohnson@hospicenorthcoast.org.
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