The butterfly is a symbol of many things to people, endurance, change, hope and life. Every year, Hospice of Morrow County, conducts A Celebration of Hope and Promise when they conduct the Garden Memorial Service and Butterfly Release.
This year the service was held at the Hospice facility on June 4.
Family members and friends gathered to hear comforting words and music before releasing butterflies that soared upward in the blue sky.
The welcome was given by Julie Blankenship, executive director and Chaplain Jeff Slider gave the opening prayer and later, read selectons from Psalms. The message (Reflection) was given by Marty Cramer, Chaplain with the Riverside Methodist Hospital Staff. Special Music was presented by the Edison Enterprise Baptist Church and Irene Roski, RN gave the reading “Final Flight.” Pianist was Ben Johnson.
The role call for the dedication and butterfly release was given by Brandi Courts, LSW and Roski.
All those in attendance then gathered around the Memorial Garden where Chaplain Slider gave the benediction after signaling the butterfly release.
The butterflies were provided by Gene Gompf, Gompf Funeral Service; Chad Snyder, Snyder Funeral Home, Mt Gilead and Clay Snyder, Devore-Snyder Funeral Home, Sunbury.
More photos can be viewed with the full online story at www.morrowcountysentinel.com.
Evelyn Long is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].
