This is the second year in a row now that I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer photographer for this wonderful event. A Butterfly to Remember is hosted by AseraCare and is an amazing opportunity for attendees to honor their loved ones who have passed. The talented Hegg Brothers played beautiful live music and Jeff Harkness of B-102.7 welcomed everyone as people arrived and registered for their butterflies to be released later on during the ceremony. A buffet of delicious food and a kids table kept everyone entertained until their attention was caught by the roar of two planes flying over Sertoma Park. Bagpipes sounded as everyone grew silent and watched as the uniformed men and women of the Color Guard saluted our veterans. Tears started to flow, and the memories of everyone whose hearts we hold came flooding in. Gathering in silence, especially joined with the emotionally gorgeous sound of bagpipes, is sometimes the best way to hear our angels speak to us.
Honorary guest speakers told their stories and why they were dedicated to the event, including Mayor Mike Huether, AseraCare’s Chris Kringen, AseraCare Bereavement Coordinator, Ali Rohrer, AseraCare Regional Vice President of Operations, Holly Franko, AseraCare Hospice President, Angie Hollis-Sells, and AseraCare Executive Director of Sioux Falls, Sarah Sachen. Moving and heartwarming testimonials were heard by Abby Munro and Kajia Bonde, and a poem was read by young Toby Knutson, which was written for his grandfather.
I have to say, I had my moments of difficulty as these people spoke. I fought the tears, then I let them fall as I documented this important and intimate event. As the loved one’s names started being read out loud and butterflies released for them, you could really feel the love throughout the entire shelter. I found my family and released a butterfly for my daughter, Edith, and the feeling is really indescribable.
I truly appreciate events like these, allowing those who are grieving to find an outlet and others who share in their pain. Thank you AseraCare, for having me again! I am proud to be able to provide photos of these moments and look forward to the next event!
And I have to include a photo of my son, Weston and his girlfriend, Sloane, wearing their “Rainbow Baby” shirts! A Rainbow Baby is a term used for babies born after a loss… they each enjoyed releasing their butterflies for their older siblings Nash and Edith!
Such a beautiful event! thank you for documenting it for us!!
At ASERACARE we do over 50 of these events each year and each of them are very special to us as we remember those we have lost.