Sangamon Sun

Community members gathered at HSHS St. John’s Pavilion Garden on Thursday night for a memorial butterfly release organized by HSHS Home Care. The event, which serves as a healing ceremony for those grieving the loss of loved ones, featured butterflies as symbols of transformation.

“This gives families an opportunity to reflect on the loved ones they have lost,” stated Amy Frederking, HSHS System Director, Post Acute Care, Home Health and Infusion.

Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, addressed the crowd, drawing parallels between the life cycle of a butterfly and the grieving process. “You may see the symbolism in the release, letting go of the past and embracing a future in which your special person is remembered and honored,” Engelbart explained.

The ceremony saw nearly 100 attendees releasing butterflies from small boxes. Some chose to save their butterflies for a private release later. This event marked its fifth occurrence in Springfield and concluded HSHS Home Care’s tour across nine hospitals in Illinois. The tour began on May 14 in Greenville and included stops in Effingham, Decatur, O’Fallon, Litchfield, Shelbyville, Highland, Breese before ending in Springfield.