"The butterfly soars and merrily sings, for without change, it would never grow wings."
Those were the words recited Sunday afternoon just before more than 150 butterflies were released at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, Pottsville.
The release was part of the Celebration of Life ceremony hosted by the Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, which has an office in Mar Lin.
"It's something done in memory of a loved (one), some of them have been served by our staff but not all of them," Gil Brown, chief executive officer of Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, said. "It's for entire generations to remember a loved one they have lost."
For a $25 donation, people received a butterfly to release. However, donations were not required Sunday and there were plenty of butterflies to share with everyone at the ceremony. All proceeds benefit hospice patients with limited or no health care coverage and bereavement support.
"We don't turn anyone away, so we rely on donations to fulfill our mission," Brown said.
Formed in 1979, Hospice of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, community-based agency whose sole purpose is to preserve the dignity, integrity and personal choices of its patients by offering emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual support. Its staff includes nurses, social workers, medical directors, home health aides, volunteers, chaplains, counselors and bereavement care staff.
Hospice of Central Pennsylvania has locations in Harrisburg, Carlisle and Mar Lin and serves residents in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lebanon, Schuylkill and northern York, Adams and Franklin counties.
"It's just a gorgeous place to gather to remember those who were dear to us," Chaplain David Borton said Sunday. "I cannot think of a better symbol than a butterfly. They go through many changes. Each step of change, the butterfly seems like it's at its end, only to move onto the next stage of its life with new growth and possibilities. Just like with the butterfly, with each stage of grief there is new growth, life and possibilities."
Heather Libby, Shamokin, released a butterfly Sunday afternoon in memory of her father. She said she recently attended a similar event in Harrisburg and brought her twin 6-year-old sons on Sunday to honor their grandfather.
"It's just something we do in his memory," Libby said.
For more information about the Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, visit www.hospiceofcentralpa.org.