Last month, Ruidoso Hospice Foundation held its annual live monarch butterfly release, an event they have sponsored for the last 10 years. Butterflies are a symbol of hope and new life, the very symbolic event helps individuals process the passing of a loved one. For the last several years, the group has taken their extra butterflies and held a release event for the women and children at The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter.
A non-profit organization, Ruidoso Hospice Foundation was formed in 2002 in order to provide assistance to the families of Lincoln County for end-of-life care. The group ensures all qualified applicants have received financial assistance for medications, home health and hospice care, medical supplies and equipment, and other costs associated with end-of-life care for their loved one.
According to Jennifer Chadwick, Registered Nurse and Administrator/Branch Director for Encompass Home Health & Hospice, the annual monarch butterfly release “was started as a memorial event, but all are welcome to attend. We have frequently had photographers attend just for the beautiful pictures. We also have some parents who bring their children just because this is a special and beautiful event. We read a butterfly poem or two, and try to release at the same time. Seasons Nursery lets us borrow butterfly bushes so that when released the hungry monarchs stay to be enjoyed.”
Chadwick explained why The Nest was chosen as the beneficiary for the extra butterflies: “As you can see from the poem below, a butterfly release can also be powerful for the residents of The Nest as they are releasing the chaos and danger of their former lives and starting anew.”
According to an American Indian Legend, if anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.
Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.
In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish.
So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.
“Both women and children alike enjoyed the butterfly release. They were released near the butterfly bush in the shelter’s courtyard and the kids were overjoyed,” said Shannon Miller, Shelter Advocate. “It is wonderful to witness two local organizations supporting each other’s work.”
“The Nest is an extremely valuable organization that was much needed in Lincoln County,” Chadwick said. “We are extremely fortunate to have The Nest in Lincoln County.”
To learn more about the Ruidoso Hospice Foundation, visit their website at http://www.