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On a recent Sunday afternoon, 265 family members gathered at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois, to release butterflies in memory of their loved ones. The event was organized by VITAS team members from northwest Chicago, including music therapists, social workers, bereavement specialists, volunteers, chaplains, hospice team managers, and executives.
The butterfly release and memorial event aimed to help families cope with grief through shared experiences. Wanda Jenkins, bereavement manager for VITAS and coordinator of the event, described it as resembling a "family picnic," creating an atmosphere of shared stories and reminiscence.
Some attendees had lost family members during the COVID-19 pandemic or due to other illnesses. Many were unable to hold traditional funerals or memorial services and sought this opportunity to celebrate their loved ones' lives.
Participants engaged in various activities throughout the day. They decorated butterfly cut-outs in honor of their loved ones and displayed photos and mementos. Children enjoyed balloon-animal butterflies and art activities. The event featured musical performances, a butterfly dance, inspirational readings by VITAS chaplains, and a group sing-along of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Wanda Jenkins expressed surprise at the turnout: "We originally anticipated up to 150 attendees... when 250 registered and 265 showed up for the event." She noted that despite the heat, "nobody complained about wearing a mask."
Attendees expressed gratitude for the event's organization. Mary Lynn Veatch attended with her mother to remember her father: "It was such a wonderful, inspirational... program which we both loved." Her mother added that her late husband Jack would have enjoyed the gathering due to his love for nature.
