2nd annual Butterfly Release
Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss
On a sunny Saturday in May, about 45 people gathered beside the weeping willows and daffodils in Fairview Cemetery to remember the people they’ve lost and release butterflies in their memory. Those gathered were family members from Imagine’s support groups along with Imagine staff and Sharon Rossman and Rick Ralph, of Fairview Cemetery. Several families connected to Fairview Cemetery also attended and felt so much love and support from the Imagine families.
Imagine Program Associate, Kristin Imbimbo, shared a poem and music with the group, and Executive Director, Lindsay Schambach spoke briefly about her experience with loss and invited others present to speak as well. Many shared their stories before releasing butterflies in memory of those who have died. Reflecting on the event, one Imagine participant shared: “It was such a beautiful and peaceful gathering. I am incredibly grateful and thankful for this group and the services Imagine provides to help heal our hearts.” Another said: ‘This event was beautiful. The song, the poem and even the opening up to share was beautiful.” A third participant shared: “It was a beautiful day of reflection. My family enjoyed having that time to think about our loved ones.”
If you are in need of support for your family following the death of a close family member, please reach out to Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss at 908-264-3100 or visit Imagine’s website at imaginenj.org.
Imagine is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and guardians of the children in the groups and offered in English and Spanish. Groups are also available for parents who have lost a child aged 30 or younger. Imagine’s Training and Education staff provide grief and loss education and training to the community.
