Butterfly Release reflects on grief and loss
Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss
Over 30 Imagine participants and staff gathered in the Tribute Meadow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield held on Saturday, October 22. It’s a lovely spot near the weeping willows, pond, and fountains. They came together for a Butterfly Release Ceremony arranged by Imagine staff member, Kristin Imbimbo and Sharon Rossman and Rick Ralph of Fairview Cemetery.
The ceremony included poetry, music and reflections on grief and loss followed by the release of the butterflies. As it was a cool night, many of the butterflies chose to stay close to the warmth of the children and adults releasing them sitting on hands, shoulders and jackets as they warmed themselves before flying off. It was an intimate ceremony of remembrance and Imagine and Fairview plan to partner again in the spring to provide another opportunity for families to participate.
Imagine 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 are offered in English and Spanish. Imagine also offers grief and loss education and training to the community. For more information please contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org.
Courtesy photo
