The Release of the Butterfly
On a bright and sometimes windy Sunday afternoon, we set out to perform a ceremony: the release of the butterfly.
We walked together, one step at a time carrying the butterfly and remembering “yes, it will take one step at a time.”
One step at a time we walked from the butterfly’s house through the portal of the park sharing stories that made our hearts a bit softer.
Laughing. Feeling the warm embrace of the sun’s rays.
Pausing at the rocks crossing the canal: “Be still and know.”
One step at a time, we continued our journey, gently gliding our hands through the overgrown grass. Noticing the vibrant shades of green as if we were looking at a painting.
Finding seemingly ordinary weeds, but with heart leaves. We thanked our ancestors for this sign to be gentle with our hearts and each other.
We approached a wide open field
And the wind carrying us stopped.
It was time to begin the ceremony.
We carefully opened the butterfly wings, reading an instruction card as if it were a prayer.
And then we waited.
And waited.
And waited for the wind to return.
Sure enough, the wind returned.
And sure enough— after a few false starts — we got the hang of things
Working together,
Never losing our tempers,
But leading with laughter and joy - just as the butterfly taught us.
And sure enough — that was the recipe for the butterfly’s release.
And boy, did it soar! Swooping. Spinning. Jumping for joy.
We cheered.
We gazed up in silence.
It was as if the world had stopped spinning for a few moments.
We savored the stillness as we watched the butterfly.
On our walk back, the birds lined up at the exit of the portal
To honor
To remember
The gifts of the butterfly
The final act of the ceremony, the birds offered a prayer of remembrance.
Remember me
My determination, playfulness, connection, resilience
Be still and know that when you catch the flashes of red under the wings of a Northern Flicker, I am here with you
Remember me
My higher purpose, old soul wisdom, and supportive energy
Be still and know that when a Red Tailed Hawk is soaring above, that I’m here to remind you to listen to and trust your intuition
Remember me
My dreams, joy, optimism, and creativity
Be still and know that when you catch a glimpse of a Western Tanager’s vibrant colors, my legacy of seeing humanity’s beauty lives on
Remember me
My love for family, community, and exploration
Be still and know that when you hear a Magpie, I am reminding you of our prophecy - that we will be together again
The wind gently nudged and yet held us as we crossed the threshold out of the park, as if to say: “Don’t worry, I am still with you. I will always be with you.”
In memory of Leotis “Trey” Palmer III.
