By Christopher Edmunds
The Selma Times-Journal

The idea of transformation was on everyone’s mind Wednesday as dozens of butterflies were released as part of a memorial event hosted by AseraCare Hospice.

The event, “A Butterfly to Remember,” featured the release of monarch butterflies on the lawn of the White-Force Cottage to honor the individuals and families cared for by AseraCare.

AseraCare provides hospice care, medicines and equipment for terminally ill patients.

Volunteers also provide companionship, and spiritual and bereavement care to patients and families in the weeks after losing a loved one.

Sheila Kendall, director of clinical services, said AseraCare employees are passionate about what they do.

“It’s a passion for us,” Kendall said. “At a very difficult time in life, we try to help as much as we can.”

The event began with a welcome and reading of the Hymn of Promise from executive director Sheri Radford.

Attendees enjoyed a catered meal as Amber Johnson, a hospice volunteer, performed “His Eye is on the Sparrow” a cappella.

After several brief speeches, the group moved out to the lawn, where nurse practitioner Beth Brown performed a medley of hymns, including “How Great Thou Art” and “It is Well with My Soul.”

Volunteer coordinator Marguerite Curry released several dozen monarch butterflies from a box as attendees were gathered in a circle in front of the cottage.

Radford said she was happy with the event overall.

“I thought it was fabulous,” Radford said. “The butterflies were beautiful.”

Similar events were held over the past two weeks at AseraCare locations nationwide, Radford said.

Curry said the event served as a time for people to gather and remember loved ones, but also to start new relationships if needed.

“This is a great time for people to connect,” Curry said. “If they just need someone to be with and talk to, we will try to find someone who can relate to them and their situation to help them through it.”

The next event to be held by AseraCare is a pinning ceremony for veterans July 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cedar Hill Assisted Living.