~*The Butterfly*~

Butterflies have appearing it seems like everywhere since my Mom passed away. A day after she died, I was sitting outside with my husband and a yellow butterfly (her favorite color) emerged and flew around us and ever since that moment butterflies have been appearing to me in many shapes and forms. In my spiritual belief system, I feel that it's her showing her presence in my life. Although beautiful, I had never been a butterfly lover until now.

~Butterfly for Transformation ~


The butterfly was selected to be the primary symbolic representation for Journey of Hearts because it undergoes a major transformation process as part of its normal life cycle. The butterfly was also chosen because many view it as a symbol of joy, happiness, of spring, rebirth and renewal. This beautiful insect also evokes an image that is mild and gentle, one that can touch the heart during difficult times and one of strength—think of the migration of the monarchs.

In the grief process, the bereaved person must learn how to deal with the loss, or significant change. Many people may hide away from the rest of the world much like being in a cocoon while trying to heal. This cocoon phase is one of transformation and often introspection and reflection. The process ends as the person emerges from their cocoon, metamorphosed into a different person. Thus the transformation of the grieving process is much like the story of the butterfly.

Drawing on the symbolism of the butterfly used for Journey of Hearts, we expanded on this to create the Butterfly for Transformation.

The Mission
The Mission of the Butterfly for Transformation is to be a grief AIDE in the healing process of someone who has experienced a loss. This butterfly will virtually land, quietly and softly, to provide a source of strength, hope and belief for the person going through the transformation of the grieving process following a loss. Like the caterpiller, which must be cocooned before transforming into a butterfly, so too must we live through a transformation period after experiencing a loss.

As the recipient "holds" and experiences the Butterfly for Transformation the image serves as a reminder that in time just as the butterfly emerges from it's cocoon, so to will he/she emerge from the loss, forever changed. Part of the grieving process involves learning to live again in a life forever changed by the loss. The basic message of the Butterfly for Transformation is that out of loss, change, death and destruction can come new life and a chance to be reborn, or to reconceive ourselves as individuals.

Kirsti A.Dyer, MD, MS


This is my flight.....

For years
I remained
Hidden from view
Afraid to show myself
or my true colors...
I begin to unfold my wings,
finding the courage
discovering my strength.

Sparkling
Radiant
I take flight.