“If you know someone who has lost a child, and you’re afraid to mention their child because you think you might make them sad by reminding them that they died—you’re not reminding them, they didn’t forget they died. What you’re reminding them of is that you remember that they lived and that is a great gift.” – Elizabeth Edwards
Elizabeth and Robert Shultz started Butterfly Angels: The McKinley Anne Foundation in memory of their youngest daughter, McKinley Anne. Elizabeth explains, “We quickly learned there were few resources to support grieving parents. We provide financial assistance for funeral and burial costs for pregnancy loss and children up to age 18. We also provide bereavement boxes of comfort items and books that we found helpful. We also host remembrance events every year for families to attend to honor their child…”
The Shultz family’s love for McKinley Anne led to the formation of Butterfly Angels. A community where kindred spirits meet and share a connection of knowing and understanding. The mission statement for Butterfly Angels is “Lighting the pathway back from the loss of a child.”
“Grief can be very lonely, dark, and isolating. All loss is difficult, but child loss is another level… there isn’t a name for those who lose a child because the heart can’t conceive that kind of pain…Our goal is to help those navigating the loss of a child to know that even though it doesn’t feel like it, they can survive this and they’re not alone. We want them to be able to look at some of us who are years out from a loss and see that we’re still breathing and still standing. And to know that joy and grief can co-exist in the heart.”
“I truly believe loving the family and friends that are still with you is the best way to honor someone you’ve lost. Doing acts of kindness in their memory is also a great way to honor them.”
Butterfly Angels hosts a couple of recurring events. There is a butterfly release/family picnic in September at Valley View Farm Venue. A meal is provided, there are song selections and readings, and each family is given a butterfly to release when their child’s name is read during the remembrance service. This year the event will be held on September 10. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP with number attending by September 3 by phone/text to 724-986-1874 or email to info@butterflyangels.org.
A few weeks before Christmas, a candlelight service will be held. This year’s service will be held at Gospel Tabernacle in Mt. Morris. “We go outdoors and release floating sky lanterns that families write special messages on and then we provide a meal afterwards. Each family is also given a keepsake ornament in memory of their child. We’ve found the little details, like the ornaments, mean a lot to families, because it’s something tangible they can take home and put on their tree and know their child is loved and remembered.”
They have also added an event in May on Bereaved Mother’s Day. “This year’s event consisted of brunch, an instructor led craft session, essential oils workshop with make and take sugar salt scrubs, candle making by Hughes farm candles and yoga/guided mediation sessions,” says Elizabeth.
FMI on Butterfly Angels: The McKinley Anne Foundation, find them on Facebook.