“A butterfly to remind me, Even though we are apart, Your spirit is always with me, Forever in my heart …” stated a poem on the pamphlets distributed to all in attendance at the Stephens Funeral Home memorial butterfly release recently.

The heat that day did not, however, wilt the spirits of the family and friends who came to pay tribute to loved ones.

Stephens Funeral Home, Upper Macungie, frequently opens its doors and hearts to the community, hosting events such as Hearts of Hope and Veterans Day services.

“Events such as the butterfly release are perfectly aligned with the values of the Stephens Funeral Home,” Carol Facchiano, of Upper Macungie Township ,said. “Following the loss of my mother, they were professional, comforting and focused on the celebration of life.”

As with others, Facchiano and her family attended the ceremony to reflect and remember together.

The afternoon began inside with the painting of clay butterflies.

The butterflies will be distributed to patients who are receiving cancer care at Lehigh Valley Health Network and their family members.

Painters left messages of kindness and support which were attached to each individually painted work of art.

Light refreshments were served during the hour-long ceremony while people mingled and enjoyed the afternoon.

The event then proceeded outdoors to a large tent where attendees were treated to the peaceful harp music of Madeline Rose Link, an Allentown Central High School graduate and rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame.

This performance was followed by a vocal solo of “I Will Remember You” performed by Brianna Mobley, a 2016 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School.

After a prayer, the funeral home family read the names of all the deceased being honored by their families with a butterfly that day.

Then, it was time for the butterfly release in the garden.