Why a Butterfly?

In the fall of 2001 after we had lost Sheena, our family attended an unveiling of a mural. It was at the Resource Center of the Americas in Minneapolis and one of the artists was Jose Louis Gonzalez. Later, we met Mr. Gonzalez and his wife, Isa. A tile was made with Sheena’s name and the inscription of a butterfly.

We were touched by the compassion and strength of this couple. The tile was inserted at their request in this “Mosaic of the Americas.” It is on the South wall of this building to this day.

We have since learned that Monarch butterflies migrate every year to Mexico. Their arrival in early November also coincides with Los Dios De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. This is an important occasion in Mexico when the souls of the deceased are said to return to spend time with their families and loved ones. We are moved by this sentiment of Jose and Isa.

We know that the Walk for Mental Health is a walk to remember those who have suffered and left this life. We know also that it is a walk for the living. We acknowledge the fragile nature of life and especially butterflies: their thin wings and antennae, their powdered color that comes off on your fingertips adds to their stature as a symbol of impermanence.

With gratitude we reflect on this gift of mental health we are given and offer the butterfly as a symbol of this walk that is dedicated to Sheena and SAVE.