Butterfly Garden

On Wednesday, we arrived in Chapel Hill to visit my sister who is at the UNC Hospitals recovering from a bone marrow transplant. She is improving daily and is truly a MIRACLE. While there, we visited the 'Butterfly Garden'. It is such a serene, beautiful place to sit, pray, or just "be" admiring God's creations. I very much enjoyed being in the garden and feeling God's love and presence. Below is the history of the 'Butterfly Garden' - it is hard to read in the photograph so I have typed it below so that you can read it. "The Butterfly Garden at UNC Hospitals: Spirit... Transformation... Hope"

The butterfly is a symbol for all of these. For children and adults with cancer and other serious illnesses, the butterfly represents what is possible.

A Dream and A Plan...

John Strader, a Physician Assistant in Hematology/Oncology, thought the children's IV poles looked too scarey, so he bought some craft butterflies and started decorating. They were such a hit, he expanded to adults, and scattered the bright butterflies throughout UNC Hospitals. Seventeen year-old Derek Baker was inspired by John's vision to create a butterfly garden at UNC Hospitals to earn his Eagle Scout designation. Working with Chapel Hill's Troop 39 of the Boy Scouts of America, with the guidance of troop leader James Mackerel and the Master Gardeners, he transformed a hospital courtyard into a butterfly oasis.

The Butterfly Garden at UNC Hospitals was dedicated to patients, families and caregivers on September 29, 2005. 100 butterflies were released, carrying our wishes, dreams and hopes for transformation and healing.

If you want a special wish to come true, capture a butterfly and whisper your heart's desire to it. Since butterflies make no sound, they can not tell the wish to anyone but the Spirit. Being so colorful, the butterfly will easily be seen, and the heart's prayers quickly answered.

- Native American Legend

Above is butterfly resting on a berry bush

Here is a view of part of the garden - the blue butterfly is actually a bench you can sit on. There are 2 butterfly benches and 3 wood and tile benches - each dedicated in memory or honor of someone.

These are not real butterflies here but look how colorful it makes the tree

Here is another butterfly who was resting/eating on a butterfly bush

Angela is continuing to improve. Please pray for her as she continues down the road to improved health. She is truly a MIRACLE! Thank you for taking time to pray for and/or think about my sister, Angela. We sincerely appreciate it.

God's blessings to all of you.