THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN: REMEMBERING OUR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS During two evenings in June, patient families and our Methodist Children’s Hospital staff members took a moment to pause and recognize our pediatric patients who passed between the months of March and December 2020. The remembrance ceremony was wellreceived by families who attended the ceremony virtually. In addition to two lovely evenings of remembrance, the Methodist Children’s Hospital Bereavement Committee announced plans for The Butterfly Garden, an outdoor space near the entrance to the children’s emergency department, for families and staff to remember and reflect. The garden will be especially beneficial to loved ones who are able to visit the hospital without having to endure the difficult return of walking through our hospital doors. “We hope this space also serves as a place for our staff members to reflect and remember,” said Jenna Painter, certified child life specialist. “Hard days are inevitable, and it’s important to be able to take a break and feel those feelings, whether it be in private or with our colleagues.” During each ceremony, chaplains opened with a prayer and each child’s name was read aloud. Families shared tribute messages, while staff members wrote their own special messages to our patients who have made a lasting impact on their hearts and work. Those messages, along with memory rocks, were placed in the first flower box in the garden. The Butterfly Garden is expected to open in fall 2021.
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