Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often yearn for moments of tranquility and genuine connection. This summer, Carlton House of Oak Bay, an independent living seniors community in the Oak Bay Village, offered just that by hosting a touching and truly special butterfly tea. Guests were invited into a serene setting, where the soft strains of a harp played by Gwyneth, a resident at Carlton House, filled the air. They savoured delectable pastries, delicate sandwiches, and warm beverages while mingling in the beautifully adorned Oak Room and lush courtyard garden.
The afternoon’s highlight was a butterfly release, a poignant tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us. Guests were invited to gather around the main fountain in the courtyard. There, they could hear the gentle, relaxing sounds of trickling water. Once everyone was congregated, a staff member brought out a shining gold tray, arranged with rows of small white boxes. Each box contained a painted lady butterfly, a native species in our part of the world, and a wonderful pollinator vital to our local ecosystem. Before presenting each guest with a box, Community Relations Manager Shelley de Hoog read a short but beautiful poem, setting the tone for the special moment.
As guests gently opened their boxes, a collective hush fell over the crowd. Each butterfly emerged, some taking flight instantly and soaring toward the sky. Others paused, resting for a moment on a hand before fluttering off. This act, a symbol of transformation and hope, served as a personal, heartfelt way for each guest to send a wish into the sky, or deliver a thought or message to a loved one who is no longer here.
The air soon filled with a flurry of butterflies: a dazzling display of orange and black wings against a lush backdrop of the greens and blooms in the Carlton House garden. As the last of the butterflies took flight, dancing in the air with their new companions, a sense of peace and quiet reflection enveloped the space.
“It always feels like magic,” says Shelley, reflecting on the moment the boxes open. Shelley has hosted this unique Carlton House event several times over the past nine years, always aiming to create a deeply meaningful experience for people. “It’s not just about tea; it’s about creating a space to reflect and a real, tangible way to help others honour and celebrate the life of someone they’ve lost.”
Ultimately, the afternoon transcended the ordinary, beautifully underscoring the compassionate and supportive community that Carlton House has cultivated over its 20 years in the Oak Bay Village. It was a day where a simple, yet profound act of remembrance left a lasting impression on all who attended.
To learn more about the many other amazing experiences and services offered at Carlton House, please visit www.carltonhouse.ca or call 250-595-1914.
