Butterfly Wishes

Saturday morning in Chicago.

At the lake.

A wonderful gathering took place where the love

for a little boy and his family was felt and seen throughout the area.

We all gathered at Foster Beach to walk and jog and for Jake. 

To show our support and love for him during his battle with cancer. 

Jake is only seven and we are all bound and determined to help him fight this fight.

 

We donned our "Jake Rocks" signs and headed off together. 

As one friend and then another and another came out in droves to join us. 

   

 

Jake's Aunt Sue (who I have known since college) started us off and then

Father Mike led us all through the Butterfly Indian Legend...

If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.  As a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone, but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.  In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly freedom, the Great Spirit will always grant the wish.  So, according to legend by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens to be granted.



Jake and his parents, Mike and Julie, with Aunt Sue at the microphone



  So with that, Jake and his mom and dad

released a box full of butterflies with their wishes whispered to them...

 

And then my girls (and all of the children present)

whispered their wishes to the butterflies that were hidden

 in envelopes that they carried. 

Zoe had two butterfly envelopes and she

carefully and purposefully whispered to each

butterfly before opening the packages... 

 

 

 The event was amazing to see.  Smiles and cheers everywhere. 

Zoe's butterfly hung around for a few minutes,

no doubt to see who it was he had been listening to and to see her beautiful face,

before taking off to the heavens.  

 

Jake and Zoe had a great time together Saturday. 

They always do. 

They were joined by their

brother and sister, Liam and Gigi. 

A great group of friends who really cherish seeing one another.
Who have endless laughs and hugs and giggles.

 

Jake and Zoe. 

Fighters through and through. 

Together wishing good health to each other

and I know that these wishes will come true for them.