

I've sat with this coin for some time. My first thoughts were who was farthest I could send it to but then I shifted to I wanted it to go to a person dear to me and on a special occasion. This thinking on who to get the coin next led me to thinking of my dear friend and mentor Martha Reeder. She has taught me so much about leading, listening, finding my strengths, and life. While life may have us meet many different people Martha is a forever for me. While she may not be biologically family she is in my mind and heart. So many times she has helped with a listening ear, sharing music, quotes, or love. She has touched and lifted my dreams in indescribable ways. She has encouraged my children, husband and I as well. To know Martha and have her in your life is truly special. What is the best is her heart and passion for others because she truly cares and keeps you focused on what is most important in life, your relationships. Thank you isn't enough for all the ways Martha has shown up or been there. So I am hoping the journey of the butterflies on this coin can spread the love all over the world because then it would be a small symbol of all the love, care and compassion she has shown. (ANPPC virtual mtg. 10/28/2020)
I am a rider for the Christian Motorcycle Association.I met a young lady named April and her dad at a gas station in Festus Mo. on our way to a charity ride for children with cancer.(CARLEI HUFF FOUNDATION)Everyone was on their bikes.I asked if they wanted to ride with us to this event.They were on their way to a charity event themselves.
I mentioned to them where and when we were gonna ride the next day.They showed up!!!!!!I know everything happens for a reason.We did several rides together as a group for different reasons.
Eventually April told me of the loss of her daughter “EMMA”. We have all become family over time.She is a hero in my eyes,doing so much work to help the community.She is an absolute angel.
She had a celebration of life for her daughter on her birthday yesterday.10/25/2020. She honored me and my family by allowing us to be part of this celebration.It was so beautiful!! I got to see April smile in content with the friends and families that showed up to show love for Emma.
We laughed,we told stories and prayed together.I had a coin I had been carrying for a while.It was a beautiful brass coin that talked about the full armor of God.I felt compelled to give this coin to April.She absolutely loved the coin and in return gave me an extremely beautiful butterfly coin that she had in memory of Emma.
I can’t even begin to tell you how emotional I am over this blessing she awarded me!!! So I absolutely had to come to this site and tell of this butterflies travel into my heart.I don’t know how I could set this butterfly free again but one day the opportunity will present itself and it will fly again.Until then I will pray for those who have lost a piece of their heart by the loss of a loved one.Bless you April and all of your family.Lets continue to do work together and make a difference in our community.We will change this world,even if it’s just one heart at a time!!!!!!😇
When I was younger, my Daddy found a dollar with a stamp on it that said you could track where the dollar has been. He thought that was really cool. He didn’t often show me much, but went out of his way to show me this. We tracked this dollar together and looked at all the places it had been. I remember thinking that it was a little dumb, but he was in one of those ‘moods’ so I was happy to hear about it. During those particular moods, he was smiley, playful, funny and very witty. I always enjoyed seeing that side of him. This website reminds me of that so much ❤️
My name is April Chang and I received this coin in honor of my 3-year-old son, Mitchell Chang, who drowned at his swim school, Love to Swim School. We started The Mitchell Chang Foundation to continue his good story through building an inclusive playground for San Antonio and incuraging kind acts to others, no matter the size. One good deed, no matter how large, is just that, one good deed but by encouraging many small acts of kindness they multiply together for a huge impact. We can overwhelm the world with our kind acts!
I have held on to this coin for over a year because I didn't want to let it go. Someone gave it to us because they thought of Mitchell and that has made this coin so very special. Even though I want to keep it, I know it will continue my babies story much better by going out in the world spreading goodness. So today I will release it. A local teen has worked very hard to raise money for nonprofits during the pandemic and I feel that this butterfly going should now go to her.
I know a man, currently near Issaquah WA, who, as Bucky Fuller encouraged us to view our lives and issues, is truly a soul of the universe – Milky Way galaxy – Solar system – Earth. He and his wife have been true and faithful friends and colleagues to my wife and me since 1984. We have been for each other sounding boards and fresh wells for ideas and techniques dealing with family, friends, progressive education, humanistic inclusive politics and productive life.
.....And pay it forward you did Colleen! Hi, I'm Scott from Putnam County NY. I am the lucky recipient of this beautiful coin from my wonderful friend Colleen after telling her about a ceremony my mother and I went to for those who have lost loved ones (my brother Dean). Ironically, it was a butterfly ceremony where they were to be released to fly at the end. Long story short, it was a very hot day, and some of the butterflies did not survive. This included the one my mother and I were given. Needless to say we were both upset and disappointed. In steps Colleen with this thoughtful and unique gesture. This coin to me represents not only that butterfly that perished that day, but the memory of my brother Dean. Thank you Colleen, for allowing them to fly once again. Truly a symbol of hope and inspiration that I look forward to passing on to the next person.
Cheryl,
It's truly been a pleasure to get to know you and work with you. Debbie said it right, you are an amazing person with a heart of gold. I have never seen a more dedicated counselor who makes it their mission to take care of the airman's needs. We will miss you so much. On a personal level, I am grateful to have met you as a person and call you a friend. Best wishes :-)
Love,
Gulcin
This coin is dedicated to a very special person whom i've grown to love and care for deeply. Cheryl, thank you for being such a great friend to me. My time here in Incirlik would have gone a lot differently without you in it. I love our Walk it Out group and this is a friendship i hope to last for a very long time.Not only are you an amazing person with a heart of gold, you are equally amazing to work with. You go above and beyond in everything that you do and you are always there to give second chance (even when those who will not be named don't deserve it). Thank you for being a great friend to me. I love you dearly!!!!
I was given this coin by my sweet loving Aunt Laura she said she was sending it to me for the work I do for the family it is called the butterfly effect of kindness an I’m to pay it forward to someone special Kathy & Michael our new neighbors and best friends thank you both for being here for us love always
I received this beautiful Monarch Butterfly coin form my dear friend Heidi. She has a very special place in my heart. She is a caring, loving, fun hearted person. I am so lucky to call her one of my closest friends! I will carry this coin with me and pass it forward to another kind person in my life, my sister, Patty. She is not only my sister but my friend too! There can never been enough kindness in this world.
My Grandmother's Garden Poem (author unknown).
There is beauty in the sunlight and the soft heaven above...oh the world is full of beauty when your heart is full of love!
I was the recipient of the coin on my birthday in 2019. I am passing the coin along to my good friend who is very crafty and creative. When COVID-19 hit and she was no longer able to clean houses for a living, she pivoted and decided to use her sewing skills to make masks and surgical caps. She became an essential worker by doing this. She spends countless hours sourcing the supplies for the masks and evolving them to the different needs. From making them with ties to using elastic to changing to an adjustable elastic. She continues to spend many trips to the post office to mail masks off to people who have purchased or she has donated to. She spent many hours figuring out how to make surgical scrub hats for the Veterans Administration. She has donated hundreds of beautiful masks. This kind soul is always looking for ways to use her crafting skills to bring joy to those in need.
I'm giving this coin to my awesome cousin, Jennifer Madison, on her birthday, July 13, 2020. Jenn is simply one of the best people I know. She cares about the people she loves, and is a perfect example of "grace under fire". No matter what curve balls life throws at her (and there have been some doozies the past few years!), she continue to keep on keepin' on, doing what needs doing, and never losing her faith, her determination or her sense of humor. She's so much stronger than she gives herself credit for, and her inner beauty shines for the whole world to see. She is a blessing to everyone she knows, and I love and admire her so much.
Sis,
Less than 4 days after i landed at Incirlik you kidnapped me ensuring I got out of the house and experienced the various activities on the Air Base. You keep this old souls out way beyond my bedtime. It all started from a television purchase. That was the beginning or our life long bond. Whenever and wherever, you know i will be there. I am only a call, text, email away. You are indeed God sent. Please take care and enjoy life.
Paxton
Serena,
Where has the time gone? The ‘Lik would’ve been such a different place without you. So many amazing memories — mingles, Game of Thrones, Starbucks, community center activities, Spaniard sightings and on and on. You brought people together, opened up your home and heart and became family. Love you lady! Your ride and die sister — Carmelita
Serena, words cannot express how grateful I am to have crossed paths with you on this crazy journey. Thank you for opening your home and your heart to me. I have enjoyed traveling, laughing, eating, and everything in between with you. I wish you the best of luck and know that this place will definitely not be the same without you. Until we meet again!😘
Serena...my sister! There are NO words to tell you how much you mean to me! I had only been in Turkey for a couple of weeks when you arrived. We became fast friends and created so many lasting memories. You sincerely became and will always be my sister! I have so many great memories from my year over there and you are a part of them all. Much laughter and a few tears but most importantly it was together. Pool days, coffee and simit runs, carpet store visits, GoT, great meals, Reeses peanut butter cups with popcorn, wreath making, wine glass painting, neighborhood mingles...so many things. You were my sounding board and my safe place to land when I was missing my family back home. I love you more than you can know and can't wait to see you on this side of the world! xoxo
Serena! The woman who came into my life and definitely made it better. You are the most loving, inviting, selfless, person I ever met. You give your heart and you give it without wanting anything in return. This past year I not only gained another friend, I gained a sister for life. I’m truly lucky to have you and I wish nothing but the best for you. I can’t wait for all of your dreams to come true because no one deserves it more. Can’t wait to see you. Love always❤️
Serena!!!! You were definitely one of my favorite people at Incirlik! You have the biggest heart and such a warm personality. I miss our lunches at the club at "your table". Yes, you were the "Godmother", Lol!
I will always remember my birthday surprise, Thanksgiving at your house and the holiday mingles. You are a fun person and brought so much life to the "Lik" personally and professionally. I'm so glad you'll be back in the states. I will definitely visit you! Friends always, Valencia ❤ P.S. I'm so glad you got to go home and be near your family.
Serena, you are one-of-a-kind and an amazing person. From the first day I arrived at Incirlik, you pulled me in like I was family. There is not enough words to explain the impact that you have had on me and on other people, because you give everyone your whole heart ❤️. From the events you ran, to inviting people in your home for good food, laughs and relaxation, you treated everyone as family. You are a true friend, sister and someone who will tell it like it is 🤣 thank you for being there for me always! And even though you would make fun of my shortness and certain nicknames 🍀, it was out of love and probably personal amusement. I have unforgettable memories with you...from long conversations to coffee runs, Bingo, puzzles, movie marathons, Cyprus, cooking, chocolate chip cookies 🍪, and more. Excited for your next adventure and Kirkland better be ready!! Love you for life my sister!! Can’t wait to see you 😉🤪
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
Dearest Aunt (teyze) Serena,
You have selflessly invited us into your tribe, and I am forever grateful for your friendship and kinship. As the countdown draws near, I am deeply saddened to see a hallmark of Incirlik connectivity leave, but I pray those in your path will cherish and esteem you. Your compassion, honesty, talents, thoroughness, and the endless fun you bring to life will be our everlasting memory! Here is to virtual date nights, now unmasked! “We love you so much! Kisses and hearts, kisses and hearts, kisses and hearts! Eenie feenie finie oonie wahwah!” Love, Your Twinsie (and her tagalong Mom) ❤️😉