Coin Stories

I have now learned silence can also be dangerous and you should be very careful when using it.

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.

This is a local coin and I found it on a trail in a local old tree.

This coin travels around Humboldt county Ca and I found it in a venerable old tree.

.....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 received this from a good friend and am looking forward to meeting the next kind person to hopefully pass this on ❤️

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 have held it for over a year. Now it's time to let the butterfly take flight. We met a nice couple from the next town over in the supermarket. They took us in and invited us to all of their holiday gatherings and made us fee like family. I am giving them the coin at tonight's dinner.

The coin is now in Eastern PA. My friend mailed it to me. It made me feel good she thought of me when she saw it. Its beautiful. Thanks!

I received this coin from my loving aunt after she let me move into her home after some tougher times. She took me in and I felt like I was home before I even moved my stuff in. She was one of the greatest women I’ve ever known.

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.

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

Im so thankful for you coming into my life. When I was coming to Incirlik I didn't think it would be this easy to be expected into a family and make friends. But you made me feel at home, it sucks that l'm losing one of my family members. But i wish you the best and see you in the States.

Serena!
Boss Lunsford!!! Lol. I miss your face! Thank you for being a wonderful friend, for all the laughs, food, and the overall genuine care! Thank you for opening your heart to all of us! *bug hugs*
😎 Chiro

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, thank you so much for your kindness since I first got here. You are an amazing person that truly cares about those who surround you. I will surely miss your friendly demeanor. You are one in a million. See ya! Danielle 🤗

Serena, it's been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for everything! I look forward to seeing you again.

Safe travels!
Erica

Serena, I would like to thank you for all that you did for me, including all the times you fed me 🤣. We are truly going to miss you! Good luck with your next adventure and hopefully our paths cross again.
-Daniel

Serena, our paths have crossed during 3 assignments on 3 continents, I am wishing you all the best and much success in your next adventure. Thank you my travel buddy. May god continue to bless you.

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❤️

“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) ❤️😉

My amazing Serena...How lucky am I to have someone so special in my life? Getting to know you has been truly an honor. Thank you for your love, kindness, compassion, realness and thank you for not only being a friend, but a sister! Just know that I will forever be in your corner! I love your beautiful soul! I’ll see you very soon!

Love, Mel

This coin is dedicated to an amazing woman. She loves with her whole heart. Serena has become more than just a friend me. She’s my sister. She’s the type of person that will tell you how wrong you are and you don’t get mad. You don’t get mad because you know it’s coming from a place of love. When you come to her home she makes you feel like it’s your home. She will bend over backwards for you. Serena I will miss the make dinners, the Sunday breakfasts, the jewelry, the talks and everything in between. But most of all I’ll miss you, your presence, and your unbelievable love for those you call family. Thank you for being a sister to me and I can’t wait to continue this ride. All the trips, all the talks, all of Serena!!! Thank you beautiful and don’t worry I’ll still harass you as if you were here. Love you!!!!

This was giftedto me from a very dear friend after the loss of our daughter, sister, mother, friend.

I am passing this on to my dearest friend of 65 years, she has had a very difficult year ill family and a cancer diagnosis.

A lover of butterflys I asked her once "can you ever have to many butterflys emphatically replied NO.

This coin was passed along to me here at Grace Community Church. I look forward to passing it along to continue the butterfly effect and pay it forward. Serving others is a core principal to humanity.
Bo Beatty

I received this gift of kindness from my Uncle Dennis. This butterfly originated in Coulee Dam Washington and I'm its first stop at Hudson Florida. My uncle and I have only recently in the last couple of years become close. I'm honored that he shared the love with me.

There's no one I'd rather share the love with more then one of my dearest friends, Trish, in Canada...and in memory of Carole, her sister.
...thinking of you with all my heart ❤️

I received this coin from my dear sister....a thoughtful gesture for taking time to travel (from NH to OH) to spend some quality time with her and her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic. Butterflies have a very special place in my family's heart, for my grandmother who passed absolutely loved them. So, whenever we see one, it brings a smile, sometimes a tear, of some wonderful memories.

Today I am sending this coin to my dear friend, Pam. She is so kind and generous to everyone and has such a loving heart! I feel lucky we became colleagues and then life-long friends.

I look forward to following the journey of this coin.

Today, I am sending this coin to a friend I've known since I was 16 and is such an important part of my life. Thank you Judi for all your friendship and support over the years and for always demonstrating what kindness and love mean. I love you!

Two years after receiving this coin from our in-laws, we found it amongst some other belongings. We remembered how neat it was when we received the coin and were excited to release it back into "the wild".

To the next recipient - We hope that by receiving this butterfly we were able to bless your life with some kindness. Please spread this kindness by blessing someone else and then passing along the coin to them so the butterfly can continue it's journey. Don't forget to log your experience here and to check back and see how far our butterfly has flown!

We were walking our dog in the rain this morning and someone saw us and gave us this coin.

I love you.

Found this in the bathroom of the Georgia National cemetery, the day we laid my uncle to rest. It was a nice day of light on an otherwise dark day.

I have been waiting for a year to find out who this coin would go to on it next journey and waited until it found the right person. It felt like it found the one to be with next on its journey

I got this a while ago. I feel it is time to start its journey. Let's see how far love can travel.🥰