It began quietly—just an ordinary hospital room, yet an invisible weight lingered, shaping emotions no one could see.
Families passed through, unaware of grief that hovered just beyond sight. Sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the loudest meaning, quietly telling stories words cannot.
Millie Smith and her partner, Lewis Cann, were overjoyed to learn they were expecting a child. With a family history of twins, Millie had a hunch that this pregnancy might be special—and she was right.
Early ultrasounds revealed twins: one appeared healthy, while the other faced a life-limiting condition. From the start, Millie and Lewis balanced hope with the possibility of heartbreak, determined to treasure every moment.
At 30 weeks, their daughters were born. One, Skye, had a rare condition, and her time with them would be brief. Despite this, Millie and Lewis filled every moment with love, gentle cuddles, and tender attention. Skye’s name became a symbol of peace and remembrance—a way for her parents to carry her memory forever. Though her life was short, her impact on their hearts was enduring.
After Skye’s passing, Millie noticed the challenges of silent grief: while attention focused on her surviving daughter, Callie, Skye’s loss was often overlooked. To communicate this invisible sorrow, Millie created a small, powerful symbol: a purple butterfly, placed on incubators to honor babies who have “flown away.” The color purple signifies remembrance and compassion.
What started as a personal act grew into the Skye High Foundation. Today, hospitals around the world use the purple butterfly, along with keepsakes and resources, to help families navigate love, grief, and remembrance. Millie continues to honor Skye while raising Callie, showing that thoughtful symbols can bring profound comfort in the midst of loss.
Conclusion
A simple symbol—a purple butterfly—can carry deep meaning, offering acknowledgment, empathy, and solace to families in fragile moments. Millie’s story reminds us that even small gestures can transform grief into understanding, creating enduring legacies of love and compassion.