The Quiet Symbol of Loss and Hope: How a Purple Butterfly is Helping Families Honor Babies Who “Flew Away”
In the hushed corridors of neonatal intensive care units, a simple purple butterfly sticker carries a profound story of heartbreak, healing, and hope. For Millie Smith and her partner Lewis Cann, what should have been a joyful celebration—
the birth of twin girls—turned into a devastating ordeal. Their daughter Skye lived only three brief hours. Out of this deep loss grew a movement that now helps grieving families worldwide honor their babies who “flew away.”
A Journey Marked by Loss and Love
Just weeks after learning they were expecting twins, Millie and Lewis faced a heartbreaking reality: only one of their daughters would survive.
On April 30, after a high-risk 30-week pregnancy, Millie delivered identical twins Callie and Skye. Skye’s life was heartbreakingly brief—just three hours—while Callie was admitted to the NICU to grow stronger.
During their NICU stay, the couple encountered a painful challenge: well-meaning parents often commented on their “luck” for having one healthy baby, unaware of Skye’s passing.
One careless joke nearly broke Millie’s heart. It became clear that families needed a quiet, respectful way to acknowledge such grief without explanation.
A Symbol Takes Flight
Inspired by this need, Millie created the purple butterfly symbol—a gentle emblem to honor babies who have died, especially in cases of multiples. The purple butterfly, symbolizing flight and freedom, was chosen for its delicate beauty and universal meaning. The color purple was selected as gender-neutral, offering comfort to all families.
A poster explaining the symbol now adorns incubators marked with a purple butterfly, signaling to staff and visitors the presence of a lost twin or sibling.
From Grief to Global Movement
What began as a personal response has blossomed into the Skye High Foundation. The purple butterfly now appears on cards, ornaments, blankets, and other meaningful items distributed to hospitals worldwide. It offers bereaved families a silent but powerful way to acknowledge their loss and find solidarity.
Today, Callie is a lively seven-year-old, carrying the memory of her twin sister close to her parents’ hearts. Millie’s dedication ensures that Skye’s legacy helps families navigate one of life’s most profound sorrows with dignity and love.
🔹 Conclusion
The story of Millie Smith, Lewis Cann, and their daughters reminds us of life’s delicate balance between joy and grief. While the loss of a child is unimaginable, their experience has sparked a global initiative that brings compassion and understanding to grieving families.
The purple butterfly is now a quiet, powerful symbol—a testament that even the briefest lives leave lasting imprints on the hearts of those left behind.