An Affirmation of
Your Loved Ones' Lives
More and more each day we miss
him;
Friends may think the wound is
healed.
But they little know the sorrow
Lying within our hearts
concealed.
(Unknown Author)
Many a day her name is spoken.
And many an hour she is in our
thoughts.
A link in our family chain is
broken.
She is gone from our home…but
not from our hearts.
(Unknown Author)
On Monday, December 22, 2014
Bereaved Families of Ontario~South Central Region hosted a 'Family Tree of
Lights' to honour children, siblings, spouses and parents who have died. The Markey family has graciously donated the
special 50-foot blue spruce tree, which was decorated with crystal-clear lights
that will shine brightly as a living memory from December 22 through to the New
Year.
The lights lit at the lighting
ceremony during the event are an affirmation of
your loved ones' lives and they acknowledged cherished memories. A complete listing of all the loved ones was
published on December 24 in a special advertisement donated by The Hamilton
Spectator. The name listing was also
posted on the Bereaved Families website at www.bfo-hamiltonburlington.on.ca and mailed to donors accompanying their tax
receipt, as well as read aloud at the event.
“The event is open to anyone who
would like to honour their loved one(s) during the week of Christmas,” said
Lisa Lesnicki-Young, Executive Director, Bereaved Families of Ontario, South
Central Region. The Family Tree of Lights has been held for four years and this
year's ceremony was held at Bay Gardens in West Burlington from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Entering Bay Gardens, visitors
were greeted by the beautiful sounds of the Sons of Italy Choir and
complimentary desserts, hot chocolate and coffee provided for all guests. Children had the opportunity to make an angel
ornament to take home. The Bereaved
Families signature 2014 glass Angel Ornament would be for sale. The event took place indoors except for the
tree lighting outdoors. A tribute carol was sung around the tree.
“Grief can
sideswipe you when you don't expect it,
when you think you
have everything together...
the Family Tree of
Lights is a symbol of hope,
that you are not
alone in your grief
and to reach out
to us when you need support.”
“We created an event at one of
the most difficult times of the year because many of the people who attend, are
bereaved children and parents who have been to our grief-support-programs and
TLC Family Camp at YMCA Wanakita,” said Lesnicki-Young. “We have learned from
them that having a special acknowledgment event during the week of Christmas
gives them an outlet to honour their loved ones
in a supportive environment where the people who are also attending...understand.”
Pearls of Wisdom
We do not remember the days. We remember the moments.
(Cesar Pavese)
The truth is ~
“You don’t know what is going to
happen tomorrow.
Life is a crazy ride…and nothing is guaranteed.”
Submitted by Merle
Baird-Kerr...December 25, 2014
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of Lights'...email to:
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