OLDS — The gazebo in Centennial Park was packed the evening of Dec. 1 for the annual Olds & District Hospice Society’s (ODHS) annual Tree of Remembrance ceremony.
The event is an opportunity for families to remember and pay homage to loved ones who have passed on.
It is held close to Christmas because that can be an especially tough time for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
First, participants gathered in the gazebo for speeches and a candle-lighting ceremony.
Then they headed out with candles in hand toward a giant nearby tree for songs and prayers. It was also an opportunity to hang stars on the tree that they’d purchased from the society in memory of loved ones.
Mayor Judy Dahl began the proceedings with words of welcome to the crowd.
“I’d just like to say how proud I am that we’re all together this evening,” she said.
On behalf elected officials Olds residents, Dahl thanked all the volunteers doctors nurses and the Hospice Society in general for the caring way they proved palliative (end of life) care to people.
“To the faithful volunteers whose time, energy and skills are offered for no personal gain, we bless you all and we thank you,” she said.
ODHS president Harvey Walsh also addressed the crowd on behalf of the society’s board of directors.
“This annual event has become very important to us, not only as a fundraiser, but to allow us the opportunity to move forward – I'm not going to say in our grief – but just in remembrance. By remembering we bring hope for the future,” Walsh said.
He thanked the crowd for attending.
“This is a very special event for Hospice. It’s always cold, but you always come out. Thank you,” he said.
Then came a candle-lighting ceremony.
Dennis McKernan lit candles as his wife Nan read out the significance of each.
“As we light these five candles in honour of you, our loved ones, we light one for grief, one for courage, one for memory and one for love and one for hope,” Nan read.
“The first candle represents our grief. The pain of losing our loved one is intense. It reminds us of our love for those we have lost.
“The second candle represents our courage. The courage to confront our sorrow, to confront each other and the courage to change our lives.
“The third candle is lit in memory. The memories of the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things that made our life and the care and the joy we remember with you.
“The fourth candle is the light of love. We cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for our loved ones. We are grateful for the gift that your living brought to us.
“And finally, the fifth candle is the light of hope. It is a reminder of the love and memories that are ours forever. May the glow of the flame be our source of hopefulness now and forever.”
ODHS executive director Mary Marshall read a poem by Mary E. Linton called Star In My Heart.
“Christmas is where you are. The chimes, the snow
“All make a setting for the heart aglow.
“But Christmas is more subtle than all of these,
“Something beyond the shimmering of trees
“Something that reaches deep within the heart
“To find your song, though we are far apart.
“And if you hear my voice across the years,
“Singing a song we both have learned through tears,
“Know that it holds the faith deep planted there
“Nourished by your dreams and our one prayer.
“There must be miles between us, but a ray
“Shines through the darkness and we know the way.
“For where you are, the Christmas star is bright
“And it is Christmas in my heart tonight.”
Marshall also gave a reading by Agnes M. Pahro:
“Christmas is tenderness for the past, courage for the present and hope for the future.
“It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace. Blessings and love for Christmas.”
At the tree, ODHS services coordinator Cindy Palin led a couple of prayers.
“You know each of us have needs. You are familiar with our joys and our sorrows and you collect our tears in a bottle. You surround us with your peace that passes understanding,” she said.
“Now come and transform our broken hearts as we look to you for hope.”
Her second prayer said in part, “illuminate a path before us. Show us how to put one foot in front of the other.
“Thank you for the gift of life and the moments we’ve shared with our loved ones and the love that goes on.
“Instruct us on the purpose you have for us, tonight and for tomorrow and for our future.
“Thank you for preparing a place for us where we may go and be together one day and live in harmony.
“It is written that you sit at the right hand of the Father and pray for us even now. How merciful you are.”
Also at the tree, musician Theo Cawley played guitar and sang songs appropriate for the season and the ceremony.
