About 25 people came out for the second annual Olds and District Hospice Society's Tree of Remembrance light-up ceremony in Centennial Park Nov. 27.
Olds and District Hospice Society vice-president Kathy Kemmere served as master of ceremonies.
The group gathered in the gazebo for the lighting of the candles, which participants then carefully sheltered as they walked from the gazebo to the tree itself.
“I think it's so important to take this moment to pause and remember those who have held a special place in our hearts and in our life and have a special place in our hearts in their death, so thank you for joining us this evening,” Kemmere said.
“On behalf of Olds and District Hospice Society, we extend to all of you our deepest sympathy for your losses and we really appreciate your coming out tonight to mourn with us,” she added.
Kemmere also expressed a special thank you to pastor John Lentz who spoke at the tree.
Kemmere then began lighting candles held by various members of the group, quoting from Sims and Williams, a Guide For Hope and Healing:
“As we light these five candles in honour of you, we light one for our grief, one for our courage, one for our memories, one for our love, and one for our hope.
“This candle represents our grief. The pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of our love for you.
“This candle represents our courage – to confront our sorrow, to comfort each other, and to change our lives.
“This candle is in your memory – the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, and the caring and joy you gave us.
“This candle is the light of love and we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us.
“And finally, this candle is the light of hope. It reminds us of the love and memories of you that are ours forever. May the glow of the flame be our source of hopefulness – now and forever.
“We love you.
“Let us now light our candles from that representing hope, for it will stay with us for all time.”
"I think it's so important to take this moment to pause and remember those who have held a special place in our hearts and in our life and have a special place in our hearts in their death."KATHY KEMMEREVICE-PRESIDENT OLDS AND DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY
