HOULTON, Maine — Around the world in more than 30 countries and in all 50 states in the U.S., The Compassionate Friends (TCF) are uniting in front of Cary Library in Houlton at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 to light candles to honor the memories of their children, who have died, but who will never be forgotten. Tears of remembrance will flow and compassion will be shared to lighten the load during this holiday season that is often very difficult for bereaved families.
“This circle of light surrounding the globe represents that there is no beginning and no end to the love we carry for our children,” said Jennifer Sylvester, who is helping to coordinate the event. Through this bereavement support group, which includes grandparents and siblings, people come together to remember and honor that special person gone from sight but not from heart, she added.
Anyone is welcome to join the circle.
“There is a sweet poem that says, ‘Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.’ Perhaps this candlelight will reach that loved one in the night sky. No matter if the loss is one week or 10 years, the pain is always there and this one hour allows the pain to surface and hopefully find release,” Sylvester added.
The local chapter of TCF invites all to join together Sunday night at 7 p.m. Bring a photo of your loved one and come just a few minutes before the start of the event to pick up the candle and have the photo laminated. There will be a small service of remembrance by the lighted tree outside the library. The photos will be placed on the tree, music is shared as well as readings, stories and personal comments that anyone wishes to make. Wear warm clothing.
Following the gathering outside there will be light refreshments in the lobby of the library. Thank yous are extended to the Cary Library for allowing the group this venue to honor loved ones gone but never forgotten.
The local chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the hospital. Please come. For more information on the candle lighting please contact Sylvester at 532-9361.
