A time to remember

The international organization The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting during this holiday season honors all children who have died. Last year, 530 services in 15 countries shared their  lighted candles at 7 p.m. on the second Sunday of December forming a circle of light around the globe. TCF is a compassionate group formed to share in one another’s grief journey over the loss of a child, sibling or grandchild.
    This is the third annual candle lighting in Houlton and will take place in front of Cary Library at 7 p.m on Sunday. Each person will be given a candle to hold, be invited to share a poem or song, or simply stand in honor and memory of their loved one. In coming together on this painful journey, bereaved families, newly in grief or walking with it for many years, have an opportunity to focus on their loved one for just a few minutes before the busy-ness of the season overtakes. Participants are invited to bring a small picture of their child to hang on the tree outside the library and to dress warmly.
The local chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the hospital. TCF’s website is www.thecompassionatefriends.com. “Both are safe places to share your loss and grow as you walk the same path as so many others,” said organizer Jennifer Sylvester.
For more information on the candle lighting, call Sylvester at 532-9361.