Annual worldwide candle lighting ceremony is Sunday

12 years ago

Candles will glow at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9 when tens of thousands of bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and friends around the globe will join together to light remembrance candles to honor the memories of children who have died, but will never be forgotten.
Held annually, the second Sunday in December, this will be the 16th Worldwide Candle Lighting sponsored by The Compassionate Friends (TCF), the nation’s largest self-help bereavement organization for families that have suffered the tragic loss of a child. TCF has more than 650 chapters in the United States, with sister organizations in at least 30 countries around the globe.
“This is a way of uniting together to remember all children around the world who have died too soon,” says Jennifer Sylvester, who lost her son, Sam, almost nine years ago.
This is the fourth year the local chapter of TCF has led this candle-lighting service at the Cary Library. The small tree out front is decorated with lights and at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, pictures are hung of our loved one on the tree and then all gather round to sing, pray and share our story. “Each is unique,” says Sylvester, “but the common thread is the agony of loss and the lifelong work of healing. Somehow it matters to gather with like-minded people.
Come as early as 6:30 to have your photo laminated and chat with others and then following the 20-minute service come inside the library for refreshments courtesy of Tim Horton’s. And dress warm!