Candles and Snowflakes

Tonight I attended an event at Circle of Life Hospice Village where Ken was cared for in his final time with us. When the invitation came a few weeks ago I put it aside. Not sure if I wanted to attend. But late this afternoon I felt the nudge and am grateful I went. Part of grief is not only feeling the loss, pain and sorrow; but also reflecting on the persons life lived along with the multitude of memories shared. Remembering and honoring him tonight albeit in a room of strangers provided a meaningful opportunity to participate and remember Ken.

Circle of Life was decorated for the season and most inviting. The Chaplain and other staff and volunteers were greeting us and the mayor shared a poem through her own tears as her father passed this year. There I was in a room full of other people who had lost a loved one. Unknown to each other but knowing the grief we shared. We were all given a candle (battery op.) and a moment of silence in the darkened room lit only from the candles and nearby Christmas lights and decorations. The only sound was that of soft sniffles and rustling of wind outside. We were then directed to a lit path outdoors that was lined with memory stones and the stone garden where a stone is placed in memory of each person who ended their life under the care of Circle of Life.

After our stroll there was a room set up with snowflakes for us. One to write on and take home, the others to assemble and hang on the memory tree. I sat alone at the table, but so very grateful to be there to remember Ken and his light in the world. Grief is HARD! But God is so very gentle in caring for me, and providing opportunities to move, grow and be grateful through this time. Tonight was one of those very special blessings he provided for me. Just wanted to share this special experience with you.

The past few weeks have been filled with memories and tears, along with laughter too. I have been blessed to attend festive events with Kippy. I got to sing with some church folks at a nursing home, help assemble craft bags for the children’s hospital, volunteer for an animal shelter event, and more along with spending time with the grands and family nearby. God has blessed me with special friends here in NWA; I have enjoyed taking walks, painting ornaments, playing games, lunching, shopping, talking and sharing time together. Along with calls, cards and texts from my CA friends, I am truly blessed and thankful for friends who have listened, prayed for and reminded me of how blessed I am. Thank you!!!

May I encourage, ask, nudge you to reach out to someone who is grieving this holiday season? For whatever their loss, the Holidays can be the most difficult. A card, text, note to let them know they are remembered and loved makes a BIG difference. And of course keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.

So as I hung my snowflake to remember Ken on the Circle of Life Tree I thanked God for his presence in my life and for where he is now with Jesus! The snowflake I brought home includes Ken’s name and attributes of his that live on … Love for God, Faith, Hope, Joy, Wisdom and Laughter!

May God Bless you with a very meaningful and blessed Christmas.