LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County is hosting two ceremonies of remembrance, the “Light Up a Life” events.
The public is invited to these candle-lighting ceremonies that celebrate the memories of family, friends and loved ones who have gone before us.
Ceremonies will be in Lakeport on Thursday, Dec. 9, and in Middletown on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Community members are invited to participate in the ceremony and reception following on Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Hospice Services Bereavement Center, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, at 5 p.m.
A special tribute to military veterans will be presented by the Lake County Honor Guard.
A tree lighting and ceremony will take place during the “Christmas in Middletown” community event starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the Middletown Central Park in front of the library.
“Holidays can be extremely difficult for those who have experienced the death of a loved one, especially during the first year after the death,” said Kathleen Bradley, manager of bereavement for Hospice Services of Lake County. “At a time when we may feel that everyone is supposed to be happy and enjoying themselves, the griever can feel sad, lonely, and depressed. Taking time out during these holidays to remember our loved ones, instead of trying just to distract ourselves, can be helpful in reintroducing meaning.
“Through our candle lighting and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, we are connecting to the symbolism of light; a connection to the light that our loved ones brought into our lives and that our memories of them continue to provide,” Bradley said. “The light of the stars, the log aflame in the fireplace, the lights on the Christmas Tree, as well as the flame of the candles that we light in their honor, can all be ways that we can remind ourselves during the Holidays of the light of love we share with our loved ones.”
For more information, call the Hospice Services of Lake County office at 707-263-6222 or visit the agency’s website, www.lakecountyhospice.org.
Janine Smith-Citron is director of development for Hospice Services of Lake County.