LAKEPORT, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County is hosting two ceremonies of remembrance, the “Light Up a Life” events, this year.
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 Tuesday, Dec. 13, and in Lower Lake on Thursday, Dec. 15.
Community members are invited to participate in the ceremony and reception on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 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 at this event and include a reading by Lake County Poet Laureate Georgina Marie Guardado.
The Lower Lake event on Thursday will include a candle lighting, musical duet with Barbara Christwitz and Jim Leonardis, a message of remembrance presented by Adventist Health Director of Community Wellbeing Don Smith and a reading by the Lake County poet laureate.
Festivities will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Lower Lake Historical School House Museum,16435 Main St.
“Holidays can be extremely difficult for those who have experienced the death of a loved one, especially during the first year after a death,” said Kathleen Bradley, manager of bereavement services 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 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,” explained Bradley. “The light of the stars, the log aflame in the fireplace, 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.
‘Light Up a Life’ events scheduled
- Janine Smith-Citron