December 4, 2015 at 2:15 p.m.
Compassionate Friends candle lighting scheduled for Dec. 13
Compassionate Friends candle lighting scheduled for Dec. 13
That's from Simon Stephens, the founder of The Compassionate Friends, an organization formed as a support mechanism for people who have lost a child, sibling or grandchild. Anyone who's ever lost a child knows the holidays can be a challenging time.
According to a press release from the organization, TCF's Worldwide Candle Lighting "unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor the memories of the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who left too soon."
"As candles are lit ... hundreds of thousands of persons commemorate and honor the memory of all children gone too soon," the press release states.
Locally, TCF's Northern Lights Chapter in Woodruff, one of 650 chapters across the country, will be hosting a candle lighting in the dining hall of Holy Family Church on County Highway J.
The candlelighting will take start at 5 p.m. Dec. 13.
Sally Winger, leader of the Northern Lights chapter, lost her daughter Kali in a car accident on State Highway 70 west of Minocqua in August 2000.
In September of 1980, another daughter, Tara, died of a heart defect at a month old.
"Families who have lost children know they can come," Winger said. "It's not a Christmas celebration. It's just a time set aside where we wanted to remember the ones who can't be here who should be here."
Parents, grandparents and siblings are asked to bring a picture of their loved one for the candle lighting table for that evening.
"The evening is dedicated to them," Winger said. "There will be music and a balloon release."
The memorial will be held regardless of weather.
For those who have questions, Winger may be reached at (715) 892-3595 or [email protected].
Winger said the Northern Lights chapter of TCF meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the dining room at One Penny Place with the next regular meeting set for Jan. 18, 2016.
"We welcome all bereaved parents and siblings," she said.
No preregistration is needed.
Brian Jopek may be reached via email at bjopek@lakeland times.com.
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