December 10, 2020 at 1:31 p.m.
Tree of Love a symbol of hope
Mourning the loss of loved ones amidst holidays, pandemic
Tree of Love a symbol of hope
By Stephanie Kuski-
Volunteer coordinator Mary Ellen Kaminski said Ascension at Home has displayed the Tree of Love in Rhinelander for the past 14 years at different locations. This year, they partnered with St. Mary's Hospital in addition to Howard Young Medical Center in Minocqua for the 33rd year.
"The Tree of Love is a recognition of those who are grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays," Kaminski explained. "The holidays are a difficult time to have someone in your family not there anymore... So the Tree of Love was established to recognize the pain of loss that many are experiencing, especially this time of year. We hope it helps them start the holiday season with good memories of their loved ones."
Although Ascension at Home has displayed the Tree of Love for many years, the opportunity to honor lost loved ones comes at any especially crucial time at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Because of the pandemic, 'loss' is more than just loss of a loved one," Kaminski said. "There's just so much loss of our normal life... and then to lose a loved one on top of that, it's very intense."
At the tree lighting ceremony on Dec 3, Kaminski, together with hospice chaplain Richard Rogers and account executive Janette Marien, read the names of those who died this year while in the care of Ascension at Home hospice. The tree's location at the local hospital is a fitting one this year, considering so many have lost their loved ones to COVID-19 within the hospital's walls.
At a time when many are grieving, Kaminski said she wants the Tree of Love to prompt individuals to take a moment to remember those who have passed. She said individuals can drive or walk by the tree, which is located near the entrance to the emergency department, to take a moment of remembrance.
In the past, coordinators for the Tree of Love have offered those interested to make a $10 donation for an ornament to honor their loved ones. Kaminski said the donation also supports those in the community in need of extra care at the end of life. Those interested in making a memorial donation to hospice services can contact Kaminski at (800) 234-3542.
Kaminski also thanked St. Mary's Hospital for hosting the Tree of Love and Forth Floral in Rhinelander for donating the tree.
In support of community members coping with the loss of loved ones, Ascension at Home is also offering virtual grief groups with bereavement counselor Barbara Schjoneman. A special veterans program, ongoing grief support as well as one-on-one sessions will be available, and these resources are offered to anyone in the community.
"There are so many opportunities for somebody to fit in a grief group," Kaminski commented. "It's very customizable to your needs."
For more information about Ascension at Home's grief support services, call Schjoneman at (715) 525-2269 or email [email protected].
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