Honey Lake Hospice Light Up A Life ceremony remembers our departed loved ones
The Honey Lake Hospice’s mission is simple — “To provide, via a volunteer program, end-of-life aid and support to patients and their families in our community.”
For 21 years the dedicated volunteers from the Honey Lake Hospice have joined Lassen County families to share the burden these end-of-life experiences.
The hospice volunteers help locate resources and aid in the communication with health care workers, but sometimes, they just listen and provide a calm presence amid all the chaos.
Family members frequently find their departed loved ones’ dove on the Honey Lake Hospice Tree and then take a picture of it. The names will remain on the tree until Jan. 2.Light Up A Life Ceremony tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 23 at the United Methodist Church in Susanville
The Honey Lake Hospice’s 21st annual Light Up A Life ceremony can bring solace in a time of grief and provide participants an opportunity to reflect and remember their loved ones.
This year’s event will be held at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 23, at the United Methodist Church, 635 Cottage St., in Susanville.
South Lassen Street between Cottage and Main Streets will be closed as the hospice holds this community event in the grassy area next to its office where participants can safely gather in the street in front of the lit tree and hear the names of their honored loved ones as handbells toll. (The event may be moved indoors to the church’s Fellowship Hall due to the weather.)
Dennis Roberts, center left, directs the United Methodist Church’s Hand Bell Choir as the toll the bells.This heartwarming event takes place outdoors (dress warmly) followed by an indoor reception with refreshments at the church’s Fellowship Hall around the corner. Those wishing to honor the memory of a loved one may purchase a “dove.” The loved one’s name will be inscribed on the dove, and it will placed on the hospice tree which will remain lighted until Jan. 2.
Forms for the doves may be purchased at Margie’s Book Nook or Plumas Bank ($10 per dove, laminated paper or $100 Perpetual Dove, acrylic.) All funds raised support the Honey Lake Valley Hospice’s efforts.
The Methodist Church’s Hand Bell Choir tolls the bells as the names of departed loved ones are read aloud and participants hold candles in remembrance.
As she has for many years, Debra Sokol will sing “I Will Light A Candle For You.”
National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month – a time to commemorate the strength and compassion of the professionals and volunteers who help people live with dignity, comfort and support at the end of life.
For more information, call the Honey Lake Hospice at (530) 257-3137.
