Honey Lake Hospice’s tree lighting ceremony held next Saturday
“He not busy being born is busy dying,” Bob Dylan proclaimed in the early 1960s.
He’s right, you know. The inescapable, undeniable truth of our time in this earthly life is that the ultimate final chapter of our story on this planet will surely include the details of our death.
But there is loving and caring help for all of us when these hard times come to linger around our cabin door.
It’s always a moving moment when Dennis Roberts and the United Methodist Church Handbell Choir toll the bells as the names of loved ones are read out loud.As we struggle with the overwhelming multitude of emotions, responsibilities and obligations that arise as a loved one approaches their final moments, a dedicated group of local volunteers freely choose to step into the middle of all that chaos to support our loved ones and our families. They’ve freely helped us for nearly a quarter of a century now simply because they recognize the need and the urge to fill it. They always answer when we call.
The 22nd annual Honey Lake Hospice “Light Up A Life” Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Methodist Fellowship Hall, 635 Cottage St. in Susanville.
This heartwarming, one-hour event takes place outdoors followed by an indoor reception with refreshments. Dress for the weather.
Family members gather around the Honey Lake Hospice Memorial Tree to find their loved one’s dove.Those of us who wish to honor the memory of a loved one may have the loved one’s name inscribed on a dove to be placed on the Hospice Memorial Tree.
Forms are available at Margie’s Book Nook and Plumas Bank. A laminated paper dove inscribed with a loved ones’ name is $10, and an acrylic perpetual dove is $100.
All are welcome to visit the tree which lights up each night through the first of the new year.
For many years, Debra Sokol has sung “I Will Light a Light For You” during the ceremony.For many years now, I’ve purchased a dove inscribed with a loved one’s name to be placed on the Hospice Memorial Tree. It seems the older I get the more opportunities I have to purchase a dove. This year I plan to purchase a dove in the memory of one of my guitar-playing partners, Mitch Samuels, who recently died in Houston.
I hope you’ll join me Saturday, Nov. 22 and lend your support this wonderful organization.
For more information, call the Honey Lake Hospice at (530) 257-3137.
The Honey Lake Hospice Memorial Tree will be on display outside the church from Nov. 22 to the new year.
