As harsh winds blew and waves crashed on the shore in Sechelt Jan. 1, a crowd of more than 70 people gathered as the New Year began to remember and honour loved ones lost.
The Sunshine Coast Hospice Society (SCHS) Lighting the Memories ceremony took place on Sechelt's waterfront. Jan. 1, 2006 marked the biggest turnout volunteers have seen in the 13-plus years the ceremony has taken place.
"The weather didn't seem to be a factor," said Grant Thompson, who led part of the ceremony.
In the month leading up to Christmas, hospice volunteers manned tables at malls in Gibsons and Sechelt where people could make a donation in return for a card to write a loved one's name. Each card was then fastened to a Christmas tree where a white light was illuminated in memory of the loved one.
"People can fill out a card for anyone they've lost. Once there was even a kid who gave a donation in memory of his gold fish," Thompson said.
Those cards are displayed on the hospice Christmas trees until the new year when they are gathered up to be burned ceremonially at the Jan. 1 event. At this year's ceremony, hospice volunteers stoked a fire burning brightly on the shoreline and all gathered near it holding candles unable to be lit due to the stormy weather.
"We can't light them but we'll still hold them as a symbol," Thompson said.
The group was led through the candle lighting ceremony by Rev. Mark Lemon of St. Hilda's Anglican Church. Tears and smiles were shared.
"We are here today to remember those who have touched our lives and the lives of others in such a way that none of us will ever be the same. We are changed by having known and loved them," Lemon said.
People held candles in memory of partners, children, siblings, parents, grandparents and friends.
It was an emotional time that ended fittingly with the cards of remembrance being burned on the seashore while the group joined with vocalist Dora Brooks to sing Auld Lang Sine.
"Today we celebrate the lives of countless people, named and unnamed, represented by these cards. Let us reflect on them as we light the fire of memories. May the rising smoke be a symbol of prayers offered on their behalf," Lemon said as the cards of remembrance were placed in the fire.
The annual Lighting the Memories campaign is the SCHS's number one source of funding for the year. The society is comprised of volunteers who offer support for people and their families dealing with incurable illnesses. Hospice care is designed to meet the physical, psychological, social, cultural, emotional and spiritual needs of each person it serves.The SCHS has no steady government funding and is run on donations from the public. In 2005 their Lighting the Memories campaign raised more $5,000 and they thank the community for their donations.
To find out more about hospice or if you would like to make a donation, contact the society at 604-740-1360. You can also send a cheque to the SCHS at Box 2698, Sechelt, B.C. V0N 3A0.
