Bereaved Find Solace at Hospice's Light up a Life

The following is by Hospice of the North Coast

People from children to seniors grieving the loss of loved ones found solace, support and life affirmation at Hospice of the North Coast’s (HNC’s) heartfelt Light Up A Life (LUAL) on December 7, 2013 at the Carlsbad Senior Center. They gathered to connect with others, feel uplifted by inspirational music and words, and, as a culmination of the afternoon event, make a poignant walk to the front table, one by one, to light a candle in honor of the person they deeply miss. Many in the solemn procession took the opportunity to briefly share their memories. “My son lit up my life,” said one grieving mother as she lit a candle for her adult son who died this year.

HNC Executive Director Nerice Kaufman states, “Whether a loved one has passed very recently or years ago, the memorial has a profound impact. As our signature winter event, LUAL enables people to enter the holiday season with feelings of hope, optimism and joy for life. No matter how cold it is outside or how sharp the individual loss, the shared warmth in the room is always palpable.”

Making this year’s LUAL even more moving was keynote speaker Robert Halder, MD, Retired Rear Admiral, USN. Speaking on the theme, “The Blessings of Legacy,” Dr. Halder regaled the audience with the humorous antics of his comedic friend Jack, who died four years ago under hospice care in Virginia. Proving that the essence of a person lives beyond their actual life on earth, Dr. Halder’s recollections of their crazy bike ride in freezing weather and a midnight golfing escapade cut short by water  sprinklers were, he said, “gifts of remembrance” and he encouraged others to hold onto their own memories as “a precious legacy.” The celebration ended on an inspiring note as HNC Communications Manager Yvette Williams sang “Unforgettable.” Indeed, like the lives of the people celebrated on this day, HNC’s 2013 Light Up A Life was truly unforgettable.