When you think of the holidays many may think of family traditions, religious celebrations, the smell of fir trees, the taste of pumpkin pie, or a brisk walk in the winter snow. For others, the holidays come with many mixed emotions. Feelings of sadness, grief, and tears often accompany this time of year for many that have lost a loved one, not only in the current year but also years past. You see, grief has no time limit.
Local non-profit, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky has created a different community tradition, the Community Memorial Service. The annual service has allowed countless individuals in our community to see firsthand that they are not alone. Although not everyone attending has experienced the same loss, there is a sense of community when you look around and see you are encircled by those quite possibly facing similar emotions.
Typically around Thanksgiving, calls for bereavement support increase in our community from those facing immense sorrow.
“Because of the emotional triggers attached to the holidays and traditions, we typically see the increase in bereavement calls,” said Caleb Potter, Bereavement Coordinator with Hospice of Western Kentucky. “Bereavement Care is so crucial for individuals so that the holidays don’t become a drudgery. People can still find a way to look forward to them and grieve productively in light of the emotional hardships that may accompany this time of year.”
The memorial service, “An Evening of Reflection” is to honor the lost and fondly recall the wonderful memories and legacies they’ve left behind.
“Many times after a loved one passes away it’s difficult to openly acknowledge them and their recent passing. So rather than do that, many families find themselves avoiding the subject altogether,” Potter said. “The Evening of Reflection is an opportunity to openly acknowledge, fondly recall and thoughtfully reflect not only on how their death impacts us, but how their life has influenced us.”
Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky hopes to offer support to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, whether or not their family member was served by the organization.
“Communities are usually benefited and roots of a community grow much deeper when we can collectively grieve together so of course that’s not just limited to those served by Hospice,” Potter said. “We think it’s important to extend the invitation to the whole community so that we can strive to grieve together.”
Aside from family members whose loved one has passed due to a terminal diagnosis, Potter counsels family members who have lost a loved one to suicide, pregnancy loss, traumatic death occurrences, etc.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the “Evening of Reflection” by submitting a photo of loved ones they’d like to remember and celebrate to [email protected] or drop off by Tuesday to 3419 Wathens Crossing in Owensboro.
“An Evening of Reflection” will be hosted this Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Walnut Memorial Baptist Church (519 West Byers Ave 42303). All community members are welcome.
Writer: Angela Mayfield
