Light a Christmas tree

[chloe40]

Is anyone attending a hospice or hospital this Christmas that holds the annual light a Christmas tree. I believe you pay for a light/bulb to be lit for your loved one, a wonderful way to commemorate them.

Chloe

[Greyone]

At our hospital, we have an annual tree of life, You can sponsor a light for a donation either through the hospital or JustGiving. Just before Christmas and we have a service of reflection.

I've been every year since mum died and I'm attending again on Friday. I hope you all have similar events.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

That's exactly what I was thinking about, thank you Greyone

Do let us know all about it afterwards if you feel you can <3

Chloe

[Greyone in reply to chloe40]

It was at this very time of night yesterday that I got back from my annual Trees of Life service and as usual I was caught out by the icey winter chill. This was my third year of attendance and I'm always struck by how casual the occasion is. I usually arrive 30 minutes early and like to watch people milling around and mixing with the singers and musicians as many mill around to see any friends. This year we were honoured by two choirs and a wind band.

During a recent visit to the hospital, I was very pleased to be approached by one of the chaplains who spoke to me again before the service began. It will be a pleasure to do this any time I visit. Just like starting a new friendship.

I joined the milling throng as the band warmed up and I was pleased to see our latest mayor as the special guest to turn the lights on.

The celebration was the inevitable mix of carols, poems and bible readings. My favourite part this year was the poetry because that is always the biggest surprise. We were treated to a reading of Rainbows, The price of loving and Keep my memory. There's nothing better than a good speaker so I can read along slowly at the same time and all the words seem to bounce around my head looking for memories to awaken. But in the end, it is the sentiment that reminds me of all the things I know my mum would have said. It is "The price of loving" which stays with me all the way home. Especially the last 3 lines:

I've loved and I have lost

I've shared such special blessing

Now I must bear the cost

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

Thank you so very much for sharing your very poignant visit to The Tree of Life Service. Even the name brings emotional goose bumps to me Greyone.

What a wonderful evening you had and such a beautiful mix of carols, poems and Bible readings. The way you described the readings of 'The Rainbow ,The price of loving and Keep my memory' has really made me curious, I haven't heard these before but I will look into it.

I will remember these for sure and thank you again x

I've loved and I have lost

I've shared such special blessing

Now I must bear the cost

Chloe