The Christmas season is a time many of us look forward to – sometimes with anticipation, sometimes with dread.
It can be especially rough for those of us who have lost someone close recently or who lost someone at this time of the year.
With all the messages of family togetherness and joy, the emptiness left behind when someone close to us has died can be in harsh contrast to the excitement society seems to expect people to feel during this time of year.
But there are places for the grieving to turn for support. Shuswap Hospice’s annual Celebrate a Life memorial event is taking place now until Dec. 19 at the Mall at Piccadilly.
People can stop in to talk with volunteers, light up a memory bulb on the Angel Tree and take home a handmade angel in memory of their loved ones. Each angel was handmade by volunteers and comes with a personal message placed in the sleeve of the angel.
The Shuswap Hospice Society provides free grief and bereavement support to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones. While the support groups change to reflect the needs of the community, pre-Christmas support is a common request. They can be contacted at 250-832-7099.
Sometimes sharing the burden of grief can make the season more bearable.
