Love Light
Tomah Health Hospice Touch and Palliative Care has scheduled a special event to help people remember family members and friends this holiday. The annual Hospice Love Light program has begun, with donations now being accepted as part of the annual tree lighting ceremony scheduled Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Tomah Health’s Professional Development Center: 501 Gopher Drive, Tomah, WI 54660.
“The holidays are a difficult time for a lot of people when they have experienced loss, so offering something where they can combine the emotions, feelings, and traditions of the holiday with the act of remembering their loved one is a unique yet a special way to remember those who they have loved,” said Shane Haynes, Tomah Health Hospice Touch & Palliative Care Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator.
“Everyone’s grief journey is different,” said Haynes. “There will be sad times, which is appropriate, but at the same time, it can also be an opportunity to have great memories and even periods of happiness and joy because of the nature of the holidays.”
Like previous Hospice Love Light events, residents can purchase a Love Light on the hospital’s website by Nov. 27
Donate to Holiday Love Light and Upload a Photo
Photos of loved ones can also be downloaded online, which will be part of a presentation during the Dec. 6 ceremony. A special remembrance graphic will be used for anyone unable to supply a photo.
Hospice has been holding the event for 36 years, which Haynes said authenticates the popularity of the event. “I think it’s a really special evening. It’s somber, but on the other side, it is joyful, and it gives people the opportunity to be among others who are also experiencing loss.”
He said the ceremony will be videotaped and made available via social media for those people unable to attend.
Additional information on the Love Light event is available by contacting the Tomah Hospice Touch at (608) 374-0250.