The Light of Remembrance

Our family will be again participating in the upcoming Worldwide Candle Lighting, an annual hour of remembrance for all children who have died, at any age, from any cause. 

Started by The Compassionate Friends and now in it's 16th year, it takes place the second Sunday of December, this year on Dec. 9th.  Around the world, candles are lit from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in each time zone, creating a wave of light circling the globe. 

Perhaps the timing of this event has something to do with the busy holiday season - the Christmas parties, parades, the toy and gift advertisements, Santas at the mall, the plans for family gatherings and holiday vacations - a time that is family-focused, and can bring the absence of a child (or, in my case, a sibling) into sharper focus.  In the midst of all that, it seems a good time to pause, reflect, take stock of things that matter, let a light join many others in remembrance, and with the strength of that collective surge of support, go on through the holidays.

We'll light a candle for Derek, in gratitude for the light that he was and will always be in our lives, also remembering with a special prayer the many other moms and dads who are in this world without a child, brothers and sisters who have lost a comrade in life.  If you'd like to join in, just light a candle Sunday at 7:00 pm and be a part of the wave!  As it moves around the world, it is sure to be a spectacular show of light and love from heaven's view that no Disney parade or TSO concert can match!  

(hat tip to Deez Central for this original post.)

If you'll be participating in this simple gesture, we'd love to know about it.  Let us know who you'll be remembering with your candle.