Candlelight Memorial Gave Families A Time to Reflect and Remember
Contact: Crossing Rivers Communications
The second annual Candlelight Memorial was recently held at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien. The evening was hosted by the Crossing Rivers Health Hospice and Bereavement Team.
“The public was invited to attend the communal service of reflection and remember loved ones lost this past year and all those we have lost over the years,” explained Haley Schroeder, Hospice Social Worker. “It was a meaningful evening as we honored the lives of our patients, community members, friends and relatives who have died.”
The Candlelight Memorial included an emotionally moving arrangement of candles next to name cards of loved ones who have passed on. There was time for prayer and reflection in the Crossing Rivers Heath Meditation Room. Deacon Pat Malanaphy, Crossing Rivers Health Hospice Chaplain, gave an inspirational message on honoring loved ones by embracing life. Tisha Trautsch, Hospice Registered Nurse, and Leah Strong sang vocal selections about love, life and loss during the evening. A special angel or star ornament was given to each family member to take home as a gift of remembrance.
Hospice staff, volunteers, and bereavement team members received numerous comments that the event allowed for memories to help heal in the difficult journey of grief. One comment was, “The evening has been peaceful and is meaningful to us in honoring Dad.”
Individuals interested in learning about Crossing Rivers Health Hospice may call 608-357-2000 or access crossingrivers.org. The program serves families in Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa.