Tonight marks the 17th Worldwide Candle Lighting service to honor the memories of children who have died. Lighting begins at 7:00 pm local time and continues for an hour. It starts in New Zealand and circles the globe one time zone after another creating a virtual 24-hour wave of light. This is believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on earth. Bereaved parents all over the world will be lighting candles to remember their beloved children. Some will do it in the quiet of their homes; others will come together in candle lighting ceremonies.
The timing of the candle lighting is quite deliberate. We are now officially in the midst of the holiday season, and that is a painful time for families who have lost a child. Whether it's an empty place at the table, a stocking that is no longer hung or just the glaring omission that someone is missing, holidays can be tough. Tonight we make sure to honor and remember those children who are no longer here. Their memories continue to be a blessing to us.
Tonight when we light a candle for Matthew, we will also be lighting a candle for all those who have passed too soon. Below is a list of names of children I have heard of over these past three years (I apologize if I've missed someone). I will be thinking of them and their families when we light our candle:
Hannah
Katie
Aaron
Carey
Andrew
Kelsey
Christopher
Bonnie
Peter
Esther
Hannah
Hannah
Megan
Erin
Ben
Graham
Anna
Rachel
Nick
Nathanael
Stephen
Jacquelyn
Elizabeth
Joey
Joey
Owen
The 20 young victims of Newtown
Thank you, Robin. I will be thinking of you and all of those we know...Love to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteRobin, I continue to faithfully read your blog. I haven't commented in a long time, but please know how much I appreciate and relate to each of your posts. You're an eloquent writer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
ReplyDeleteI see Erin's name above. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Dave and I are joining our Compassionate Friends Chapter this evening.
Blessings to you.
Mary
Thank you for thinking of Graham. I will also be thinking about you and Matthew.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you.
Thank you, Robin, for including Nick's name. What an impact you have made by sharing your thoughts and experiences with so many other bereaved parents. We are approaching the one year anniversary and it is comforting to know we are not alone on this difficult journey.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Carol