Hospice SLO County invites the public to honor the memories of loved ones during the 40th annual Light Up a Life at one of five remembrance ceremonies happening throughout SLO County in November.
The ceremonies will be held at 6 p.m. in Templeton on November 12, in Morro Bay on November 13, San Luis Obispo on November 19 and Arroyo Grande on November 20. A special “Paws to Remember” ceremony in memory of lost pets will be held on November 14 at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo. The ceremonies are free to attend.
The holidays symbolize a time when family and friends gather in celebration. It can also be a difficult and emotional time for those grieving a loss. Light Up a Life is an annual event that offers the community an opportunity to come together to honor and remember loved ones who are no longer living but who will never be forgotten.
“We see so many images of happy families gathering with their loved ones during the holidays. But what if a loved one has died?” says Shannon McOuat, Executive Director of Hospice SLO County. “Incorporating loved ones who are no longer living into holiday traditions was the basis for Light Up a Life, introduced by Hospice SLO County to the community in 1984. These remembrance ceremonies offer a time to pause, remember, and honor those we love and miss.”
The community is invited to participate by donating in memory of a loved one to receive a lantern ornament and have their name read at any of the Light Up a Life ceremonies of their choosing. Each ceremony will include music, an inspirational message, the reading of names, poetry and candle lighting. If one is unable to physically participate, the ceremony on November 19 will be live-streamed and can be watched at home. The ceremony will also be recorded for future viewings on Hospice SLO County’s website.
Hospice SLO County has provided crucial services to individuals and families coping with life-limiting illness, end of life or grief throughout the county since 1977. All donations to Light Up a Life are tax-deductible and support Hospice SLO County to ensure the best quality for those who seek their services.
For information or to participate, visit www.hospiceslo.org or call 805-544-2266.