The Christmas season often reminds many people that someone special is missing.
It is during the biggest holidays that feelings of loss and grief can intensify. Finding a way to pause and remember loved ones who have died is a wonderful way to cope with those emotions.
“The Angels Remembered Tree, a Hospice run bereavement program, provides people a moment to reflect on the loss of a loved one during the holidays,” says Craig Johnson, Executive Director for the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society.
The annual Angels Remembered campaign will run from December 5 to 22 at the Truro Mall and the Hospice Centre at 89 Queen Street; December 8 to 23 at the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre in East Hants; and December 12 to 22 at the Foodland in Tatamagouche.
People can visit the Angels Remembered tree nearest to them to place an angel on the tree in someone’s memory. A volunteer or staff member will be available to assist visitors. Each year thousands of Angels are placed on trees around the region in memory of loved ones.
In addition to the Angel’s Remembered program, Hospice is also pleased to offer our annual workshop, ‘Coping with the Holidays,’ on December 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Elmsdale Branch of the Colchester East Hants Public Library. The workshop, facilitated by Janet Allan, Hospice Social Worker, offers a blend of support and information on how to manage the holiday season after the death of a loved one.
“This session will give people some coping tools as well as some much needed support,” states Allan, adding the session is free of charge.
The launch of the Angel’s Remembered Tree program took place on December 5 at 2 p.m. with an event at the Hospice Centre. The first angel was placed on the Angel’s Remembered Tree by Meagan Negus.