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Many of those who are now gone were guests of the ALMH hospital at
some point during their transition and were given careful loving
care by hospital staff.
The Light Up a Life ceremony gives those who remain behind the
opportunity to join together as one and remember. On this evening
there are no generational boundaries as young and old alike
understand and respect the ceremony as important to all in
attendance.
The evening began with an opening prayer provided by Pastor Carroll
Richards. After his prayer, the lighting of individual candles
began. Pastor Richards encouraged each person there to remember and
even whisper the name of the loved one or loved ones they were there
to honor.
The lighting of the candles is ceremonious in its own right, with
one person passing his lighted flame to the person next to him or
her. A second candle lights, and then a third, and fourth. Before
long, one-by-one the candles are lit and the darkened patio outside
the Woods Café and the hospital glowed in amber candlelight.
As the candles were lit, Sheralyn Bolton read the poem Light a
Candle.
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Light a candle, see it glow, watch it dance
when you feel low.
Think of me, think of light, I’ll always be here day or night.
A candle flickers, out of sight, but in your heart I still burn
bright.
Think not of sadness that I’m not near, think of gladness and joyous
cheer.
I have not left, I am not gone, I’m here to stay my dearest one.
So when you light a candle, and you see it
glow, and you watch it dance, in your heart you’ll know, that I
would never leave you, even when you feel so blue.
I’m sitting up here with the Lord, and now watching over you.
When the reading was completed, Pastor Richards led a second payer.
Then there was a countdown to the lighting of the LUAL tree on the
far side of the patio.
When the tree was all aglow, the group sang O’ Christmas Tree.
Pastor Richards said the closing prayer and the group then sang
Silent Night.
After the last song, everyone was invited inside for a soup supper.
The ALMH kitchen staff had prepared ham sandwiches, cheese and
cracker trays, fresh vegetable and dip trays, and a choice of
chicken soup or chili.
Guests filled their plates and took seats in the Steinfort
Conference Room. The over-flow of guests were encouraged to dine in
the Woods Café that was officially closed for the night.
The supper time was a time to visit and remember loved ones to
others and all enjoyed the delicious food.
In addition to the lighting ceremony, the foundation conducts a LUAL
fundraiser each year. Those who wish may make a donation in memory
of a loved one passed. The names of those who are remembered and by
whom they are being remembered is then published in local media
including Lincoln Daily News.
The money raised from the LUAL fundraiser stays at the hospital with
investments made in new equipment and also in training and education
for nursing staff.
The LUAL is a wonderful opportunity at Christmas time to remember
loved ones, to celebrate community, and to also be thankful for our
local medical professionals, our hospital and its staff.
[Nila Smith] |
