Honoring Loved Ones and Embracing Hope
Honoring Loved Ones and Embracing Hope
Gilchrist’s Twilight: An Evening of Remembrance
In Memory of Those We’ve Loved and Lost
On Saturday, December 9th, 2023, at 7 pm EST, Gilchrist hosted a heartfelt virtual event, “Twilight: An Evening of Remembrance,” generously sponsored by Sol Levinson. This event aimed to unite the community in honoring loved ones and finding hope amidst grief.
The evening began with a heartfelt welcome from Cathy Hamel, President of Gilchrist, who emphasized the personal nature of grief and the unifying power of enduring love. She encouraged a sense of community and optimism, concluding with a call to honor memories and create a brighter future. Dawn Tippett, a Gilchrist bereavement counselor, shared an uplifting message about hope and resilience. She highlighted the significance of holding onto hope, describing it as a positive spiritual practice that guides us through challenging times, often discovered unexpectedly. Amanda Jaska, another Gilchrist counselor, used the metaphor of a river stone to describe grief as a journey. She explained that grief, like a rough stone, evolves over time, losing its sharp edges. Each person’s journey through grief is unique, without set timelines or comparisons, but it leaves us forever changed.
During the tribute, a heartening video displayed the names of loved ones who are deeply missed. Participants were invited to light candles, creating a luminous tribute to their cherished memories.
The event was deeply enriched by the heartfelt performances of the Gilchrist Music Therapy Team. They delivered a moving rendition of Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me,” a poignant tribute to loved ones who have passed away. Additionally, the team touched the hearts of virtual attendees with their performance of “Remember Me,” a touching song from the beloved animated Pixar film “Coco,” written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Their musical contributions added a profound and emotional dimension to the event, creating a memorable and touching experience for all who participated.
The event left participants with a poignant quote to reflect upon: “Grief is like a sharp rock embedded somewhere inside you. At first, it cuts no matter which way you turn. But over time, the edges of it soften—like a rock tumbled in a river.” – Carol Smith.
If you missed this moving event, you can still watch the video at the following link
Your generous contributions enable Gilchrist Hospice to serve the grief and bereavement needs of our community. For more information about our bereavement program and services, please visit gilchristcares.org