Candlelight ceremony to honor the loss of a child

On the evening of Sunday, Dec. 11, Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake will acknowledge and honor anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a beloved child, with The Compassionate Friends. This is a special event that happens once a year, locally and worldwide. The candlelit evening acknowledges grief, allows for tears, honors the lives of those lost but never forgotten, and opens the door to greater healing.

Around the globe, at 7 p.m. local time on Dec. 11, candles will be lit for one hour uniting families and friends to honor the memories of children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who can no longer be hugged. Though they left too soon, they will never be forgotten. Their memories will be shared through love and understanding by hundreds of thousands across the globe.

The observance began in the United States in 1997, and today TCF's Worldwide Candle Lighting is believed to be the largest mass candle lighting in the world. This special evening at Unity begins at 6:30 p.m., and unfolds through music, readings and inspirational messages offering hope. There will be a Memory Wall to place photos of your loved one.

At 7 p.m. each person will be invited to walk forward to light a candle in remembrance of the child, sibling or grandchild they lost too soon. Our candle lighting will be united with those doing the same around the globe to commemorate all lost children, as we stand together awed by the light that was their life. This will create 24 hours of light encircling the earth, moving from time zone to time zone.

If weather permits, there will be a candlelit labyrinth walk outdoors. There will be time to talk, listen, cry and embrace the past and the future. There will be refreshments, and you are welcome to bring your favorite cookies to share. This event is free. A free will offering will be gratefully received.

Know that you are not alone, so come and join others who understand much of what you are feeling because their heart has grieved like yours. Unity Spiritual Center is honored to host this candlelit evening at 23855 Detroit Road, Westlake.