Last Thursday, TRU Grief Services and dedicated volunteers presented a poignant and meaningful Lights of Life Remembrance Service, providing solace and support to attendees as they honored and cherished the memory of their departed loved ones. The service, held at Unity Columbine Spiritual Center, was guided by the compassionate leadership of Grief Counselor Vanessa Schmautz and Grief Services Director Kathryn Messman, who warmly welcomed all participants. Heartfelt readings were delivered by Grief Counselor Joan Hummel, Volunteer Jean Manifesto, and Volunteer Bill Madura, and Grief Services Intern Jeff Hudson took the stage with Vanessa to read the names of the departed. Van Currell, also a Grief Services Intern, led attendees through a Ceremony of Light, crafted to honor the darkness of grief while illuminating the light of hope stemming from courage, cherished memories, and enduring love.
Participants adorned a memory table with photographs and mementos of those they had lost, and the true heart of the service unfolded as individuals stood to vulnerably share memories and stories of their departed loved ones.
Harpist Joan Hunderhausen brought rhapsodic melodies to the proceedings and singers Roberta Lott-Holmes (TRU Clinical Supervisor) and Hayley Voss (TRU Volunteer) sang a stirring rendition of James Taylor’s “You Can Close Your Eyes.” As the evening ended, both attendees and participants departed the hall moved, carrying with them the comforting embrace of shared remembrance and support.
