BARRY’S BAY – Dorothy Corbeil lost three family members in a plane crash earlier this year. Rich Fleming’s father died of cancer five years ago.
Two completely different grieving journeys, but grief nonetheless.
They both attended the November 25 Hope for the Holidays event held in Barry’s Bay for support during what can be a difficult time of year.
It was led by Dawn Cruchet, a grief educator and counsellor, and Karen Wagner, palliative care nurse. Ten trained palliative care volunteers also assisted with the event.
Participants learn about coping techniques during the holidays and have the opportunity to make memorial candles that can be burned in honour of those that have died.
“It gives people the option to honour their loved one that has died,” Cruchet said. “Holiday times are hard because not only is the person who died missing but also the holiday they knew is missing. It’s a double whammy.”
The holiday season can be long – starting right after Halloween until January.
“We really wanted to come together and give people a chance to honour the memories of their people by making a candle and doing a candle lighting service, and acknowledging what a hard time it is,” Cruchet explained.
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