Many of you have attended or volunteered for NHH’s Light Up A Life annual holiday remembrance events held in Waimea or North Kohala over the years. These events have taken on different shapes and forms in different venues, but the spirit and intent has always remained – to give community members a chance to remember and honor loved ones during the holiday season. The modest tree ornaments hung each year with loved ones’ names written on them have held special meaning for many of us each season.
We plan to continue the tradition of selling the memorial ornaments in Waimea this holiday season but we will not hold the same program with music and readings as we have in the past. As our hospice ohana grew it became challenging to honor all of the names on our list. Starting two years ago NHH partnered with the Fairmont Orchid to host a Floating Lantern Ceremony to honor and remember loved-ones in a meaningful community ceremony. This event has now replaced the holiday program that was so long a tradition in Waimea and North Kohala.
Jackie Wright is organizing volunteers to sell ornaments in front of stores in Waimea. If you havenʻt already signed up with Jackie to help, feel free to call Catrinka to offer your support.
We look forward to seeing the twinkling lights and ornaments throughout North Hawaii this year. May it be a joyful and peaceful holiday season for you all!
