WE REMEMBER THEM

By Nancy J. Rigg

For information about the 2011 World Candle Lightning event:

http://www.compassionatefriends.org/news_events/worldwide_candle_lighting.aspx

We remember Bradley William Miner

On December12, 2010, families around the globe gathered to honor their loved ones during the World Candle Lighting Service, sponsored by The Compassionate Friends (TCF), a self help organization that offers friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.   Members of The Drowning Support Network (DSN) – who have lost children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews – were offered an opportunity to participate in the Candle Lighting service in Camarillo, California, sponsored by the Ventura County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends.

We remember Henry Badillo

Here are excerpts from the service, including photos of some DSN members, whose names were read out loud, listed in the program, and remembered quietly by family members worldwide, who are missing them.

FOUR CANDLES

Our first candle represents our GRIEF

The pain of losing you is intense, like a river raging deep inside us.

It reminds us of the depth of our love we will always have for you.

Children we remember, though missing from our sight.

The second candle symbolizes our COURAGE

To confront our sorrow, to comfort one another.

Days of yesterday are woven into our hearts.

We will hold onto life and the love you brought to us.

The third candle we light for MEMORY

We remember Carlo Wertenbaker

For the times you filled our lives with wonder and touched us with surprise.

You always had that something special, deep within your eyes.

No night is too dark that cannot be brightened with the memory of you.

You will forever be our treasured gifts.

The fourth candle we light for our never dying LOVE

We light this candle that your light will always shine.

We cherish the special place in our hearts that only you can hold.

We thank you for the gift that your living brought to us.

Our angels gone before us, who taught us perfect love.

~ Author Unknown

We remember all Drowning Support Network loved ones

WE REMEMBER THEM…

Remembering James Clark

In the rising of the sun and its going down,

We remember them.

We remember Kristal Thomas, who drowned along with her dad, Leelan Thomas, when he tried to rescue her

We remember Chance Nainoa "Malu Boy" Almarza

In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,

We remember them.

Church deacon, meditating in front of DSN photo montage

In the opening buds and in the rebirth of spring,

We remember them.

In the blueness of the sky and the warmth of summer,

We remember them.

In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,

We remember them.

In the beginning of the year and when it ends,

We remember them.

We remember Jordan Trowsdale, who drowned on Christmas Eve 2009

When we are weary and in need of strength,

We remember them.

We remember Daniel Willams, with his mum, Penny

We remember Chloe Acosta

When we are lost and sick of heart,

We remember them.

When we have joys we yearn to share,

We remember them.

So long as we live they too shall live,

For they are now part of us, as

We remember them.

~ Jewish Book of Prayer

We remember Joseph Keller

As the names of  loved ones who have died were read, Karen Taylor-Good’s song, “Precious Child,” was sung, while candles were lit and placed in front of photos on the remembrance altar.  I was honored to be asked to bear a special candle, “for those who are unnamed, but not forgotten,” walking slowing next to a bereaved father, who also carried a special candle, “for all our service men and women, our nation’s children, who gave their lives.”

Please click on this link to hear the song, “Precious Child:”

Precious Child

We remember Morrey Brown

WE REMEMBER ALL WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO DROWNING ~

AND IN OTHER ACCIDENTS

IN THE AQUATIC SETTING…

Remembering Charley Alison Gee

Remembering Kira Reddick

We remember J'Mari Johnson

Remembering Evie Grace Ewart

Remembering Brody Austin Carrick

We remember Cody Landreth

We remember Phil Dillon

Remembering Sam Ligtermoet

We remember Grant Bruce, and his daddy, Jeff Bruce, who drowned together, when Jeff tried to rescue his son

We remember Susan K. Feistel Mallet

We remember Rory Nathan

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