About 20 people braved the frigid weather on Thursday, December 5 to attend the Care Partners of Cook County “Light up a Life” event in the North Shore Hospital. The simple but meaningful event included music and the sharing of memories of loved ones.
Schools were closed and many events were cancelled on December 5, 2013, however the “Light up a Life” event at North Shore Hospital on Thursday evening, sponsored by Care Partners of Cook County, was held as planned. About 20 people braved the frigid weather to see the lighting of the tree in the hospital atrium with its multitude of twinkling bulbs, each representing the life of a loved one.
They were met by lovely music by a small choir of local musicians who sweetly sang In the Bleak Midwinter and Lo, How a Rose Ere Blooming.
Care Partners Director Kay Grindland thanked everyone for coming out on such a cold night and introduced Father Seamus Walsh, who offered a blessing. Father Walsh said it was a time of remembrance and he noted two recent significant events—the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the death of Nelson Mandela just that day. He said he, like many others in attendance, had names of loved ones in the Memory Book in the atrium. “All are remembered in our hearts,” said Walsh.
There was a moment of silence to remember and Care Partners Senior Rides Coordinator Debi LaMusga shared a poem of comfort by Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer, We Remember Them.
Care Partners RN Jeannette Lindgren switched on the lights on the tree then and the singers led the audience in a joyful version of This Little Light of Mine.
Father Walsh shared some memories of his parents and his brother and joked that although he and his brother loved one another, they could not talk politics. Father Walsh encouraged others to share memories and some did, remembering happy holidays with loved ones and painful celebrations without them. There were some tears, but laughter too.
After sharing memories, the simple ceremony closed with everyone joining in on Silent Night.
Community members lingered, enjoyed some delicious holiday treats, and visited for a while longer in the warm glow of the Light up a Life tree.
Care Partners Director Kay Grindland noted that the turnout for the Thursday night event was small, but many donations had been made to light up the tree. She said, “Together we raised over $1,500 to support those on the journey of aging and serious illness.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation may still do so, to remember someone with a light on the tree or just to support the work of Care Partners. Lights on the tree are just $5. Forms are available at local businesses, at the hospital/clinic atrium or on-line at www.northshorehealthcarefoundation.org/carepartners. php.
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