HOULTON, Maine — The holidays are a time of joyous celebration for many, but they can also be a time of unbearable sorrow, particularly for those who have lost loved ones.
That is precisely why a group of local individuals have chosen to gather outside the Cary Public Library in early December for the past five years, to honor the memory of children they have lost.
A group of about 12 individuals braved the frigid temperature Sunday night to light a candle in memory of a loved one they have lost. The Houlton chapter is part of the worldwide organization, which is the largest self-help bereavement group for families that have suffered the tragic loss of a child. TCF has more than 700 chapters in the United States, with sister organizations in at least 35 countries around the globe.
Sunday, Dec. 8 was celebrated worldwide with a candle-lighting ceremony. The national conference is scheduled for July 11-13 in Chicago, Ill.
“The TCF is about transforming the pain of grief into the elixir of hope,” said Torrey Sylvester, one of the event organizers. “It takes people out of the isolation society imposes on the bereaved and lets them express their grief naturally. With the shedding of tears, healing comes and the newly bereaved get to see people who have survived and are learning to live and love again.”
A tree was placed outside the library. The Sylvester family selected this tree from their property and gave it in memory of their son Sam. It was planted with the aid of Nickerson Construction and the town of Houlton.
“We carry the memory of loved ones with us year in and year out,” said Pastor Dave Hutchinson of the First Church of Houlton, Unitarian Universalist. “The companionship of each other is a comfort and powerful driver. It gives the strength to get up each day and do what needs to be done.”
Those in attendance were invited to hang a photo of their loved one on the illuminated tree and to tell a little about their loss, if they so chose. The Houlton chapter of TCF meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the conference center at the hospital. All are welcome. It is good to share stories of loved ones lost.
