Annual Candlelight Vigil Honouring Children Who Have Died Takes Place Sunday

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Local family members bereaved by the death of a child will come together for the annual Candlelight Service online Sunday evening.

This year marks the thirteenth year that the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch has held a Candlelight Service in conjunction with this international event to bring bereaved parents and family members together to honour and remember their child.

“The purpose of the Candlelight Vigil is to provide a meaningful opportunity to share in a time of heartfelt reflection and remembering. Families and friends are able to join together to honour their child’s life, while connected with others who can truly empathize,” says Bereavement Educator with CMHA-WECB, Sonia Comartin. “Whether newly bereaved or the death occurred some time ago, all are welcome to share in this time of hope and healing.”

Due to COVID restrictions, the event will be held virtually again this year. The program will consist of reflections, music, messages of hope, as well as information about support in the community.

“Our goal is to have a very special time of remembrance. Knowing that this is possible even when not together in-person, we hope that all whose lives have been touched by a child who has died will join in,” added Comartin. Sally and Michael Craig will also share their story of their precious son Jeffrey, who died in 2017. After Jeffrey died, they learned “that the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried.” Through lots of hard work, including seeking support from the CMHA-WECB Bereavement Program, they recognize and are very grateful for the positive difference that individuals and support groups have made on this extremely difficult journey.

The vigil will take place on Sunday, December 12th beginning at 6:30pm.   Participants may register for free online to receive the Zoom link at: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/events/13th-annual-candlelight-service/