With the festive season just around the corner, the thought of lost loved ones often becomes more pronounced, stirring emotions and nostalgia. Communities across the UK are coming together to celebrate their memories, particularly during poignant events aimed at remembering those who have passed. One such initiative is the annual Lights of Love event hosted by the Primrose Hospice, which invites residents to honour their dearly departed this Christmas.
The Lights of Love event has become more than just a celebration; it’s a heartfelt tradition for many families. Rachel Watts, whose sister Lizzie succumbed to stomach cancer on New Year’s Day 2017, shared how the initiative holds special meaning for her family. She reminisced, “Christmas was Lizzie’s favourite time of the year; she absolutely loved it. We had lots of wonderful memories, so it’s important to keep those Christmas traditions alive.”
The Primrose Hospice encourages anyone wanting to celebrate the life of their loved ones, regardless of whether they received care from the facility, to dedicate lights to them. Each light reflects the remembrance of someone special and remains illuminated throughout the festive period around the hospice's trees situated in Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Participants will receive personalized Lights of Love cards featuring the names of their deceased loved ones, with tributes showcased on the hospice's online tribute page, accompanied by messages and photographs. The lights are more than just decorations; they represent lives well-lived and the enduring bonds of love. The Lights of Love Light Switch On is scheduled for 6 PM on November 23 at the Bromsgrove hospice, followed by the large Lights of Love Celebration at 3 PM on December 7 at the same location.
The Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre devotes itself to offering care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and supporting families as they navigate the painful waters of bereavement. Their work is underscored by compassion and community spirit, aiming to alleviate suffering and celebrate life even amid loss.
Meanwhile, families like the Colino family from Lancashire are grappling with grief as they recently lost their beloved Kyle Colino at the age of 36. Kyle's sudden passing on October 13 has sent shockwaves through the community, as his uncle Tony Colino reflects on the tragedy. The family is currently awaiting answers concerning Kyle’s unexpected death, with heart conditions being common within the family. Tony told LancsLive, “This has hit us really hard. We’ve had so much loss already, and this was out of the blue.”
Just the day before his untimely death, Kyle had spent time with his family, making the shock even more difficult to comprehend. His 12-year-old son, Conner, noted his father was his hero, reflecting the deep bond they shared. The emotional outpouring from the community has been significant, with many recounting their fond memories of Kyle and offering their support to the family.
Such tributes underline the common thread of love and remembrance during the Christmas season, shedding light on the importance of sharing stories and preserving legacies. Events like the Primrose Hospice Lights of Love and community support for families like the Colinos provide meaningful avenues for individuals to process their grief.
These moments remind us of the power of community and the solace found when collectively remembering those who have left us. The stories of Kyle Colino and the memory of loved ones like Lizzie are woven together with love, laughter, and the bittersweet ache of absence—elements of our lives we carry forward through traditions and celebrations, especially during this time of year.
This holiday season might be woven with both joy and sorrow, serving as a reminder of cherished moments, palpable connections, and the shared experience of loss. Whether through the lighting of candles, secret family recipes, or simply sharing stories around the dinner table, the spirit of those we've lost continues to resonate through our lives, proving love knows no bounds even beyond the physical.
