by Beth McGuire, Director of HMC The Robertson Bereavement Center
“Memories, Like the corners of my mind. Misty water-colored memories, Of the way we were.”
Originally written as a love song for the movie The Way We Were, these lyrics also reflect a sense of grief and the need to remember. One of the most difficult parts of grieving the death of someone we love is the fear that they will be forgotten. Of course we know that we will never forget, however, there is often the concern that others will.
We honor the memory of iconic figures in permanence as statues and in works of literature. We build libraries and monuments in memory of past presidents and national heroes. But how do we memorialize the unsung heroes of our personal lives who are equally as important? In our society, the need to remember those that have died begins with an obituary announcing a time for family and community remembrance. We plan and attend funerals and memorial services to help support the survivors in their grief and redirect their attention to the continuation and renewal of life. While often difficult, this is a time when the grieving want to hear the name of their loved one and share favorite memories.
Since remembering is often one of the first steps in the healing process, the Grief Specialists at HMC The Robertson Bereavement Center offer many programs and workshops to help individuals and families preserve the memories of their loved ones. Beginning in the Fall, the bereavement center will host interfaith memorial observances on a quarterly basis. Everyone grieves differently and at different times. By offering four observances throughout the year, families and friends will be able to attend when they are ready and as many times as they wish. All are welcome, regardless of when your loved one died.
Memorial Observance Dates
Autumn
Wednesday
October 10, 2012
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Winter
Sunday
January 6, 2013
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Spring
Tuesday
April 16, 2013
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Summer
Thursday
July 11, 2013
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For more information or to reserve a seat for any of the Memorial Observance dates, call 330.725.1900.
