- April 22, 2024
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Lohman Community Outreach Coordinator Leslie Fisk and Daytona Beach resident Brenda Thomas take part in the candle-lighting ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Reverend Wiley Lowe shares his experience of having to perform his own father's funeral service. Photo by Paige Wilson
Judy McCausland remembers her daughter, who died six years ago. Photo by Paige Wilson
Candles light up the Lohman Ormond Chapel. Photo by Paige Wilson
American Idol Contestant Michelle Marie sings holiday music for the guests. Photo by Paige Wilson
Daytona Beach resident Mary Lee Banek sings during the candle-lighting ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Lohman Community Outreach Coordinator Leslie Fisk thanks the audience for attending the annual Candlelight Remembrance. Photo by Paige Wilson
“During this time of year, it hurts that much more,” Funeral Director Patrick Cooney said. “Tonight, hopefully we can recapture the joy of the season together.” Photo by Paige Wilson
There’s no magic number of years it takes to get over losing a loved one.
While this is a sad truth, Reverend Wiley Lowe emphasized how it’s a blessing that the people you miss after they die are people you never forget. The inspirational speaker shared this piece of comfort during the Light of Hope Community Remembrance service at Lohman Ormond Chapel on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Lowe told the crowd of about 40 people that he could relate to their losses. He performed his father’s funeral service a little over six years ago.
“You know, I’ve done a lot of funerals,” Lowe said. “That was like none other.”
Lohman Community Outreach Coordinator Leslie Fisk voiced her appreciation for everyone who attended to remember and honor their losses together.
“It’s nice that we get together as a community,” she said. “I think that’s important — that people are not alone. They can come out and be amongst other people. There are a lot of people who are grieving for many reasons: loss of a loved one, loss of a job. It’s been just a hard year, I think, for many people.”
American Idol Contestant Michelle Marie sang holiday music for the guests. The crowd lit candles to symbolize adding a light in the darkness.
Fisk said she remembers having to bury both of her parents when she was in her 20s.
“Whether you lost somebody yesterday, or in my case 30 years ago, you’re never really the same without your loved ones,” she said.
Lohman Community Outreach tends to community members who are in need of healing.
The outreach program will host a Healing Path eight-week workshop series in the new year. The free, weekly series will be held at The Casements Cultural Center at 3 p.m. each week from Wednesday, Jan. 31 to Wednesday, March 21, through Lohman Community Outreach.
“During this time of year, it hurts that much more,” Funeral Director Patrick Cooney said. “Tonight, hopefully we can recapture the joy of the season together.”
Call 673-1100 to register for the Healing Path series.
