VNA Hospice NWI brought families throughout the Region together for the organization’s Tree to Remembrance event at Christ Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 10.
This year marked the 20th annual Tree of Remembrance. Maria Galka, director of development for VNA Hospice NWI, views this event as a chance for people to remember their loved ones through a powerful program.
“The Tree of Remembrance is an opportunity for families to come and remember the people who they love and miss during the holiday season,” Galka said. “For some people, this is their first holiday without their loved one. It's an opportunity for them to come together with people that are going through the same thing.”
Attendees could purchase and hang teardrop ornaments on a Christmas tree. Last year's event had angel ornaments. Another year included pictures of the loved ones who have been lost on the ornaments.
“I lost my sister 20 years ago, but my holiday starts when I see her picture up on the slide show,” Galka said. “There were a lot of tears the first time. Whenever I see her picture now, I smile. When you’re going through that grief, it can still be tough. It’s nice to evolve and be able to smile, laugh, and remember again as time goes on.”
Jessica Rodrick, hospice aide, volunteered for the Tree of Remembrance this year. She was thrilled to see the turnout of families at the event.
“You can see just how much this means to all of the families that have lost a loved one,” Rodrick said. “This is a special way for the families to honor them. It’s heartwarming to see so many family members order ornaments for the tree.”
Lynda Kreuger, a hospice volunteer, was one of the founders of this event. She recalls the inspiration for the Tree of Remembrance event coming from a volunteer’s experience in Chicago back in 2005.
“One of the volunteers had mentioned a tree lighting in Chicago to remember people,” Kruger said. “I thought it was a wonderful idea and wanted to help bring it here. If we do something that can honor our loved ones who have passed away, we could all still be together for the holidays and rekindle positive memories. We used CDs that we wrote the names on with Magic Marker the first year and tied them with blue ribbon for an outdoor program. We’ve moved around a few places and we’re glad to put it on again in the church."
Jerry Mangel has volunteered for the Tree of Remembrance ceremony in the past. He comes to this event to connect with others in a similar situation and honor his wife, Margaret Ann.
“The story of my life died in 2009,” Mangel said. “A couple of years later, I helped out at nursing homes and Meals on Wheels. I think this is a great payback because they took great care of my wife. It brings back a lot of memories.”
Mike Hannigan also came to the event with his daughter to honor his wife Judy, who passed away three years ago.
“I’m very appreciative of hospice care and this program every year,” Hannigan said. “When my wife was in the hospital and they found cancer, they were ready to kick her out. When we turned to hospice, our dining room became a medical room within a day. They took over and helped us with anything we needed.”
VNA Hospice NWI hosts this event every year virtually as well for those who might not be able to make the presentation in person. Galka applauds the volunteers who have supported not only this event, but also the hospice and Meals on Wheels programs.
For more information on VNA Hospice NWI, you can visit its website.