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Annual Tree Lighting held at Mile Bluff Medical Center By Amanda Emery Mile Bluff Medical Center, in partners with Hospice Touch, held its annual Love Light Tree Ceremony on Sunday, November 30. The evening was a way for people who have lost someone near and dear, to grieve and cope during the holiday season. Families purchased a light or a string of lights to put on the tree in Mile Bluff Medical Center’s Healing Garden, and during the ceremony names were read in memory of their loved one who had passed on. As Beth Holtz, the Hospice coordinator stated in her welcome speech, “It is one good step in the healing process. As these times can be difficult, it is good to be around others who are going through the same thing.” The clergy on hand, Reverend Wendall Williams from Mauston’s United Methodist Church, even shared in the emotion, “This is my first Thanksgiving and Christmas without my father. He passed away in January at the age of 88, so I understand what some of you are feeling.” While the snow was falling outside, the scene inside was very moving and tender. The participants sang a hymn together, “Let there be Peace on Earth,” prior to the memorial reading of the names. Just singing the song was an emotional task for some in attendance. The names were then read by three volunteers, Judy Pesz, Rita Hamm, and Barb Goble. Kathy Butz, accompanied by Peg Schmitz, then led the crowd in signing “Silent Night” as the tree was being lit outside. To end the evening, Reverend Williams left those in attendance with these words, “As you look at the lights on the tree with the snow falling around it, may the light of Christ shine in your heart.” |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
