The Need to Remember

The Need to Remember

We have a deep and inherent need to remember.

And COVID has taught us, that we also have a deep and inherent need to gather and remember together.

Last week we held our annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance. More people gathered to remember loved ones than ever before.

It felt clear to me that in this pandemic time where so many people have been denied ceremonies, the recognition of how much ceremonies matter was understood. It so often takes the loss or absence of something for us to truly understand it’s worth. The reality of not being able to have or go to a funeral revealed how special, significant and pivotal a funeral ceremony is.

Every December we come together to see the faces of each person being remembered, we hear their names read aloud, and candles are lit in precious memory. Dr. Harold Ivan Smith was our incredible speaker whose poetic, sage wisdom was profoundly touching.

If you are finding yourself in need of a time to remember, our ceremony could be easily broken out into a few simple elements for you to carry out at home.

  • Play some calming, soothing music
  • Say aloud the name of your loved one
  • Light a candle in their honor and light it as often as you want to (maybe have a few back-ups)
  • Look through photos of them with the candle flickering and music playing
  • Share this time with special people

You might not know how much you need this time or how much it can give to you.

We hope that if you weren’t able to attend our Candlelight Ceremony, you’ll consider attending next year or participate with us through the link below.

Our Candlelight Service is open to any families we have served, no matter how long ago.

To join our registrant list, simply email blomaka@connormortuary.com.

Ways to watch our Candlelight Service of Remembrance:

To watch just our Photo Tribute from the 2021 service, click here.

To see highlights, click here.

If you would like to view the full recording of the service (minus the Photo Tribute), please click the link below:

Molly Keating
Molly Keating
Hello! I'm Molly and I run & manage the Blog here at O'Connor. I grew up in a mortuary with a mortician for a father who's deep respect for the profession inspired me to give working at a mortuary a try. Work at O'Connor has brought together two of my deep passions, writing & grief awareness. In 2016 I earned Certification in the field of Thanatology, the study of Death, Dying and Bereavement. I am honored to be able to speak on these taboo topics with knowledge, compassion, and a unique perspective. I want to sincerely thank you for following & reading the blog, I hope that this is a healing place for you.

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