Though typically filled with joy and cheer, for those who have lost someone special in their lives the holiday season may cause feelings of grief to grow even stronger. Loss is an experience familiar to everyone in some way, and support is usually not just appreciated – but necessary.
To help those grieving and missing loved ones during the holidays, Peaceful Purpose Hospice (PPH) of Eatonton presented its 5th annual Diamonds in the Sky memorial program to provide comfort, guidance, and happiness to those in need, with several speakers and performers taking the stage last Wednesday at The Plaza Arts Center.
“Grief is exacerbated during the holidays, explained Kim LaRue of Peaceful Purpose. “Sometimes the holidays bring about sadness because grief is unexpressed love. People miss their loved ones.”
As guests walked in, they were encouraged to write the names of passed loved ones they’re missing this Christmas on gold and silver stars, their diamonds in the sky. These stars were then hung on a Christmas remembrance tree, for all who entered to see.
The event began with a video featuring many Peaceful Purpose patients speaking lovingly about those who take care of them, and the impact Peaceful Purpose makes on their lives. The patients spoke kindly of their caretakers, smiling and singing. PPH staff were featured in the video, too, with one saying, “Being a part of Peaceful Purpose means being a part of a family and helping and serving the community.”
A moving, modern dance performance by Lauren Oliver followed, and then the PPH chaplain and the evening’s emcee Sharon White welcomed everyone.
“We hope that our program tonight will encourage you and provide you with comfort,” she said. “We like to hold this event in December because we know that the holidays can be an emotional time and we want to help you and hopefully give you a reason to smile.”
Next, registered nurse Yasmeen Smith shared some of her own story with grief and read an excerpt from her book, Heaven Starts Here.
Anenaca Marie Simpson, who routinely performs at numerous local nursing homes, then sang “Sentimental Journey,” the favorite song for residents when she plays for them.
In addition to hospice service, PPH offers free counseling sessions every month for those needing a safe space to process grief. It is open not only to patients’ families but to everyone in the community. It is held at 7 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month at the Eatonton- Putnam Chamber of Commerce in downtown Eatonton.
Marquita Hill gave a testimony on how that counseling service changed her life. “I’ve been coming for over a year now,” she said. “The first time I came it was a big load off just to be around other people and knowing that I am not the only one going through what I’m going through.”
Putnam County High School students Anna Bloodworth on the clarinet and Emma Bloodworth on the flute played Christmas songs, followed by PPH nurse practitioner Cassandra Price reading a poem she wrote titled “Thank You.”
“There’s no expiration date on grief. As most of our speakers have said, embrace it. It is human nature to feel. Feel it, embrace it, take ownership of it, but don’t let it define you,” Price said.
Peaceful Purpose CEO Kim Farley then led a breathing exercise followed by a moment of silence for everyone being remembered and missed that night. A slideshow came next, featuring photos of Peaceful Purpose patients, families, events, and staff from throughout 2023.
Donterio Smith, licensed professional consoler and founder of The Mental Plug, then provided mental health advice and tips for the holiday season, followed by Jarvis Wingfield singing “This Christmas,” a song that got the audience clapping in time before Loretta Farley ended the program with a stunning rendition of “O Holy Night.”
After the program, guests convened in The Plaza lobby, where each was given a gift from PPH and offered refreshments.
“Each year, we are just astounded by the number of family members and supporters that come out to support Peaceful Purpose,” Farley stated after the show ended. “This is a small community, so for this event, anybody is welcome to come, because our goal is to take care of each other.”
She also encouraged people who are grieving to show up to the monthly Peaceful Purpose counseling meetings. Grief support is available for those who need it, Farley stressed.