The VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana hosted its annual Tree of Remembrance Ceremony at Christ Lutheran Church on December 14. Family and friends were joined by the support of VNA staff and - volunteers to celebrate the lives of those who have been lost.
The event opened as attendees hung ornaments on the tree to remember their loved ones. Afterwards, the event commenced with a few songs from the VNA Hospice Choir. Rev. Allen Wright, VNA Hospice Chaplain, then led the crowd in prayer prior to the choir and crowd singing “Silent Night” in unison. The event was live streamed to reach all community members who wanted to participate in the ceremony.
Maria Galka, director of development of VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana, noted that the VNA saw a great need for a streaming element of the night’s festivities.
“We thought it would be a really good idea to offer both virtual and in person attendance with the COVID-19 numbers rising like they are and since we were at limited capacity at the church. For the ones that are doing the ceremony virtually, we mailed them their ornaments so that they can participate at home,” said Galka.
The effort to create an experience that was both virtual and in person was appreciated by many community members who participate in the event every year.
“Some people are just not comfortable being out in crowds,” said Galka. “As people were responding to the invitation we sent, a lot of them said that they are so happy we're having a virtual ceremony.”
The ceremony has been a tradition since 2005.
“It actually was the brainchild of our Friends of Hospice group. They wanted to do something to help families during the holidays: the families that are grieving somebody that they miss and love,” said Galka.
The ceremony had humble outdoor beginnings. Lynda Krueger has been a volunteer for the VNA for 27 years and helped establish the Friends of Hospice group 15 years ago. She recalled the first few years of the Tree of Remembrance ceremony.
“It was very well received and very well attended. So, we really felt that we were on the right track and that this was something that the community kind of needed,” said Krueger.
To Krueger, the necessity was clear. Region residents needed community support during such a sensitive time, and the VNA offers the friends and family of their patients and community members a space to grieve and celebrate the lives of those who matter to them.
“We just try to help the community feel that we're a part of them and that we care about them,” said Krueger.
The VNA’s mission to help make best days possible is exemplified through the ceremony. Bob Franko, president and CEO at VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana, commended the support that hisstaff and volunteers offer Region residents through this annual gathering.
“The ceremony just reaffirms to our staff that our mission is making the best days possible. When we're able to have a night like this with these families, it is another one of those examples of how we make the best days possible,” said Franko. “It's great for the families to be able to come back and have this moment to reflect, especially during the holiday season.”
A special part of the evening occurs after the ceremony, when the friends and family of former patients are able to visit with the VNA staff and volunteers who were with them during such a vulnerable time.
“Even if some people might look at this event as a somber moment, we don't see it that way. We really see it as a celebration,” said Franko. “Our staff, our chaplains, our nurses, and our social workers worked with these families for weeks and sometimes months. To be able to reconnect with them here during this season and at the service is special.”
Richard and Linda Tubbs, attendees of the event, know just how special these connections can be. Richard has attended the event for six years to celebrate the life of his late first wife. Now, he shares the evening with his second wife, Linda. Richard returns every year because he holds a special place for the VNA in his heart.
“I believe in their purpose, so I participate yearly. The VNA is a very worthy and needed organization that people should support,” said Richard.
Richard’s wife, Linda, is happy to support him and the VNA each year.
“It is nice that there is a way for people to gather together to celebrate their loved ones. I think it is a beautiful thing for the pastor to speak on everyone's behalf. It’s very supportive and compassionate. There’s not enough of this, and I don’t know a lot of places that do this,” said Linda.
The event is open to connect community members every year regardless of whether they’ve used the VNA’s hospice services. The VNA hopes to foster a welcoming environment for all to come together during the holiday season.
“This event gives community members an opportunity to maybe create a new tradition and a way to remember their loved one,” said Galka.
Many ended the evening by enjoying refreshments, sharing memories of loved ones, and creating new memories with those at their tables.
To learn more about the VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana, visit www.vnanwi.org.
