Holidays can be hard when dealing with loss
Griefshare, the Greene County district attorney’s office and two women who lost children under tragic circumstances are sponsoring the somber, yet uplifting, memorial service, “The Empty Chair: A Time for Remembrance,” Dec. 9, the eighth year this service has been held.
The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, but we recognize for some people still grieving the loss of a loved one, a season of festive parties, carols and presents can be difficult.
And for these families, a chair around the Christmas dinner table will be empty.
During the service at First Christian Church, Waynesburg, five candles will be lighted, representing grief, courage, memory, love and hope. Those attending are encouraged to bring a photograph of their deceased loved one to share with other grieving families and to post on a memory board.
The Rev. Donald P. Wilson and Michael Hasselbring, minister of the host church, will lead the service, which also will feature soothing music and rituals meant to lend comfort to those who are hurting.
Sandy Seybold and Carol Furmanek, who know the meaning of having an empty chair, are the prime organizers of the event.
Seybold, a member of the Griefshare support group who lost her son, Chad, in 2004 from injuries sustained in a vehicle crash, said the service helps people deal with the loss of a loved one, and we don’t doubt this service has helped her and her family deal with the loss of Chad.
Furmanek, whose daughter, Rhonda, was murdered as a result of domestic violence in 1994, has been involved with the Empty Chair service since its inception.
Whether you have lost a loved one or know of someone who has, we encourage you to attend this service. Those who are no longer here are missed the most during the holidays.