Tree of Life symbolizes memories

When you picture a decorated tree in December, you’re usually thinking about presents and mistletoe, but the Clark Fork Valley Hospice Tree of Life represents something different altogether.

“We just want people to come out and join in or remembrance of people. It’s open to the community,” Hospice Volunteer Manager Fern Johnson said.

The Tree of Life, located on the grounds of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, is covered in lights symbolizing loved ones who shine in their loved one’s memories.

“During the ceremony we always read the names of the hospice patients that we have had in the past years and then any names that are given to us,” Johnson said.

Every year the lighting ceremony provides the opportunity to pause, remember and honor friends and families. This year it will be held on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

“A light is a kind of representation of someone who is listed,” Johnson said. “We have lists of names of people who have been on hospice and who have died on hospice and others that people just want to be remembered.”

There is even a Memory Board which includes every name that has previously been read so that no name is forgotten.

According to Johnson, hospice care helps patients and families to remain safe and comfortable while their caregivers, usually family members, receive information and support to help them grieve effectively.

“We have a hospice team that goes in and provides these services for the family and the patient,” Johnson said. “We try to provide for both the needs of the patient themselves and the family, because we look at them as a whole.”

Nursing care, physical therapy classes, and Chaplain services are all available through the hospice program. There are even volunteers that help family members run errands while they care for their loved ones.

The specific care required for each patient varies as does the duration of their stay within the program.

“Usually we run around five or six at a time,” Johnson said. “Some people are on it for a long time and some people are on it for a very short time. It just depends on what their needs are and family needs. We can meet them.”

After the lighting ceremony, which includes comforting words and music, including Christmas carols, participants move inside for the name reading and a remembrance program.

The Hospice program will be accepting donations at the event.

“The money that is raised here is for services for people who don’t have any other insurance or any other source of payment so that we don’t turn anybody down because they can’t afford it,” Johnson said.