A time to remember

After losing a loved on be gentle with yourself and expect the unexpected, says a spiritual co-ordinator with the regional hospital

More than 160 attended the memorial service held at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Sunday. The ocne annual service, now held twice a year, offered families and friends a chance to remember loved ones who had passed away in the hospital within the year.

Rev. Wendy Stone, coordinator of Spiritual and Religious Care, said it is a chance for families to mourn as well as celebrate the life of those they lost. She said it was important to have memorial services so families and friends could find closure.

"There is no doubt when someone loses a loved one they’re grieving," Stone said. "They’re in a state of shock usually and disoriented and putting one step in front of the other. Some time between the death and a service like this can allow for some healing to take place."

Stone said she wanted to help in the healing by providing comfort and acknowledging the life lost.

The regional hospital hired three chaplains who over look bedside care. Stone said herself and the other two chaplains support patients while they’re ill and assisting people who distance themselves from their religion or faith and added that the hospital operated with a multi-faith belief.

While attending many sick and dying patients, Stone said she overcame those challenges through training and believing in her faith that she could make a difference.

The regional hospital originally held the annual memorial service only once a year. Stone said the increase of people attending the service assisted in the decision to host another one during the year.

"It seems to be necessary to hold the memorial service twice a year and we’re pleased to do so," she said.