Candlelight Service of Remembrance

Candlelight Service of Remembrance

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Loss is always painful whether it is the loss of a relationship, job, pet or the death of a loved one. Since Christmas is known as a joyful time, it can be especially difficult to grieve during this period and having the support of the community can really be helpful.

That is why members of the Akasu Palliative Care Society, Park Memorial Funeral Home & Crematorium and Vegreville Ministerial Association held a peaceful Candlelight Service of Remembrance on Dec. 1st at the Vegreville Social Centre.

The service, now in its 20th year, began with a piano prelude by Viola Braun-Fox. Kim Mertick, treasurer of the Akasu Palliative Care Society, officially welcomed everyone.

Ashley Ziprick performs with St. John’s Lutheran Choir.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Rev. Laureta Blondin continued with an invocation. More prayers were led by Barb Bienvenue and Terry Kubin. Following that, an opening hymn was sang by attendees.

Local performers included Colleen Albert from Companions on the Journey, Ashley Ziprick with St. John’s Lutheran Choir, and musicians Debbie and Carissa Fedoruk. The guest speaker was local resident, Caryl Ziprick-Potts who presented her own moving true story. She told the crowd about a serious car accident she and her younger brother were involved in.

Caryl was 18 years old. While she survived, her brother did not. Caryl blamed herself because she got into an argument with her brother just before the accident. Caryl went on to live in such a way, attempting to escape her life. “The guilt I lived with day after day was like walking around with a ton of bricks on my shoulders. The happy go lucky girl I used to be was gone. I pushed my family and friends away and the ones who were going through the pain with me.

They were a constant reminder of my own pain,” Caryl said.

Caryl felt this way until she went to a conference with a friend. She says when the speaker began talking, she was immediately drawn to her words. The speaker was telling them about her life and all the struggles she

had. Caryl felt this woman was speaking only to her when she said that whatever was holding you back, to live each day to the fullest, and let it go. This speaker repeated the sentiment several times. “At that moment, I forgave myself. I realized if I was going to keep going and keep living and be the person I wanted to be, I would have to let go,” Caryl added.

The interdenominational service concluded with fellowship and refreshments.