Sunday evening, Hospice of the East Bay held their 2013 Tree of Lights Ceremony in Brentwood to help memorialize loved ones and bring awareness to the services hospice provides.
The ceremony was a mixture of celebration, tears, and musical performances followed by the reading of names and the lighting of the tree.
Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor admitted prior to the event he is a “big softy” and it was an honor and pleasure to be here for hospice.
“This is probably one of the most caring organizations that really touch the human life as we experience it. I always thought we should have formed one at the beginning because we all know sooner or later we will go the other way,” said Taylor.
Supervisor Mary Piepho shared that it’s been a tradition to begin the holiday season in November by honoring and recognizing the work of Hospice.
“Life can be filled with questions and uncertainty when you or someone you love is coping with a serious or terminal illness. If you haven’t faced such challenges it can be difficult and challenging and emotionally deciding what is best for you or your loved ones,” explained Piepho.
Piepho further explained how there can be a big change when you become a caregiver rather than maintaining that familiar relationship with someone stating care giving is exhausting with the added emotional stress and that Hospice acts to ease that transition between the patient and family.
“Hospice of the East Bay eases this transition to both the family and loved ones. Hospice of the East Bay caregivers are compassionate and always ready with open hearts and open minds to help ease concerns and provide that very critical and emotional and spiritual support,” said Piepho. “East Bay Hospice deserves our prayers and recognition for all that they do.”
Assemblyman Jim Frazier shared that his family knows firsthand how Hospice an reduce burdens and the impact it makes during a difficult time.
“My father is a volunteer at the Hospice thrift store in Concord and Hospice of the East Bay is near and dear to my heart,” said Frazier. “I am very grateful for the Hospice of the East Bay in its extremely extraordinary efforts in providing comfort and compassionate care for those nearing their final days. I have seen firsthand that when my grandmother passed away that the angels that came to help my family is real.”
Frazier stated he really enjoy the remarkable support for all the loved ones that Hospice provides to loved ones and value the work.
“Thank you for your dedicated services for lessening our human burdens and offering acts of grace and for all of those that you have touched I am proud to be hear with you today and offer my unwavering support in offering remembrance,” said Frazier.
The evening’s ceremony was dedicated to William John Dobson who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 14-years ago. Charlene Dobson, explained how over the years Parkinson had progressed to where they needed Hospice last year because he could not get out of bed and knew she couldn’t care for him alone.
She shared her experience with the team that helped her family and their roles. She called them amazing.
“My heart is overwhelmed with joy from Hospice of the East Bay who selected my husband for this honor tonight,” said Dobson. “All those people who came in were our angles and helped us. On the day he passed, they were there within 15-minutes and helping us. There are no words that I can tell you how what a wonderful group these people are. If you have any end of life issues, you would do well in calling Hospice.
Also in attendance were Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick, Brentwood City Councilman Gene Clare who also sang during the event, Oakley City Councilwoman Diane Burgis and staff from Congressman Jerry McNerney’s office.
Brentwood Idol winners Andrew Allen performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” while Jewels Rios performed “I Hope You Dance”.
For more information about Hospice of the East Bay Tree of Lights, visit their website.
1 comment
Thank you Mr. Burkholder for covering such a nice event (your photos are fantastic). I cannot think of a more fitting setting for this annual ceremony. It’s nice to see it is supported by so many individuals. The hospice volunteers are indeed special people.
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