By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
An annual remembrance event at Meierhoffer funeral home aims to help those coping with the loss of a loved one during the holidays.
Jane Graves with Meierhoffer says many people have made the event a tradition, whether it's a recent loss or not.
"It just helps to have a place to go where you know that there are others that are dealing with the same kind of things you're dealing with, they're having just as hard a time as you are trying to get in the holiday mood and to celebrate the things that they've done for years when someone important in their life has passed," Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post
Graves says attendees of the event will hear from David Mejia, the funeral home's Certified Celebrant.
"He puts the holidays in what he's going through in perspective as to what you are as well" Graves explains. "So, he does a great job of telling you how to move on, ways to keep that memory alive."
Also, on hand for the first time this year, will be some furry friends to help out those in attendance.
"There will be a couple of just the sweetest dogs that you've ever met that are going to be there to greet folks when they get there, just to provide a source of comfort," Graves says.
The St. Joseph Community Chorus will perform during the event, which begins at 5:30pm tomorrow at Meierhoffer Funeral Home, located at 5005 Frederick Ave in St. Joseph.
Graves says the event is always well attended, by new and old visitors alike.
"We'd love to get as many people that want to come there, it's not a requirement that you even had your funeral at Meierhoffer Funeral Home, it's for anyone in this area or around St. Joseph that have suffered a loss and want to come and just help get through the holidays after they've suffered a loss," Graves says.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a special ornament to honor their loved ones on the Tree of Remembrance in the lobby at Meierhoffer.