 | | | Logan Wilson reads the poem written by his grandmother, Moraga Royal Executive Director Dianne Wilson, in honor of her lost son. Photo Sophie Braccini | | | | | | It may be very cold on the December evening when the second Hospice of the East Bay Tree of Lights celebration is held in Lamorinda. While the little white candles people hold during the event will not offer much warmth, the warmth from the hearts of the men and women united by the tree of lights, and from their shared compassion will likely emanate from those in attendance as it did on Nov. 22 at the Moraga Country Club. Sharing this simple moment, remembering loved ones who have died, listening to words and songs of sorrow and hope, was profound, and people were united, reminded of both human physical frailty and the strength of love. The second Tree of Lights ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 in the Orinda Village by Bank of America. The events are fundraisers for Hospice of the East Bay and managed by volunteers. In Moraga, Sara Mooradian and Dianne Wilson were the co-chairs. Before the tree was lit, speakers and singers shared thoughts and poems, and then the long list of beloved departed ones was read, while each participant held a candle. The Dec. 5 event is part of Orinda's community holiday celebration, so memorial names will not be read at this ceremony. The trees lit in Moraga and Orinda will continue to shine throughout the holiday season. Eleven such ceremonies were planned throughout the East Bay. - S. Braccini
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA