BECKLEY, W.Va. – The Angel Tree Ceremony is a Christmas tradition for Hospice of Southern West Virginia.
Their hospice care not only provides for terminally ill patients but also provides emotional, spiritual and physical care for their loved ones.
“We’ve been holding this event for years now, and we know that it matters so much to this community. Not only is it a community event, but it’s a very personal event as well,” said Jeri Knowlton, Director of Public Relations for Hospice of Southern West Virginia.
This ceremony provides a time for family and friends to express memories, and honor and remember those who they have lost. This year, the tree lighting was dedicated to Ted Rogers who sadly passed away in August. His widow says seeing the lights turned on was a very special moment for her.
“Oh my gosh, it was awesome. It was like it brought him to life again. The memory of his wonderful life with me and with our family, and I’m sure that other people here today felt the same way when they saw the lights come on the tree,” said Susie Rogers, widow.
She says her husband always lit up the room he was in and when he was receiving care from hospice they were sent as god’s angels.
“But not only did they give him the best care they could, and care for him in his last days, they took care of us too. They were wonderful to me, to my family, our children, grandchildren, anybody who came to visit,” said Rogers.
While the angels were placed on the trees, family and friends honored their loved ones and still have arms wrapped around them from Hospice of Southern West Virginia.
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