On the beautiful sunny day of July 28, 2022, the Heartland Hospice at the Pioneer Lodge held its first Annual Heartlights Memorial.
This lovely event was an opportunity to support the members of our community who have had a loved one spend the last chapter of their life in the Memory Lane Wing of the Pioneer Lodge. Many speakers spoke at the event, honoring those who have passed, honoring their loved ones, and honoring their caregivers that supported them in their final moments. In addition to the speakers, they also had a musical performance by the Moose Jaw Comfort Choir. Around forty people attended this event, which was near their max capacity.
The group also took a moment to dedicate a gazebo to Richard Eberts, which was donated by the Eberts family. Glenny Eberts, Richards's wife and an original member of the Heartland Hospice Board, spoke on behalf of the family.
"I felt it was very meaningful and very touching. As I said nature contributed to it and the spirit of everyone that was gathered was just a beautiful connection and sense of solidarity in being together in the experiences that they had had. While hoping that it was also a healing experience for them, to re-visit that space and to make peace with that space."
This was also a moment for people to come and honor the work that has been done on the serenity gardens, which are currently under remodeling. This is a phase-by-phase project with two phases being started already. Phase one brought more flowerpots and shrubs to the garden, as well as a bird bath centerpiece. Phase two involved adding more shrubs, the gazebo, a sidewalk, and a concrete slab.
"We are deeply grateful for our community and the way that they step up to support the needs of our members. it has been a community effort at every level, from the photographer that comes to take those pictures, to the choir, to the people that donate to the landscape,” says Della Ferguson, Chairperson of the Supportive Chair Committee. “Now as we move into growing our hospice, we trust that our community is going to step into that and support us because there isn't anyone in our community that hasn't journeyed through the end of life with a loved one".
They hope to make this a yearly annual event, where families that are served at the hospice wing can have a memorial for their loved ones.
