Tree of Remembrance Helps Families
Cope With Grief During the Holidays
Probably one of the most difficult times in the months following the
loss of a loved one is the Christmas season. For the past few years
families served by the Crain Funeral Homes have received a special
gift to help them through their loss during the season. A
personalized, handcrafted floral ornament is made by the Crain
family for each family served during the past year. The ornaments
will be presented the first week of December at Remembrance Services
and Luminary Displays to be held at Crain Funeral Homes in
Murphysboro, Anna, and Tamms.
The clear glass
ornaments are filled with flower petals that the Crains have dried
from a handful of flowers gathered after each service. "Using
actual flowers from the service personalizes the ornament making it
a meaningful keepsake for the family to treasure for years to come"
explains Bryan Crain.
Crafting the
ornaments is a year round project involving the whole family.
Bryan's aunt, Sharon Crain, perfected the drying of the flowers so
they will maintain their bright colors. Each ornament is created
painstakingly one petal at a time, making this truly a labor of
love.
The luminary
display, or "Night of 1000 Lights" is held in conjunction with the
ornament services. Scheduled for the first Friday in December, from
5:00-9:00 PM, luminaries will line the avenues of Pleasant Grove
Memorial Park on Old Rt. 13 between Carbondale and Murphysboro. The
Tree of Remembrance service is set for 6 PM at the funeral home
chapel.
The public is
welcome to drive through and enjoy the "Night of 1000 Lights."
